Tag: audience engagement

Professional PowerPoints: Dealing with Negative Feedback

audience engagement

handling negative feedback

negative feedback

presentation tips

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Jun 24, 2015

Hearing praises about your work boosts self-esteem and inspires you to be a better speaker.However, there are times that your professional PowerPoints fall short of your audience’s expectations, exposing you to harsh critiques about your pitch.[sg-blog-modules module=three]Criticism is hard to handle, especially when it knocks your ego down. But all types of feedback—even negative ones—can help you improve and become a better speaker.Here’s how to handle negative feedback positively:

Learn from the Negative

Don’t take negative feedback personally. Treat criticism as your door to growth and improvement.If pictures are developed from negatives, so are you. Stop looking into the rearview mirror, and focus on what lies ahead. Move forward and learn from those mistakes.Mold the feedback into something constructive, fostering effective change rather than solely concentrating on the critique itself.

Consider the Source

Sometimes, the feedback we get can be taken as hurtful insults and attacks on our person. These nonconstructive comments may be hard to accept at first, but don’t let them deter your progress.Consider the person criticizing you and understand that they don’t have the same mindset as yours.Feedback isn’t the same for everyone. Ignore distasteful comments and don’t dwell on it. Also, be aware of whether you’ve offended or angered a client or not.Read between the lines and ask yourself the following questions:

  • What are they concerned about? What are the key issues?
  • Why are they reacting this way?
  • What did I say that triggered them to give negative feedback?

These will help you digest the comment and understand where your critic is coming from. Always be mindful of how you engage the audience to avoid provoking anyone.

Maintain Professionalism

Taking feedback too personally creates a hurdle between you and your audience.Keep an objective stance on the issues being raised to save your professional image. Take a few seconds to breathe, evaluate the situation, and avoid reacting outright.Your audience seeks not only credibility but also a sense of professionalism. Reply to them with kindness and confirm that you are on the same page.Thank them for sharing their input and create a safe space where both of your arguments can meet.

Conclusion

Letting go of negative emotions in response to hostile feedback is difficult at first, but accepting or rejecting critique is your choice.Welcome your audiences’ criticism to improve yourself as a person and as a presenter.Please your audience with a professional PowerPoint design. Contact SlideGenius now and discover how we can help you with your presentation needs.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

Donald, Latumahina. “How to Handle Negative Feedback in 6 Simple Steps.” Life Optimizer. Accessed June 24, 2015.”Presentation Tips: 5 Quick Steps to Audience Engagement.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 16, 2014. Accessed June 24, 2015.

Three Effective Ways to Evaluate Your Sales Presentation

audience engagement

presentation evaluation

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Jun 22, 2015

Rehearsing your sales presentation prepares you for the actual delivery, but it’s only the first half of the process.Be prepared for whatever questions your audience can ask you.[sg-blog-modules module=three]According to Michael and George Belch, the advertising industry has its own way of evaluating pitches before suggesting it to clients. Play your own devil’s advocate to find out if your proposal will work by asking yourself three questions:

1. Is Your Solution Consistent with Your Client’s Marketing or Business Strategies?

Each company has their own way of doing business.Some gadget distributors buy their products from reputable manufacturers. Some grocery stores give shelf space only to common goods.See if your proposed solution is consistent with how your client sells themselves in their market and how they operate their company.

2. Is Your Sales Pitch Consistent with Your Strategy and Objectives?

Is your business presentation simple enough to show exactly what it’s supposed to?Visuals are great selling tools, but excessively using them drowns out your message.Using images effectively with the right words presents your message in a straightforward manner, as with the Crisis Relief’s “Liking Isn’t Helping” campaign.In his book, Hey Whipple, ad veteran Luke Sullivan presents the following questions for presenters to think about:Do you want to highlight the features and benefits of your product?Do you want to pitch your product or services to solve your client’s specific problems?Do you want to highlight your advantages over the competition?Whatever tactic you use must be consistent with these strategies, and your slide content mustn’t overwhelm your message.

3. Is Your Sales Pitch Appropriate for the Client and Their Customers?

Whatever proposal you present will always affect your client and their customers, if they have any.More than the products or services you present, the PowerPoint deck you use and your manner of speaking should be relevant enough for the client to relate to and not be offended.Dated pop culture references may work, but they lose their relevance when faced with the wrong demographics.Stay truthful, tasteful and straightforward when delivering business presentations. Give your clients a good reason to invest in you.

