5 Tips on Making a Successful Business Presentation - A Home Biz Notes Guest Post
We have a guest post today by Laura Spencer of Work From Home Momma.
She has some tips in case you’re invited to give a presentation or talk about your home business. This can be, once you get over any initial hesitancy, a really enjoyable way to spread the word about what you’re doing.
5 Tips on Making A Successful Business Presentation
Guest Post By Laura Spencer
As a home business owner you may occasionally have the opportunity to make
a presentation about your business to clients, perspective clients, or
local groups. If you are asked to speak, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. It is a great way to raise awareness about your business and bring in additional customers.
Here are five tips for making successful business presentation:
1. Do your homework
At the minimum, prepare an outline of what you will say - but don’t stop there. Practice what you will say. Anticipate questions and how you will answer them.
2. Dress appropriately
If the dress where you will be speaking is business attire as the speaker you should also dress in business attire.
Likewise, if the most people in the group dress casually, it is okay to wear business casual. If you’re not sure of the dress code, ask.
3. Don’t be afraid of props
There are many aids and tools (like PowerPoint) that can be used to enhance your presentation. Be sure to ask what type of equipment is available. Depending on the size and nature of the group you may also wish to have handouts available, such as pads and pencils, with your business name on them.
4. Stand up straight. If you can, make eye contact with several audience members during your speech. (If this will make you too nervous, try making the eye contact immediately before and after you talk.)
5. Stay calm
Many people become nervous when asked to speak in front of a group, but there is really no need for fear. Your audience is likely
interested in what you have to say or you wouldn’t have been invited to speak. If it will help, imagine that you are watching your own presentation and that it is going very well.
Once you have several presentations under your belt, you may find that you enjoy the networking and business advantages that come from public speaking. You may wish to seek out other opportunities to make presentations.
Here are some ideas
- Local Chamber of Commerce
- Group or Organization for your Specialty (A craft group for crafters, a
- writing group for writers)
- Student Groups
- Groups of individuals who wish to go into business
Public business presentations can be an essential part of your home business’s public relations. By using the tips in this post even a novice speaker can prepare themselves for a successful presentation.
Laura Spencer is a freelance writer and blogger. You can read more of Laura’s writing at Work From Home Momma or WritingThoughts.)
Related Home Biz Notes Posts:
Spin-offs for Home Businesses - Giving Talks
Various Types of Promotion for Your Home Business
5 Group Promotion Tips for Your Home Business
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POSTED IN: Business Blogging, Guest Posts, Promotion, Work At Home Moms
6 opinions for 5 Tips on Making a Successful Business Presentation - A Home Biz Notes Guest Post
Mary Emma Allen
Dec 1, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Laura, it’s been super having you as a guest on Home Biz Notes. You have a great deal of information to offer business owners who have opportunities to speak and thus promote their venture.
Laura
Dec 1, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Thanks Mary Emma!
Yvonne Russell
Dec 3, 2007 at 12:08 am
Yes, some great tips here Laura.
Props, when used well and not relied on too much can be a great confidence booster for presenters, and add something for the audience too.
Mary Emma Allen
Dec 3, 2007 at 6:17 am
I agree about props. They help hold the audience’s attention, from children to adults, keep your presentation from being monotonous, serve as memory joggers if you forget what you’re supposed to say, and keep moving your presentation along. They often serve to encourage members of the audience to chat with you afterward instead of rushing out the door.
Laura
Dec 3, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Thanks Mary Emma! Props can be important, but some speakers are afraid to use them.
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Dec 3, 2007 at 6:20 pm
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