By Kathy Sisk
People often ask, “How can I improve my phone presentation?”
A successful presentation is measured by the impact it has on those who are listening. You need to focus on how well you present your delivery and ensure that your listener is engaged. However, remember:
- Word selection is 7 percent of communication.
- Tone of voice is 38 percent of communication.
- Facial expression accounts for 55 percent in a face-to-face presentation.
Your presentation must make up for the loss of visual communication. Therefore, on the telephone, your focus is on how you come across.
To be an effective presenter, establish an emotional connection with your listeners. Also, present with a high level of energy to keep listeners engaged. Speaking with enthusiasm and passion is not only motivating but convincing.
Here are some tips to help you present better.
Know Your Audience
Gear your presentation to the market. Prepare for who you’re presenting to and adjust accordingly. If you’re speaking to a high-level decision maker, such as a CEO, your presentation must be on a different level than for a mid or low-level employee, as their decision-making process and expectations are different.
Do Your Research and Know the Facts
Do your homework. Obtain facts from reliable sources to validate your claims. Your presentation must be relatable to your listener. When doing so, your listener will be impressed with what you know.
Customize Your Presentation
Design your presentation accordingly to convince and attract your listener. Talk with your audience instead of reading your presentation to them.
Prepare Yourself
This preparation increases your confidence level, and your listener will hear it. Role-play different scenarios and prepare for any issues you might encounter. This helps minimize your nervousness when presenting to those you have not fully established rapport with. Know your key points. Be prepared to address questions and objections.
Present Your Material
Remember, you are the expert on the subject. When presenting over the phone, use the same gestures as you would in person, including facial and hand expressions. Using body language emphasizes and paints mental images for your listener, even though they can’t see them.
The key to a successful presentation is remembering that you are the presentation.
Kathy Sisk Enterprises Inc. has forty years of experience providing call center setup, reengineering, assessments, training, script development, and project management services to centers globally.