Every effective proposal begins with a main idea. Brand communication expert Carmine Gallo (2010), recommends identifying that idea and explaining why it matters.
This grounds your presentation on a specific topic and keeps you from straying too far from what you want your audience to remember.
Getting to that point is tricky, but don’t worry, every problem has its own unique solution.
If your company needs to introduce a new product in a technology expo, how will you go about explaining this new device? Will you start with its specs, or elaborate on how it stands above your competitors?
All great PowerPoint presentations begin by asking these kinds of questions. Regardless of the specific problem and approach, there are three things that can flesh out your main ideas:
Identifying the Problem
A sales pitch is directed to address an issue. It could be anything—low sales returns, re-branding, or it could simply be the need to introduce a new product.
Find the root of your client’s dilemma to keep your pitch focused on presenting an on-strategy solution.
Once you have this information, the next question is: “Why?”
Why is the product necessary? Why do your clients have to listen to you? Why shouldn’t you let that issue go unsolved?
Addressing the whys define the gravity of the situation.
It also establishes the relevance of your idea, helping you find the necessary insights to back up your claim.
Target Audience
An idea can affect people, especially if it agrees with what their beliefs. This is why it’s crucial to know exactly who you want to talk to.
These people are the ones looking for the cures to their headaches. You have to show them that you share something in common.
Try to remember the last product you bought. It could be a gadget, a car or even a pair shoes. If you bought these from specific brands, think about why these companies gain the most attention from consumers.
According to Chuck Brymer’s article on Marketing Magazine, the reason the best brands stay the best is because they give you what you need and strive to stay relevant.
They also use common values their customers relate to.
Every company stands for something. Some want to provide a fun experience by creating superior products while others may believe in making things more convenient by engineering easy-to-use technology. As long as a brand lives, its values should never change. It needs to keep itself relevant as time passes.
When pitching an idea, always keep your company’s beliefs in mind—make sure these beliefs match those of your client’s.
Aligning with the Client’s Strategy
Insights work both ways. While your insight inspires strategies, make sure that whatever solution you come up with doesn’t conflict with your client’s corporate values.
For example, would Apple accept a cheaper but less reliable supplier? Since Apple offerings are known for being stylish and easy to use, they probably wouldn’t if it compromises their overall product quality.
Compare your proposals with your client’s business goals. Propose alternative insight to an idea that might negatively affect your client’s business.
This part of the process is arguably the strictest of them all. It tests whether your offer is resilient but flexible enough to adapt to your client’s needs.
Once you satisfy this condition, you’ll have an easier time outlining your topic in PowerPoint form.
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Offering answers won’t do any good if you can’t justify them. That’s why simplifying your pitch ensures clearer communication between you and your audience.
To better remember these techniques, condense this three-step process into a single formula—find the root cause of the client’s dilemma, and find the insight that will lead to the answer.
If this is in line with the client’s corporate beliefs, it’s a valid solution. If not, consider an alternative.
Once you consider these questions when pitching a topic, you’ll be more likely to get on-point with your target market’s needs.
Understanding the main reason people need your company’s work makes it easier for you to convince others that they should get on board with your idea.
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“A Presentation Expert’s Guide to Knowing the Audience.” SlideGenius, Inc. Accessed April 28, 2015.
Brymer, C. “What Makes Brands Great.” Marketing Magazine. 2004. Retrieved from:
Gallo, Carmine. The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010.
“Using Common Values in PowerPoint Presentations.” SlideGenius, Inc. Accessed April 21, 2015.
Featured Image: Stock Photography of A businessman working on modern technology on fotosearch.com
