Whether you’re presenting new marketing ideas to team members or you’re trying to win over a new client, there are several steps you can take to increase the likelihood that your marketing presentation is successful. However, if you do not possess the expertise to create a visually appealing presentation, consider hiring a presentation agency to make one for you. Creating an effective marketing presentation is not as straightforward as it sounds. This article will help you craft a presentation that engages and inspires your audience.

Know Your Audience

The key to a good marketing presentation is knowing your audience. If you know your audiences’ wants and needs, you can build a presentation around these drivers to keep them engaged. Think about your presentation from their perspective:

• Why are they watching your presentation?
• What do you think they want from your presentation?
• Are you addressing their pain points?
• What is the best way to communicate your ideas to them?

Once you have answered the above questions, you are better positioned to create a marketing presentation that provides value to the audience.

Use the Right Presentation Platform

All presentation platforms have their advantages and disadvantages. There are several presentation platforms to choose from, including but not limited to Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi and Canva. The right platform for you will depend on the amount of experience you have using that platform and your presentation design needs. For example, if you plan to create a presentation with plenty of graphics and customization options, Canva might be preferable. Alternatively, if you do not have much experience using Canva, you may decide to stick to what you know and use Microsoft PowerPoint.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a seamless presentation solution, Prezi is ideal. The popular platform has a “slideless” design, meaning you can zoom and navigate between pages seamlessly to make your presentation more conversational in nature. If you feel that you do not have the expertise to create an impressive marketing presentation, you may decide to hire presentation designers to create one for you.

Tell a Compelling Story

The art of storytelling is a powerful way to persuade your audience to see things from your perspective. Start your story by making it personal. Give your audience context so that they can establish a personal connection with the subject of your story. They need to be able to identify with the subject of your story to see things from your point of view. However, it would help if you were careful when setting the scene. For example, if you’re telling a story about a past client, do not mention them by name and try to avoid turning your story into gossip. The next stage of your story should be describing a form of conflict—you should present your audience with a problem that needs to be fixed before the story ends. Finally, the end of your story should offer a solution and show the positive effects of said solution. You capture your audience’s attention and show that whatever you are pitching is worthwhile by telling an emotive and engaging story.

Create Value in a Short Space of Time

Most presentations last between 15 and 30 minutes. In that time, you have to create value for your audience. Make sure to focus on the main point of your presentation, which is likely to be that whatever you’re pitching will make someone’s life better in some way, shape or form. If you don’t focus on your main point enough and place too much focus on other areas, audience members may come away feeling like they cannot identify the point of your presentation. Instead, they should come away feeling inspired to take action or think of things in a different light.

Don’t Underestimate Good Design

Don’t underestimate the power of a presentation design. A well-designed presentation will help to keep your audience interested in what you have to say. An impactful, visually pleasing presentation enhances your storytelling and makes it easier for the audience to follow your main points. For this reason, you might consider hiring a presentation design agency to create your presentation for you.

Practice

Do not underestimate the power of practice. Make sure to practice your marketing presentation several times. Knowing the content of your presentation by heart will help give you the confidence to stand up in front of your audience and deliver a highly engaging presentation. You should also pay attention to your body language when practicing your presentation. Are you standing up straight? Are you making enough eye contact? Are you making hand gestures to complement what you’re saying? Focusing on your body language is vital as good posture, eye contact, and appropriate hand gestures will help to keep your audience engaged for the duration of the presentation.