Organize Your Presentations

Don’t wing it. The more important your presentation, the more your must organize. Rambling thoughts send audiences’ minds rambling rather than paying attention to what you are trying to get across. We’ve all walked out of presentations wondering “What was the point of that?”

Whatever the content of your presentation, there are a few basic elements that give logic, interest and clarity.

Introduction:

o Attention-getting statement. You capture the audience’s interest, or not, within the first few seconds of your presentation. What story, bit of humor, quotation, etc. will engage them immediately? The attention-getting statement should be relevant in some way to your topic and audience.
o Purpose statement. Set your audience’s expectations right away.
o Overview. State your main points very briefly.

Body:

o There should be no more than a few main points in an average presentation. Choose your main points for maximum impact, using your Purpose statement as your frame of reference.
o There should be no more than two to three sub-points per main point. Keep it simple to keep the audience’s focus.

Conclusion:

o Summary statement. Review the main points.
o Closing statement. What memorable statement will keep the audience thinking about your presentation?

Using questions:

o Think about how you want to engage the audience. Do you want to ask them questions? Do you want them to ask you questions? At what points in your presentation do you want to interact? Questions are excellent tools to understand and connect with your audience. Plan how you will use audience interaction to enhance your presentation and still stay on track.

Keep Negotiating Tactics Flexible

There is no right negotiating tactic if you have the wrong strategy or policy. Strategic objectives and priorities are more important than tactics. Yet history is full of great strategies that were defeated by poor negotiating tactics. The two go together but are not the same.

Flexibility in the choice of your negotiating tactics is imperative. Tactics that are right for one person are wrong for another. Tactics that are appropriate at the start of a negotiation may prove counter productive later. Tactics that worked yesterday may not work as well with the same person tomorrow. Negotiating tactics that worked well in a buyers’ market may prove to be stupid in a period of short supply.

Continual reassessment is the key to good tactical planning. I ask myself these questions over and over again in every negotiation:

1. Can I combine tactics for better effect?
2. Is this a good time to change tactics?
3. How will the other party react or interpret my tactic?
4. Will this backfire on me?
5. If my tactic is rebuffed, will I lose face or bargaining power? How can I minimize the loss?

The choice of tactics involves ethical questions. Ends do not justify the means. Unethical tactics for achieving worthwhile goals ultimately destroy the positive value of those goals. Whether they like it or not, negotiators must also be philosophers when it comes to choosing tactics.

In deciding which negotiating tactics to use, one rule should not be forgotten:

Never use a tactic unless you have considered what countermeasures the other party is likely to take.

The key to selecting good negotiating tactics is flexibility and good business judgment.

Using Presentation Folders For A More Professional Look

Using presentation folders for a more professional look in the business world can do amazing things for a business. Presenting something to a client that looks professional and organized will speak volumns about the business before the folder is even opened. Taking advantage of the many options of presentation folders allows almost any business, of any size and budget, to use presetnation folders to take their business to the next level.

The look that presentation folders bring to the table can mean everything to a business and a client. Materials that are presented in a neat, professional manner will grab the attention of the client and give them a sense that the business has their stuff together and really knows what they are doing. It is the first impression made on a client and speaks for the business before anything or anyone else does. What is inside can be truly ground breaking, but if it isn’t presented wisely the client’s attention can be lessened. Overall the look of a presentation folder says the business really cares about their work and wants to put forward a professional image.

Some other great perks of presentation folders is that they can be made to a businesses specifications. Customized with a logo or company name, so the work is immediately recognized. They are also a nice way to put everything together so it is easy to carry and look through. The client will have everything right there without having to flip through handouts or review notes. Most folders also have a place for a busines card, as well for additional convenience.

Since presentation folders can be customized they are easy to buy in bulk. This cuts down on costs and allows them to be used for a variety of needs, from employee handouts to business meetings. A little custom printing and the folder goes from a office supply to a business tool. Customization can be done to add the business name or logo to the folder, add a title or other information to the cover or even change the binding on the folder. Buying in bulk then customizing as needed cuts down the cost emensely.

Presentation folders are a great business asset. They have many advatages and so many uses that they are a must have for nay buisiness that wants to advance. They are also a cost effective way to get a professional, polished look. Using presentation folders can help a business rise above competitiors and make an image for themselves.