Presentation

Many businesses have to present to potential new customers in order to win business. Many of those have to present to their customers on a deal-by-deal basis. They also make presentations to win position, asset value or opportunities. On other occasions, businesses make presentations to debt houses to win debt and other financial support.

When businesses make such a presentation whether to gain revenue, debt or position, their whole business plan is on the line.

Chalestra specialises in communications of these forms. Chalestra has a phenomenal 20 years experience of businesses successfully pitching for one thing or another. Indeed, his experience is world class since he, and Chalestra, have worked for some of the worlds biggest institutions.

Here's some things we look for in presentations...

What we look for in a presentation

• Minimum of fuss
• Strong key points portraying key arguments vividly
• Basic design - anything further will be a negative in the argument
• Minimal graphic support
• No untoward assumptions: never provide detail in case your audience might not understand - only provide detail if you know they won't understand.
• Detail should never be in the presentation - always put it in a supporting document. If, perchance, your audience don't understand when you thought they might, then they'll get in touch
• Make sure your overall presentation paints a vivid picture: if it does, you won't need supporting documentation and you won't be seen as time-wasting. Time-wasting can be seen as incompetence

How should a presentation be focused on the audience?

• Largely, it shouldn't
• It's important to move with the notion that an argument is an argument, and applies whoever you talk to - it's the strength of the argument that matters
• Only the benefits and downsides will depend on the audience - ideally, these should be left to discussion or, if that's not possible, supporting documentation

Should you use graphics?

• As little as possible. They detract from the message and can send negative signals
• Graphics should be used if it actively supports key messages and should be to that extent
• Graphics can be used to cheer up an otherwise boring presentation, but should be used sparingly