How to succeed in a Business Presentation?

Presentations are a great tool if they are used effectively and in the proper context. But the problem is deciding the proper context for a presentation in business. Every Tom, Dick and Harry think they need to put in a 20 minutes PowerPoint display of Dissipated and constipated actions on the screen and bore others to death.

There is a common belief amongst such Toms, Dicks and Harrys  that you can  impress the business community by using a lot of jargon and lots of graphs (plus special effects). Sure it would be helpful, but remember, Businessmen are shrewder than the regular folks. They are used to being Impressive than being impressed. So the common follow the tail presentation tricks will not yield desirable results.

Another common belief is that presentations need to be loaded with Bullet Points. Lots of research has been done in this area and the conclusion is, be it businessmen or students, all tend to remember pictures more than bullet points. The common saying is that A Good picture is worth a thousand words, and its true here as well.

Two Types of Business presentations

You will come across two types of presentation scenarios: Information presentations and Decision presentations. Usually business presentation is either preceded or concluded with a discussion. Keeping this in mind, you should tailor your presentation.

If the presentation is being used as an information gathering tool for the top execs, spare all the intricate details to handouts. The decision will come in later. If you have an expert audience, use the terminology common to your trade. This has many benefits. It shows them you know what you are talking about and also creates and instant bonding amongst the professionals.  

If the Presentation is showcasing something connected to you as a person, certain amount of passion needs to be displayed because they would like to see your commitment behind your product.

 Example: If you have designed a new campaign you are proud of, show your passion for your work.  Interdepartmental or in-house jokes go a great way in warming up your audience. You can incorporate your story telling technique by quoting a funny story. One of my favorite quotes to use is

Decision is not an easy one, which is why it is for you to make.

But of course, take stock of the situation when you use such a quote because it can take business both ways :-)

So ensure you are aware of the type of business presentation that you are delivering to ensure your message is delivered to the right people in the right contexts

 Persuasion V/S Information in a business presentation

A lot of successful presenters understand the importance of getting the right combo of Information and persuasion within their presentation. Put too much of information, you will end up being a geek and too much of selling shows you as a used car sales man.

If you keep in mind the objective of your presentation, you can mix the message well just like a fine cocktail.

Avoid PowerPoint Presentations:

This might come as a surprise to you, but the invasion of desktop computers into everyone living room and office has created an unspoken Apathy towards PowerPoint presentation, especially business executives turn their brains off once you dim down the lights for a PowerPoint presentation. Any kind of innovation or intervention to the typical PowerPoint presentations will not only be a great relief but also create a strong impression.