Staying Prepared

Anticipating your client’s questions and your audiences’ reactions gives you enough room to stay calm and composed when you deliver the actual presentation.Being critical of your own work lets you spot possible errors before entering the conference room.Lastly, having an extra pair of eyes to improve your work makes your business presentation the best it can be.Take a few minutes to talk to a professional presentation partner today![sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

Belch, George E., and Michael A. Belch. “Creative Strategy: Implementation and Evaluation.” In Advertising and Promotion: An Integrated Marketing Communications Perspective. 6th ed. Singapore: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2003.”Sales Presentation Skills: Stay Relevant to Pitch Ideas.” SlideGenius, Inc. May 11, 2015. Accessed June 22, 2015.Sullivan, L. Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This: A Guide to Creating Great Ads (3rd Ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons, 2008.Nudd, Tim. “The World’s Best Print Ads, 2012-13.” AdWeek. Accessed June 22, 2015.

3 Reasons You Should Be an Effective Presentation Listener

audience engagement

listening techniques

presentation techniques

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Jun 17, 2015

You can’t be a good speaker if you’re not an effective listener. There’s an old adage that says “We have two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as we speak.” It’s important to listen not only during daily conversations but also in the context of presentations. How does listening make you a better presenter?[sg-blog-modules module=one]We’ve listed the top three benefits you’ll get when you harness this skill into a presentation tool:

Your Audience Feels Respected

Listening is the simplest form of audience respect. Giving them undivided attention shows that you value their thoughts on your presentation.When listening, use silence as a strategic pause to prove that you’re paying attention. Also, using facial expressions, nodding, and maintaining eye contact make your audiences feel significant and like they have a place and say in your pitch.

Your Audience Connects with You

Showing that you’re interested in listening to your audience keeps them engaged throughout your discussion. This enables them to ask questions and freely express their views on your material—it lets you clarify possible misconceptions and respond correctly.Listening doesn’t only encourage you to elaborate on and define solutions to your audience’s problems, but also builds better rapport and understanding.

Your Audience Reciprocates and Listens Back

Attention is the greatest gift that any speaker can get from their audience. Effective listening habits trigger reciprocity and make them listen to you, too. Why would you expect your participants to listen if you don’t listen to them?Make sure your audience has a place in your presentation. They need to be acknowledged and involved in your entire speech. Whether you respond to their feedback, call them by name, or entertain their idea, you’re allowing them to make their stand and receive the information you’re saying.It’s been said that listening is the key to understanding. Be an effective listener to show your audience respect, connect with them, and allow them to get involved.Got a presentation requirement you need to work on? SlideGenius is pleased to help you. Contact us now for a free quote![sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“4 Things to Avoid in Order to Gain Respect During a Presentation.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2013. Accessed June 17, 2015.”A Presenter’s Guide to Building Audience Rapport.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2015. Accessed June 17, 2015.Nemko, Marty. “How to Become a Better Listener.” Psychology Today. Accessed June 17, 2015.

Presentation Skill: The Benefits of Using Physical Space

audience engagement

presentation space

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

using physical space

Jun 12, 2015

You may have prepared an interactive PowerPoint presentation or may have crafted a powerful pitch, but there’s one important thing you might’ve overlooked: the importance of maximizing your space while you perform.Whether you’re giving your business proposal in a boardroom or in a large hall, the goal is always to attract the audience’s attention and retain it until the end.[sg-blog-modules module=one]Moving and staying closer to your audience makes them feel that you want to personally connect with them.While some public speakers hide behind a lectern, there are professionals who maximize their stage presence to fully engage their audience.

The Importance of Space

One of the subcategories of nonverbal communication is called “proxemics,” a term developed by American anthropologist Edward T. Hall.This is the study of the effects of using physical space and distance between individuals. It’s how a certain person perceives intimacy when interacting with somebody else.When it comes to public speaking, how your audience understands your message depends on how you move around your stage or move closer to your audience.According to Hall, there are four main zones of physical space: intimate (a foot and a half to zero), personal (four feet to a foot and a half), social (twelve feet to four feet), and public (twelve feet or more).Just as eye contact, gestures, and body language achieve effective communication, physical space contributes to a more successful pitch.

How It Benefits the Speaker

For presenters, interacting with the audience using these zones of physical space may vary depending on how wide the conference room or stage is.For speech trainer Olivia Mitchell, you can interact and maximize your space in a number of ways, including planning out your position on the stage, using a stage timeline, or moving along with the flow of your speech.Understanding the benefits of using stage space helps you build an effective relationship with your audience.

