Presentation tips

1. Presentation tips

2. Know the company you are presenting to. • What is the mission of the company? • What is the scope of the company (small family owned or large like Walmart)? • What type of products do they represent? • What is the market that they cater too? • Know the names of the people and as much as you can about the people you are presenting to. • How will your product fit with the products that are distributed by the company?

3. Know your product • What is the purpose of your product? When, where and why would it be used? • Who does your product serve? Who will buy the product? Kids, parents with children, young professionals, rich New York housewives, artistic types, etc.? • How is your product produced (small in house or in a factory in China)? • What is the environmental impact of the product? Manufacturing process, is it recyclable etc. . . • What is the wholesale cost of your product? Know the detailed breakdown but don’t cite it unless asked. • How long will it to manufacture? How many can you have by what lead time?

4. Come dressed for success • Know the company you are presenting to and dress at least as nice as the president of the company. Your style should reflect theirs. • Generally this means good shoes, pants/skirt, nice shirt, tie/jewelry and probably jacket. • Sneakers, t-shirts and clothes with holes are out of the question! • You should have a fresh haircut and make sure you are clean and smell nice but not too nice (don’t knock everyone out)

5. When you first walk in • Step in with confidence, hold your head high and meet their gaze. • Shake their hands – firm grasp (not crushing) and one or two shakes. Use only one hand and don’t pump their hands up and down. • Introduce yourself and tell name of your company and your position (Hello I am ___, I am the ____ from ____ company). • You may want to tell them about your company. • Give them time to introduce themselves before you start your presentation.

6. Content of presentation • Describe your product using visual elements and the principles of design. • Describe how, where and when the product would be used. • Describe who would use the product and why they would use it. • What is special about your product? Why would someone want it over any other? • Give them time to ask questions.

7. During presentation • Stand up straight. • Look your audience in the eye (if this is uncomfortable, look at their foreheads) • PROJECT YOUR VOICE! • Leave out the “ah’s and um’s” Silence/pauses are better – just smile and give yourself a break to collect your thoughts • Try not to repeat the same words over and over. We all have catch words.

8. During presentation cont. • Don’t be jittery or pace. Stand tall and stable. • If you move/change your position, do it to emphasize a point. • Make sure you emphasize your product. Like “Vanna White” guide your audiences eyes to the product. • If you talk with your hands, limit your motions and only use them to focus the viewer on the product. • Make sure you demonstrate its use as well.

9. Concluding your presentation • Quickly summarize the high points of your presentation. • Ask them if they have any questions. • Thank them for their time (by name if possible). Shake their hands again. • Let them know you are going to contact them in a week to follow up (make sure you do so and repeat the follow up).