If you rely on selling products, or online services, you need great sales presentation skills to appeal strongly to your prospects and customers.  There are a great number of books and live resources such as Toastmasters, to help you with making great presentations.

The following fundamental points are what I focus on before, during and after my presentations:

1) Practice, Practice, Practice over and over until your presentation is perfect. Do this by standing in front of a mirror and watching your actions.  Also, tape yourself and then play it back.  This will help with your vocal variety and regulation of delivery in your presentation.  Finally get some live practice in front of friends or colleagues, or if you really want to gain some great tips, attend a Toastmasters club near you.  Toastmasters can offer you friendly feedback in a mutually supportive environment.

2) Know your target market, and tailor your presentation to it.  Consider what your target group may need from your sales presentation, the outcome, their terminology and any relative jargon they use in their business.  Knowing this shows that you understand them and will ultimately help them to trust you.

3) Be open and honest.  Don’t try to wing it if you don’t know how to answer a question or handle an objection.  There is high degree of integrity in admitting that you don’t know but will find out.  This also gives you permission to keep the door of communication open in the future.  Plus it gives you the opportunity to put your strongest foot forward to prove you can serve your clients needs effectively.

4) Have a plan.  A good sales presentation has four areas you need to address, as shown below. You should use your plan outline for the main presentation, however you may diverge from your plan for short periods if required.

The Four Areas of a Great Sales Presentation

1. The Opening.  Let your audience know that you are excited to be presenting to them, by thanking them for attending.  Show your enthusiasm also, by letting them know you look forward to working with them after this presentation.

2.The body. Convey your message in an accurate and convincing way.  Be sure to highlight the benefits of what you can provide, whilst being specific and customer focussed.  Show your expertise by painting word pictures of how you can help your prospects to benefit from choosing your product or service.

3. The conclusion. Summarize your main points and restate the obvious benefits of doing business with you.  Thank everyone for attending.

4. The Q&A. Open the opportunity for your audience to clarify any points from your presentation.  Whilst answering the questions, humbly emphasize your strengths on how you would handle any given situation.  Try to think of all the questions that you may be asked, by brainstorming with colleagues and friends before your presentation.  Remember, a question you don’t know the answer to is your opportunity to find out what their needs are and gives you permission to come back to them.

I love to check out sales presentation resources online, as I always seem to find little gems that gives me further in-depth knowledge to increase my sales skills.