It Adds Impact

Apart from your content’s message, tone of voice, facial expressions and body movements, the significance of physical space influences how your audience perceives you as a presenter.When you enthusiastically discuss, it shows that you’re passionate about your topic and wish to share this amazing information with your audience.

It Promotes Trust

Can you imagine talking to a close friend or colleague without being physically close? How about being up-close and personal with a stranger?Distance also affects how you connect to your audience. According to Six Minutes’ Andrew Dlugan, bridging the physical gap between you and your listeners further connects you to them.If the venue hinders you from moving closer to the crowd, you can still connect with them by maximizing your body movements and maintaining eye contact.

It Makes You Look Confident

While political leaders use lecterns to look more authoritative, some professional presenters prefer moving around the podium.Presenters who stand still in one spot appear unconfident and unprepared. Nervous presenters hide behind lecterns and rely on their notes.Knowing that you’ve prepared well for your pitch makes you want to move closer to your audience to communicate naturally and confidently.–Understanding how physical space benefits your presentation helps you build an effective relationship with your audience.A speaker who knows how to move around the stage appears more confident than one who simply stays put.Always be aware of the four main zones of physical space. Know when to use the intimate, personal, social, and public distances. For instance, you can’t be intimate at the beginning of your pitch because you are a stranger to your audience.Meanwhile, maintaining a public distance a good thirty minutes into your speech indicates that you don’t trust your audience.To craft an effective PowerPoint presentation, let SlideGenius experts help you out![sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“9 Ways to Use Space in Your Presentation.” Speaking about Presenting. Accessed June 12, 2015.”How to Connect With Your Audience by Moving Closer.” Six Minutes. Accessed June 12, 2015.”Presentation Tips: 5 Quick Steps to Audience Engagement.” SlideGenius, Inc. December 16, 2014. Accessed”How to Maximize Eye Contact for Presentations.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2015. Accessed June 12, 2015.”Proxemics.” Communication Studies. Accessed July 9, 2018.

3 Acting Tips for More Persuasive Business Presentations

audience engagement

presentation delivery

presentation tips from acting

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Jun 09, 2015

Movie and theater actors can instantly influence and move viewers however they want. They excel at transfixing audiences, making people value their presence enough to attentively watch their words and actions.[sg-blog-modules module=three]According to speech coach Gary Genard, speakers can also use these crucial acting skills to inject persuasion into their presentations.Here’s our own spin on how acting techniques can leave a great impact on the crowd:

Own the Stage

Deliver your business pitch the way actors give their all, resulting in shining moments. Solid commitment to your presentation leaves your audience with something important to remember.Owning the stage means taking full responsibility for whatever happens during your discussion.Besides sharing relevant stories and citing related quotations or important facts, your listeners are more likely to believe you if they recognize your credibility on the topic and your composure in handling difficult situations, unexpected or not.

Use Your Emotions

Actors have the eloquent skill of playing with their own emotions. They can laugh at one point and cry at another.In presentations, you also need to express your genuine feelings to best connect with your listeners. At the same time, choose the appropriate tone for every occasion.If your business speech tackles a major breakthrough in the industry, you have to sound involved, proud, and enthusiastic. If you’re trying to emphasize a hurdle that needs an immediate remedy, speak in a serious tone that will call the audience to action.

Control Vocal Power

Controlling your vocal power is an effective way to emphasize a point.This is another acting skill that stage artists use to make scenes realistic and convincing.Your business pitch doesn’t sell solely because of its content. Your presentation delivery also plays a big part in your success. How you convey your main idea and key points through yourHow you convey your main idea and key points through your voice and choice of words creates a rhythm that carries the meaning to your audience.–Consider acting as a core skill to deliver dynamic and persuasive business presentations. Show your audience that you’re an expert on the topic to make them believe everything you have to say.Express the appropriate emotions according to your statement’s aim and content. Control your voice to match the kind of drama you want to inject into your pitch.Incorporate these  tips to engage and entertain your audience the way actors do, and you’ll turn your audience into loyal fans, effectively converting your leads into more sales.Got a presentation requirement you need to work on? SlideGenius will be pleased to help you. Email us at sales@slidegenius.com and we’ll contact you ASAP.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“An Actor’s Secrets for Great Business Presentations.” The Genard Method. Accessed June 9, 2015.”Presentation Tips: 5 Easy Ways to Establish Your Credibility.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2014. Accessed June 9, 2015.”Your Voice Is The Most Valuable Presentation Tool.” SlideGenius, Inc. January 27, 2015. Accessed June 9, 2015.

