[cavanagh_matthew@y]

hi i have just quoted for a contract with a large company
we have been successfull in our quote an now they would like a presentation for 10 to 15 mins on what we offer etc
has anybody else had to do this before as 15mins seems along time to talk

thanks.
matt

[Griffus]

I worked for a very large company for many years and it got to the point that you couldn't make a cuppa without giving a 15 minute Powerpoint Presentation on why, when, how etc!

Large companies, or at least the Management of such companies are obsessed with presentations. I suppose it lets them feel important and maybe a little informed.

I have delivered and sat in on loads and I have come to the opinion that the vast majority are a complete waste of time. I doubt if anyone remembers any part of a presentation a couple of months on; unless of course it is a disaster, then it will be remembered, or at least the presenter will for all eternity:-)

OK, so none of the above is that helpful so a few tips: -



Use Powerpoint (it will make things so much easier)

Stick to bullet points on the actual slides then talk in more detail about each (always be concise, don't waffle).

Know your subject. Keep a logical progression / structure.

Make sure that your presentation has just one theme or message to be conveyed.

Be entertaining and don't overdo statistics or figures. The lighter presentations are usually the best received. If possible use props and involve a couple of people from the audience.

15 minutes will fly by. The difficulty will be staying within your time.

Definitely practice and time yourself (deliver it to friends and family; this will prove more difficult than to strangers as the embarrassment levels will be way higher). After a couple of trial runs you will be surprised just how easy it is to get through this.

Everyone gets nervous. I always do. I know people who do this for a living and most of these still get nervous before each presentation. This isn't a bad thing. As long as you know your subject and have prepared yourself properly then it will be over before you know it and you'l have a happy audience.


Best of luck



Ian

[cavanagh_matthew@y]

Thanks ian much appriciated

[chloejayne]

Hi M8

Know how you feel i have one to do on the 20th March.

I wish someone had a Presentation they could mail so we could see whats involved.

Good luck 

[Griffus]

Alex

If you have MS Powerpoint you are already more than half way there. It is probably the easiest program to use of all.

I'll have a look through some of my old stuff to see if I have any examples. Not sure this will help anymore than playing around with Powerpoint and getting a feel for what does what.

If you dont have Powerpoint then go for a flip-chart presentation. I have an A3 folder that converts from a carry-all to a flip chart so you carry your presentation in, open it up and then full steam ahead (only any good for presenting to a small number of people sat around a table. I am sure these can be bought from staples.

I am sure that you will have Powerpoint though.

As said earlier; PREPARE and all will be fine.

Best of luck

[Pristine Clean NI]

A couple of points regarding presentations:

1. If you are going to use Powerpoint make sure that it is going to work at the customers site - i.e. are you using your laptop or one of theirs, is the image going to be projected or are you all going to crowd around a screen?  Use a flip chart if you are not sure about these. The content is much more important than flashy features.

2. Think of 2-3 minutes per slide or longer - therefore 15 minutes = max of 5 slides no more.

3. Eventhough you already have the deal, the presentation is a good opportunity to remind them of the advantages of having you as their service provider.