Business Tips

USEFUL TIPS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS/MANAGERS

 MAKE A POSITIVE IMPRESSION WITH PRESENTATIONS

A presentation can be an anxiety-ridden experience for a new entrepreneur, especially if you have little training or experience.  When you’re self employed however, you can’t pass the spotlight to someone else.  A presentation may be needed to win a new assignment, secure financing, brief clients on a project’s status or address a group of potential customers.

While the mere thought of public speaking may be enough to bring on a case of laryngitis, you have more control over the situation than you may realize.  All it takes is research and preparation - the same steps needed for every other business decision.

Here are some pointers on presentations:

1.                 Understand the ground rules.  What is the purpose of your presentation?  What kind of information does your audience want?  Is the format a stand-up address or a conference table discussion?  How much time will you have for the presentation and follow-up questions?  By getting answers to these basic questions, you’ll have a head start on organizing your thoughts.

2.                  Get t the point.  The first 30 seconds usually determines whether you capture your listeners’ attention.  The remaining time can last an eternity for unorganized speakers and pass in a wink of an eye for those trying to say too much.  Begin and end with your strongest points.  Never start off with an obscure joke or anecdote that has no relevance to you topic.

3.                  Avoid “overpreparing”.  A presentation that is too tightly scripted can be derailed in an instant by an unexpected question or distraction.  Notes are fine, but a thorough understanding of your subject is better.  You’ll be better able to handle questions and keep your presentation on track.

4.                  Practice makes perfect.  Perform some “dry runs” with people who can provide honest and fair feedback and understand your intended audience’s perspective.  This will enable them to make a more informed evaluation and pose relevant questions.

5.                  Stay focused.  Although you have rehearsed, you may still get the feeling that time is running out and quicken your pace.  Or, you may want to ad-lib because you sense there is too much time remaining.  Relax!  If you are organized and provide good information, your listeners will be looking at you instead of their watches.  An occasional built-in pause will also help you reset your pace and add impact to what you just said.

6.                  If you don’t know, say so.  Never try to bluff your way through a difficult or unexpected question.  Instead, admit that you don’t have the information in hand to respond to the question but offer follow-up afterward.  That’s usually all it takes to get things back on track.

If you would like to receive more information on this subject or if you have other questions that you may need assistance with in your business, or if you are interested in obtaining information on starting a new business, a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL visit with Ron Acree, Small Business Specialist with the TN Small Business Development Centers may be helpful.

Mr. Acree will be at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce on the 2nd Friday every other month from 1-4 p.m.  Contact the Chamber at 731-968-2126 for an appointment.

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