Cracking presentations - part II, are you selling?

This blog post is part of a series about making 'cracking presentations' by Paul Sampson. You can read the first article here: So, how good are you at presentations?

Written by Paul Sampson

Let’s face it, Presentations are all about selling ideas.

I often hear people saying, ‘But, I’m not a sales person!’. Well, you are now! Presentations are meant to sell a concept or viewpoint, to enlighten and inform. You want everyone in the room to agree with you or to argue a point. That is healthy. If they disagree, you want them to challenge you. Whatever else happens, they cannot leave the room confused, doubting you or your material.

So, with preparation of your material – decide on the end goal first. What should your audience walk away with?
​

• Everyone works on WIIFM – What’s in it for me? How will your presentation benefit them or the people they work with? 
• What is the compelling proposition that they will hook up to?  If they leave saying/thinking ‘So what?’ you’re sunk!

One way (and later, we’ll talk about others) is to think about your delivery. Learning to be an actor includes all kinds of techniques from mannerisms, to diction, accents, characterisation, body language and delivery but this may interest you – it’s called TTAIC. 

Acting is selling. Selling your character and your story. 

TTAIC is taking the audience into your confidence. Everyone in the room must be with you. Just one cynical, dissenting voice after the presentation can demean or even kill your argument. Each person in the room counts. No matter their seniority. You must have everyone on side. 
 More later ….

“Cracking Presentations” through Think Twice Marketing is a whole-day classroom-based course. It will equip you and your team to make presentations effective and your time efficient.

---