You’ve got that big presentation coming up. You need to be in top-flight form because the potential clients are looking at you and expecting the best. They are slightly skeptical and look at you a bit askance.

You can use technology, coupled with dynamic speaking skills to be powerfully persuasive. Here are some things to do that will help you to sparkle. I’ve also included some things you should avoid at all costs to make sure you look incredible!

Things to do to sparkle

1. Know your material. This is most important. You have to know your stuff. You have to know both the content and how to overcome most common objections to your product or service. You also have to have sound presentation skills. This is essential in today’s business environment. If you need help (and we all do!), some good sources are, Reeves Business Training (1-800-REEVES1), Decker Communications (415-752-0700) or a professional speaker who specializes in training business leaders on communication, Ken Futch (770-939-6200). Any of these people will be able to help you and your people perfect your presentation skills to close more sales.
2. Know your equipment. If you’re doing a presentation and using technology, you MUST spend time learning how the technology works, common ways it can have problems and how to correct it. You don’t have to become a technical guru, just know the basics. To use an analogy from the auto industry, you don’t have to become a mechanic, but you should at least know how to drive, change the radio stations and perhaps know how to change a flat tire.
3. Use a package like Microsoft PowerPoint for ease-of-use. This is commonly used in today’s market. Learn more about it than just the basics since many people are doing just the basics today. Joel Wheldon, a professional speaker in Phoenix says, "Find out what everyone else is doing and then do something different." If everyone is using PowerPoint slides with just words, use some extra features.
4. Use Pictures. Using technology like Snappy (www.play.com) , Dazzle (www.dazzlemultimedia.com) or QuickVideo Transport (www.alaris.com) you can grab a picture from a TV, a VCR or a camcorder and blend it into your presentation. These are available from $199 to $299. Using pictures in your presentation is much more powerful than just words of text on the screen saying what you can do for the potential client.
5. Use sounds. The sounds you want to use should be carefully selected music backgrounds. Use them as the spice of your presentation, not the main course of the meal. However, the best sound to use is the voice of satisfied customers. Couple the voice of a satisfied customer with their picture and it creates a powerful, 21^st Century-style testimonial that can help you close a sale more than anything.
6. Use video. Video is one of the most powerful communication devices known to human beings. You can create videos of powerful messages on your computer and then play it back for audiences. A fast way to do that is with Alaris’ QuickVideo Transport or Dazzle from Dazzle Mulitmedia.
7. Big screen laptop. If your presentation is to a group of 10 or less, you might want to consider using a laptop with a 13.3-inch or larger screen. A screen of this size can be seen easily by up to 10 people and it is more portable. The larger screen is a wise investment for the traveling salesperson who has to present to a lot of small groups.
8. LCD Projector. These are devices that enable you to project an image from your computer up to the larger screen. A key term to watch for is lumens. You want to have 300 or more lumens. The more the better. This will help a great deal when you want to leave the lights up in the room. InFocus (www.infocus.com), Epson (www.epson.com) and Eiki International (800-242-3454).

Things to avoid at all costs!

1. Avoid a lack of preparation. You need to practice and have others review your presentation for improvements. You also need to know your slide show and what can be deleted if time constraints require that at the last minute.
2. Avoid a words-only presentation. Too many presentations are done in programs like PowerPoint that use only words dancing and prancing across the screen. These types of presentations look unprofessional and are very boring after a while. Audiences are not impressed that words can sail in from the left or right. That is old news. You have to present images, pictures and sounds to keep attention today. Strongly consider using video as noted above.
3. Assumption that technology alone with save the day. Too many ads in computer magazines tend to say that all you need to have a successful presentation is the right technology (usually the one they are advertising!) and your presentation will be sensational. This is not true in the real world. The right technology coupled with a professional person making that presentation can be a strong, sales-winning combination.
4. Avoid cutsey sounds. These are the chintzy sounds that come with packages like PowerPoint, Astound and other software packages. Most of these sounds like cars racing, jungle noises and others are mildly annoying at best and deal-breaking at worst. They detract from your professionalism. Use sounds that professionally compliment what you are doing and don’t detract from what you’re saying. A good rule of thumb is to think about the sound you plan to use. If you think the sound by itself will be cute and funny, leave it out. Most audiences today don’t want to experience would-be comedians playing cute tricks. Be the professional you are.
5. Avoid illegal acts. Make sure you use legal, copyright-paid materials. A sound, picture or video from someone else’s files might get you and your company into hot legal trouble. Either check with your legal department or only use your own, original material. You’ll be much safer.

Making effective presentations is one of the best ways to move your career ahead. If you can present your message in a clear, persuasive, entertaining and professional manner, you will able to close more sales, move your company ahead as well as win friends and influence people. Use the best combination of personal skills and technological skills to achieve that.