Dress the Part: 5 Fashion Tips for Business Presentations

audience engagement

power dressing

presentation tips

presentation wardrobe

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

May 29, 2015

You only get one shot to make a first impression.When all eyes are on you, you want to look presentable and professional in your audience’s eyes. Choosing the right attire engages your audience because it makes a statement about you and your purpose.Here are important things you should consider when dressing up for that important event.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

Match the Situation

This is not the time for pulling off your personal fashion statement.When deciding on an outfit for your business presentations, note its level of formality to decide where you should be on the casual-to-formal scale.Keep any local customs in mind. You don’t want to be overdressed, but you also don’t want to offend by being underdressed.

Consider Your Audience’s Wardrobe

According to serial entrepreneur, Adam Toren, a little research always comes in handy in gauging how to dress in front of your audience. Always dress slightly better than the people you’re addressing.If you’re delivering a presentation to executives, you can do no less than wear your best suit or finest dress. When speaking to a group in a casual setting, smart casual will do.Just don’t overdo it or you’ll seem inept or out of touch with your audience.

Prioritize Comfort

Looking good is only the beginning. Conveying your message through body language is an important aspect of public speaking.It’s hard to perform hand gestures or even stand when you’re wearing something uncomfortable.How you dress affects how you’re perceived by your audience. To be an effective communicator, never compromise style over comfort so you can express yourself freely.

Avoid Bright Colors or Distracting Prints

The ball is always in the presenter’s court to keep the audience engaged. Your professional dress doesn’t have to be boring, but it also shouldn’t be distracting.Don’t wear clothes with bright colors or distracting prints or logos.Solid pastel colors are a safer bet over intricate patterns, especially when you’ll be recorded on video. Black and white is guaranteed to make you look professional without distracting your audience.When worn well, simple clothes can make a better impact than flashy clothes.

Focus on the Fine Details

Closely inspect your clothes for even the smallest things like a missing button or a loose thread.When presenting, a smaller group of people may notice it more quickly. A more intimate setting leaves you more open to close scrutiny.Do one final check before leaving your room. Sometimes, you won’t notice a flaw until everyone else has.

Conclusion

First impressions last. The way you dress up takes up half of your presentation.Take time to prepare your business attire and realize the unspoken language it delivers. Adapt to a mode of dressing that accentuates your style while recognizing its possibilities and limitations. [sg-blog-modules module=three]

References

“Engage a Disinterested Audience Like a Presentation Expert.” SlideGenius, Inc. May 5, 2015. Accessed May 27, 2015.Toren, Adam. “Professional Dress Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring.” Entrepreneur. March 06, 2014. Accessed May 27, 2015.

Staying Relevant: The Questions You Need to Ask before a Presentation

audience engagement

business pitch

effective presentations

Q&A

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

May 25, 2015

Why should I care? Everyone asks this question before making a decision.“Why should I get myself a new phone?”“Why should I care about this new car fuel?”“Why should I buy a $3 custom hand-crafted coffee instead of an instant mix?”[sg-blog-modules module=one]According to author Jim Aitchison, these questions are all based on standards that people have built over the course of their lives.If something they see meets these standards, it becomes relevant to them. This also applies to clients during business presentations: They need to know why they should care about your topic.As presenters, it falls on you to make your pitch relevant. Relevance allows you to establish why the topic must matter to the people hearing it. If your topic offers no clear benefits or implications, you won’t establish a strong connection with your audience. Without that connection, it becomes harder for the audience to spend time listening to your pitch and buy your idea. Get an idea of your client’s standards to find out how you canGet an idea of your client’s standards to find out how you can relate to them.

People Want Benefits

Your audience spends time and money to hear you out. Give them something interesting in return. Brand communication expert Carmine Gallo suggests explaining what your pitch means for them will immediately make your topic and presentation more relevant.

They Need To Connect the Dots

Now that you’ve presented what your topic is, tell the audience what they get out of it. Give a concise and exact description of what your idea does (Sullivan, 2008). Visual demonstrations can do more for you than verbal explanations can.Will your new computer parts allow people to work faster? Will your new earning figures translate to tangible and enjoyable gains for the company? Answering these questions can tell interested parties why they should approve your proposal. Everything relies on your ability to connect the dots and establish how your topics affect the people you present it to.

