A brief telephone presentation I was making to a client this evening about starting an on-line security guard training course resulted in the type of question that you will have to answer quickly when making speeches or presentations.
His first question to me was , "How would the school benefit?" And that is probably one of the first things that would flash into the mind of any audience whether it consists of one person or a hundred: "How do I or we benefit from all this?"
When working on your presentation imitate professional Direct Mail or Direct Response Marketers who before they do anything focus on finding out as much as they can about their audience.
Before writing anything they can create a mental picture of the individual or individuals who make up their audience -- and what interests, problems, or anxieties they have and then tailor their presentation to show how their ideas, services, or products can help these people.
Just like direct-response writers and presenters you are selling ideas, ideas, opinions, services, and products when making oral presentations and just like them, and my client on the telephone, you must quickly show how they can benefit from listening to you and following your suggestions.
Beyond the initial intriguing quote, or anecdote, or illustration this is what will retain the interest of your audience more than anything else-- providing that you back up your claims up with the needed proof and supporting ideas.
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