Question:
I work in the IT services industry. Recently, I’ve been asked to make presentations to introduce new products to the rest of our company. I’ve been having trouble presenting the new products. Many times the presentations end and I feel like the audience is more confused about the product than when they walked into the presentation. What can I do to create an effective presentation for non-technical people?
Answer:
When you present does it feel like you might as well be speaking in a foreign language? The technical language that you use is second nature, however the terms and phrases are probably very foreign to your audience. Here are a few tips that will help you better reach your audience.
1) Do your homework – Know your audience, and identify key points that you would like to make. If it is a non-technical audience, tailor your speech for them using words and terms that they will understand.
2) Boost your vocabulary – Pick up on key words the listeners have provided. Use their language to better explain products and ideas.
3) Talk in terms of the other person - You must talk in terms of the other person’s interest. Make sure that you stress their benefit.
4) Don’t memorize – Don’t try to memorize what you want to say. Be spontaneous, creative and learn to improvise. By freeing yourself you can focus on topics that your audience might not get immediately.
5) Review at the end – Make a brief summary at the end of the presentation. Always give the benefit, “by using this product you will save money”. Even if some of the information was lost in translation it will still leave the audience with a positive impression.
Michael Crom, Executive Vice President of Dale Carnegie Training®
If you have any business related questions or would like advice on other workplace issues, visit our web site at http://www.bc.dalecarnegie.com/ or our Knowledge Centre on our global site at http://www.dalecarnegie.com/ or email me at paul.sinkevich@dalecarnegie.com.
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