They Want to Have Fun

When Steve Jobs presented the iPod Nano in 2005, he asked the audience what that smaller right-hand pocket inside your pants was for. Once that left the audience guessing, he pulled the device out of that pocket.Jobs brought up a seemingly overlooked part of everyday fashion by making it useful and relevant. He presented a simple fun fact about his company’s new device instead of merely describing it verbally for a more memorable performance.–Your clients are ultimately the ones that will either approve or reject your pitch. Getting that approval and investment is the bread and butter of any salesperson.Presenters must make an effort to make their topics relevant whenever possible. Find out which standards your clients use when making their decisions. Then, fine tune your business presentation’s content.Convince your clients that their hard-earned money will be well invested and have tangible benefits for everyone involved.[sg-blog-modules module=two]References“Adding Visuals to Your Technology PowerPoint.” SlideGenius, Inc. Accessed May 25, 2015.Aitchison, J. (2004). Cutting Edge Advertising: How to Create the World’s Best Print For Brands in the 21st Century. Singapore: Prentice Hall.Gallo, C. (2010). The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience. McGraw-Hill.”The Question to Answer for Effective Business Presentations.” SlideGenius, Inc. May 25, 2015. Accessed May 25, 2015.

How to Maximize Eye Contact for Presentations

audience engagement

emotional connection

eye contact

persuasion

public speaking

Rick Enrico Blog

SlideGenius

speech communication

May 21, 2015

A study from the University of Pennsylvania revealed that 70% of non-verbal communication is based on body language.Among other forms of body language, eye contact plays a significant role in building a deeper connection with acquaintances, friends, and strangers. This proves that eye contact is an important part of interacting with other people.[sg-blog-modules module=one]

Eye Contact in Non-Verbal Communication

We often forget how much our eyes contribute to our daily interactions. In most cases, we’re unaware of how our gaze can make communication more powerful and effective.The eyes are the most expressive parts of the human body. We can determine someone’s inner thoughts or feelings by just looking at their eyes.Conveying positive emotions and confidence is essential for any effective presenter. This works the same way for your audience. Eckhard Hess, an American psychologist and ethnologist, discovered that the our pupils dilate when we are interested in a conversation. If the pupils contract, it shows disinterest. These, in a way, gauge how effectively you can establish rapport and persuade the audience.Here are further reasons why eye contact is necessary:

It catches attention

People lose interest if they sense a lack of passion from the presenter. Once you’ve successfully established eye contact, show them that you’re confident to stand and talk in front of them. They’ll become more attentive and interested in your pitch.

It engages the audience

Speech coach Patricia Fripp writes about the positive effects of eye contact. According to Fripp, not only is it effective in convincing people, it also boosts self-esteem, another crucial factor in delivering a winning pitch.If you conduct business presentations, establishing stable eye contact makes the audience feel that you’re interested in them, allowing you to build trust and rapport. Make them feel that they are involved in their presentation.

It makes a good impression

Great presenters avoid looking at their notes while speaking, letting their audience read and understand the message by making eye contact.Your audience’s first impression of your performance can either increase or decrease your credibility. Doing well makes them understand that you are knowledgeable and confident.

How long should you maintain eye contact?

Leadership trainer Dan Rockwell advises presenters to keep eye contact for at least three to four seconds per person in each group.If you’re discussing something that’s related to your subject, know when to pause so they can catch up to the ideas you’re highlighting.–It takes practice to master eye contact.Learn and practice this technique to achieve your audience’s expectations.Since the eyes convey your emotions, you need to give off a friendly yet confident impression for your audience during presentations.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“Build Emotional Connection Through Good Eye Contact.” Patricia Fripp. 2009. Accessed May 21, 2015.Hess, Eckhard H. “The Role of Pupil Size in Communication.” Sci Am Scientific American 233, no. 5 (1975): 110-19.”Power Your Presentations with These Body Language Tips.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2014. Accessed May 21, 2015.”Presentation Tips: 5 Easy Ways to Establish Your Credibility.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 04, 2014. Accessed May 21, 2015.Rockwell, Dan. “Secrets to Great Presentations.” Leadership Freak. June 18, 2014. Accessed June 21, 2015.

Bringing Passion into Your Professional Presentation

audience engagement

business storytelling

Les Brown

passion in the presentation

pitching with pathos

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

May 20, 2015

Emotions play a vital role in communication. In terms of presentations, you get your audience’s attention by appealing to their feelings.But what do most presenters forget?Passion.If you want your listeners to be passionate about your professional presentation, you have to be passionate about it, too. They’ll know how interested you really are based on how you deliver your message.[sg-blog-modules module=one]

Passion: The Heart of Successful Presentations

Start your presentation with in-depth preparation. Whether you’re tasked to do business presentations or to facilitate management meetings, prepare to impart your message in the most efficient way.You’ve researched about your topic, prepared your PowerPoint presentation, and incorporated powerful and striking visual designs. How can you achieve everything without being passionate about it?Whatever subject you’re discussing, being passionate about what you do improves your performance.

