The opinions expressed by (*5*) authors are their very own.
Industry events are a probability to network with colleagues and impress distributors – but to really get the most out of your time at a conference, you would like to learn the way to prepare a presentation that engages, informs and influences.
As a founder, I have presented at several of the top real estate and real estate technology events in the country ButterflyMX. Here are some tricks I’ve picked up along the way to wow any audience.
1. Getting used to the stage
Before the presentation, I like to recommend a walk around the stage. By familiarizing yourself with your surroundings, you possibly can be higher prepared.
And when you are on stage, a relaxed and comfortable presence goes a good distance to keeping the audience engaged. Whether you wish to play your presentation casually or more formally, your audience may experience discomfort that stops them from fully connecting with your message.
To express your sense of comfort, focus on your body language. You can boost your confidence by speaking slowly and clearly and walking across the stage to capture the audience’s attention – even if there is already a podium or lectern on stage.
Unfortunately, if a speaker stands behind the podium for too long, the audience may interpret this as a sign of indecision and inaction on the speaker’s part. Instead, you possibly can remove any barriers between you and the audience by using the entire length of the stage.
2. Knowledge of industry statistics
Audiences who don’t know me may wonder why they need to take my advice. I actually don’t blame them. When I watch a recent presenter, I ask the same query.
If you possibly can back up your claims with hard data, your presentation will ring true for your audience. You can cite industry-wide statistics or establish your personal bona fides by citing statistics that strengthen your credibility by confirming your organization’s success.
In my case, I’m completely satisfied to share some statistics that prove the success of my company, ButterflyMX, in the proptech industry. For example, we serve over a million homes, and if you are interested in what consumers think about us, look no further than the Internet – we have over 20,000 five-star reviews!
3. Knowing your audience
Depending on who your audience is, you will need to adjust your game plan and prepare for various things.
I have presented at conferences where audiences were very diverse – a presentation that amazed one audience won’t contain any information that may very well be applied to one other. As the founding father of a real estate technology company, I have the pleasure of speaking at various conferences serving various markets.
For example, integrators and installers may value talking about product features and hardware greater than others. And if I’m presenting to an audience of property managers, I’ll know how to end the technical discussion and focus on the advantages a solid video intercom offers, equivalent to simplifying day by day duties.
Depending on your audience, you will need to find the right balance between talking about hardware specifications and features.
4. Design your slides rigorously
Slides are a good opportunity to share your organization’s aesthetic, tone and values - but you would like to make sure you utilize them effectively.
A slide with too much text looks busy, which is able to distract your audience and distract them. Instead, consider putting this information in your notes and saying it out loud. Slides should focus on one or two visual elements, equivalent to bullet points, charts, and graphs.
When it comes to the actual design of your slides, you need to make sure you follow your organization’s branding guidelines. If you are not familiar with the concept, brand guidelines are a single governing document that discusses vital design concepts equivalent to your organization’s colours and logo.
5. Asking for audience participation
Asking the audience to participate is the best way to make sure everyone is locked in and being attentive — but it is also a double-edged sword. You also need to be prepared in case inviting the audience to participate doesn’t necessarily go the way you wanted.
For example, you possibly can normally ask at the end of your presentation if the audience has any questions. However, you risk being met with a hostile query in bad faith – or you might even be met with silence.
That’s why I like to recommend asking your audience questions and tasks that are a bit more structured. For example, you possibly can ask for a show of hands, ask for specific anecdotes, or take a survey.
Polls have recently been enhanced with particularly advanced technology – see if you possibly can arrange an electronic voting system that permits viewers to vote using their smartphones. You will then have the ability to display the results on your screen and watch them update in real time!
You should vary these interactive sections throughout your presentation to ensure your audience stays engaged throughout your speech.