Preparation is key when presenting, and what could help more than a presentation checklist? By incorporating a checklist into your prep, you ensure you don’t miss anything. You also can go into your speech feeling organized and confident. 

Prepare with a winning presentation checklist

It should be considered a privilege and opportunity to speak in front of others. You have the chance to share your knowledge and increase credibility and trust. You also drive awareness about your business. 

Because of these benefits, it’s important to maximize the experience for your audience. You can do this by thoroughly and effectively preparing. As Dr. Michelle Clement explains, some sellers feel the presentation is the most exciting part of their process. 

“It is the opportunity to show the prospect that you know your stuff—and the chance to deliver value by putting your problem solving skills to work.”

Start with your materials

According to Gary Genard, the most polished speakers begin preparation by gathering their materials. He recommends gathering your materials, including reports, handouts, product samples, and contracts. Organize them into a “briefing book.” 

Include insights you’ve gathered that are relevant to your topic and audience. And if you’re incorporating videos, include necessary files and transcripts. When vetting what materials to use, Genard suggests asking yourself:

• Are these sources/​materials memorable?
• Have I anticipated questions and objections and have the insights to support my responses?
• Does each of my main points “headline” the information to come?
• Is my information well laid out and visually highlighted for my benefit and the audience’s?
• Is it too high-​level? Or will it make sense to every listener, no matter their level of knowledge?

Clarify and stick to your objective

As you build your presentation, always consider the next slide. How is what you’re presenting building to what is ahead? How does each section work to fulfill your primary objective? 

As advice posted on HubSpot states, “Organize your presentation into a clear and logical flow.”

“Start with an introduction, followed by the main points, and conclude with a strong closing that includes a call to action.”

Include moments to pause as part of your presentation checklist. This allows for moments of reflection to ensure your presentation planning stays on track. It can be easy to get carried away and lose direction. 

And as Genard suggested, plan for moments when questions may arise. Remember, the audience doesn’t have to be the one doing the asking. If there’s a point you’d like to emphasize, plan to ask a question to ensure comprehension. This also helps you stick to the presentation’s objective. 

Rehearse and visualize

A vital aspect of any presentation checklist is including time to practice. And professionals encourage sellers to devote plenty of time to rehearse. Genard recommends scheduling practice sessions that focus on certain aspects of the presentation too.

“Be clear on what you’re focusing on at each practice session, and make that the sole purpose.”

Your checklist should also include a focus on logistics. This includes location, technology you’ll use, multimedia accessories, and travel time, if necessary.

“Take charge of the details so that your only concern on the day of the presentation is the delivery,” Clement advises. 

And, all rehearsals should include time spent on your mindset. Once you’ve run through your presentation, incorporate time to visualize your success. Imagine yourself delivering your presentation, engaging with your audience and closing with a feeling of success. 

Embrace this sales presentation checklist as yet another preparation tool. Use it as a loose guideline and personalize it to your own needs and goals. Following a checklist ensures you not only prepare for your presentation but prepare well. 

And for more tips for effective presentation preparation, take a look at these tips from SalesFuel.

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