How Passion Helps

Passion precedes perfection. You want to make your professional presentation effective, engaging, and persuasive. But how does passion help you?As mentioned above, you can’t be successful if you don’t enjoy what you do. You may convince your audience in some areas, but they might not remember your message. This is why emotions are important, especially when you’re presenting to a large group of individuals.

Emotional Appeal Creates Involvement

Aristotle once said, “People do not merely listen to the speech; they listen to the person.”An interesting subject falls flat if it can’t engage others. Remember that your listeners are always a significant part of any public speaking event.Make your listeners feel involved. Find areas where you can inject ideas that’ll move them.

A Sense of Involvement Boosts Attention

Once you’ve made your audience feel involved, they’ll become more attentive. Since you’re aiming to build a shared emotional belief with them, share your own experiences to sound authentic and interesting. Doing so won’t only convince, but also build their trust and connection with you.

People Want Real Connections

People are more interested in real life stories. Storytelling is effective because people will always associate your stories with your ideas, and ultimately, your brand.For example, keynote speaker, Les Brown uses his passion for encouraging others to live their dreams and have a larger vision for their lives. He effectively convinces his audience by translating his own dedication to his craft into a winning deck.Genuine feelings make people more inclined to believe in you.–You can measure the success of your presentation by how easily your audience recalls your message. You build relationships once you’ve created shared experiences with them.It takes practice to accomplish an effective presentation. But when you become passionate about public speaking, you move forward to becoming a successful presenter.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“Craft Your Corporate Presentations into a Great Story.” SlideGenius, Inc. May 15, 2015. Accessed May 20, 2015.Les Brown. Accessed May 20, 2015.

Using Inclusive Words to Connect During Sales Presentation

audience engagement

communication

inclusive words

presentation tips

public speaking

Rick Enrico Blog

SlideGenius

speech training

May 18, 2015

Apart from creating an effective PowerPoint sales presentation, a powerful way to connect with your audience is to use inclusive words. More than content, visuals, and performance, your listeners want you to show that you care about them.[sg-blog-modules module=three]According to keynote speaker Kristin Arnold’s book, Boring to Bravo, inclusive pronouns such as “we,” “our,” and “us” create a lasting connection with your audience, making them feel included in your speech. Instead of using “you” and “your,” incorporate inclusive words to indicate that they’re part of your presentation.

Turning “You” into “We”

Help your audience understand that your goal is to connect with them. As public speaking consultant Steven D. Cohen suggests, “You must solve this problem” differs from “We must solve this problem.”The former indicates that your audience is solely accountable while the latter signifies that both you and your audience are responsible, making them realize that you can work things out together.

It’s All About Them

It’s normal to worry about how you look while performing or how your pitch will compel audiences to purchase your product.The entire speaking engagement isn’t about you. It’s all about them. They must know if you’re addressing their needs rather than your own. Make them see that you’re not selling at all.

Understanding Their Beliefs and Interests

Before writing your speech, learn your audience’s background and culture. This is why audience analysis is important. Your pitch’s content should be relatable to each group of individuals.Make your pitch sound more conversational and add a personal touch to capture their attention faster. Telling your own stories helps them relate to what you’re saying, making them more interested in your speech.

Listen and Adjust

To show that you care about your audience’s needs, observe their behavior while delivering your speech.Since you’re in control of the entire presentation, focus on your audience rather than yourself. If you takeIf you take time to listen, you can adjust your technique while speaking, depending on your audience’s reactions. This prevents you from losing their interest and ending your performance ineffectively.–Inclusive words make your presentation more powerful and engaging, connecting you with your audience in a way that keeps them interested and convinces them that you value them more than anyone else.If you want to learn more about making appealing presentations, SlideGenius can help you out to address this concern.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References:

“4 Types of Audience Members You Need to Present For.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2013. Accessed May 18, 2015.Arnold, Kristin J. Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve and Inspire Your Audience to Action. Austin, TX: Greenleaf Book Group Press, 2010.Cohen, Steven D. “It’s All About the Audience.” University of Balitmore. Accessed May 18, 2015.