I recently did a presentation skills workshop in New York City
for a group of ten sales executives
. I’ve come to the conclusion that sales executives
face unique challenges
when it comes to presentations
. Here are some tips for handling those challenges:
- Be Ready to Change Direction – Be sure you are checking in on your audience’s non-verbal communication while pitching. If you are getting folded arms , and quizzical looks … for the Love of God Stop ! Ask if there are questions . Get some feedback . It might be that your audience wants information about a different product, or got lost half way through. Be flexible .
- Start with an Icebreaker – One of my workshop attendees was feeling that her delivery was too canned while pitching her products (organic condiments). To help her, I asked her to think of the pitch as a conversation and just start talking to her audience. She started with a series of questions ; “What are your favorite restaurants? What type of condiments do you like?”. Her delivery was smoothe and conversational .
- Project your Voice More – I have noticed that people tend to be a little soft with their vocal projection . Try doing some breathing and vocal warm up exercises before presenting. It’s important to have great articulation.
