Business Presentation

If you've got a business presentation to do, this part of the site will be your secret weapon! You'll learn how to do the one and only important thing in this type of public speaking:

Sell

There's your one line job description as a business presenter.

You could think of it as the number one business presentation skill.

Sell.

If you don't like the idea of selling, you probably don't understand what it means. The word's origins come from the same root as 'serve'. That's a good way to look at it. (And it doesn't mean serve yourself like a rogue Wall Street Banker!).

No. It puts the focus right where it should be for any business presenter. On the audience. When it's communication in business your audience are prospects, customers, employees, suppliers, colleagues, bosses, boards, the press, peers at a conference etc.

So, firstly, what you're offering must serve their interests. If it doesn't, go away until you find something to say which does.

Next, you've got to show them your idea is worth them paying for it.

Remember this at your next business presentation.

Everyone pays.

• A prospect or a customer pays in cash. They'll happily do it if they value your ideas higher than they value their money.

• Your boss pays a price for your ideas just as surely. Initially in time and mental energy, and ultimately in money. It's a great idea to regard the boss as your number one client.

• If you take up time speaking at a meeting of work colleagues, you're asking them to pay as well. You might for example want their support, commitment, people, time money and so on.

Make sure your ideas are worth the price.

Whether you think you're 'in sales' or not, means nothing to anyone. Business is simply a 'value for value exchange', so you're always selling your value in return for their value. Especially when you present.

The great thing about burning this message into your brain, is your fear of presenting will disappear, just as your results improve. It's impossible to be afraid of doing something you absolutely love, because you know it's of great value for others.

The worst case is they won't go for it. While you may be disappointed for them in that case, you'll survive!

Then it's time for your favorite word.

"Next"

If your ideas are valuable it's important to go to the next audience or to do the next presentation to the same one - this time even better.

So, how do you get better?

That's where this site comes in!

Jesse Owens, the legendary American Olympic sprinter of the 1930s made a very astute observation once:

"Life doesn't give you all the practice races you need."

Life doesn't give you all the practice business presentations you need either.

If you want to present in business with no fear, you simply must do three things:

1. Understand how to sell an audience.
2. Love selling an audience on your ideas with a passion.

3. Practice. A lot.

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