Take Your Presentation To The Next Level (Part 1 of 2)

Brent Osborn • October 24, 2018

Have you recently attended a presentation only to walk away an hour later feeling slightly underwhelmed?


Over the last several years I've had the opportunity to attend a fair number of talks, seminars, and presentations. In addition to hearing others as an audience member, I have also been a presenter and facilitator myself. While at a recent meetup I started compiling a list of all the simple things that can contribute to a great presentation. Here are my tips for knocking your preso experience out of the park (the awesome content is still up to you):

Part 1: Creating the Environment


Don’t let people get lost trying to find you.

Take the time to make some great signage – A challenge I have had in the past is a simple one to solve. Many times those who are attending a talk have never been to the location before. Help them find you by putting up brightly colored and clearly labeled signs pointing to the room they need to get to. I once had to awkwardly excuse myself from the wrong room after 10 minutes of listening to an insurance pitch because there was no signage indicating what presentation was where.

Greet your guests.

In addition to great signage, why not enlist one of your co-workers or someone from the event venue to greet people as they come in and help them get where they need to go? It's nice to interact with a friendly face right off the bat. Who doesn't love feeling welcome?

Build relationships with your crowd.

Have people sign in and share their email, twitter handle, or business card. Start building out a list of people who are interested in what you have to say. Follow up with your presentation deck to all those who came. Just because you were only allotted an hour for your talk doesn’t mean you can’t lay the foundation for something that lasts much longer. Help everyone meet someone new as well- provide an opportunity to build relationships with their neighbors by prompting them to turn and talk to the person next to them about whether they store their syrup in the cupboard or the fridge. It’s a controversial topic that always inspires conversation ;)

Don’t let your guests become parched.

Make your guests feel comfortable and at home. Have a bottle of water ready for them at their seat. Note: I didn’t say have bottled water for them in a corner- have it at their seats showing them you were thoughtful and expecting them. If you’re at a venue where bottles are against a facilities “green” rules against plastic provide a few pieces of candy instead.

Help everyone follow along.

Another way to help those around you feel comfortable, prepared, and give them an outlet for energy (besides nervously scrolling through their phone) have a printed outline of your presentation with a space for notes and a Sudoku puzzle in the margin. Some people need the opportunity to de-stress or fidget by doodling to become better listeners.

Setting up a comfortable environment can create a positive experience for you as a speaker, but more importantly--for your attendees. I’ll be back with more tips next week for the second part of this series! I’ll highlight ways to honor, engage, and retain your audience. Stay tuned...


By VectorOne April 2, 2025
For many businesses, spreadsheets are the go-to solution for organizing data, managing workflows, and tracking progress. However, as companies grow, spreadsheets can become cumbersome, prone to errors, and inefficient. Manual data entry, version control issues, and lack of real-time collaboration can slow down operations and lead to costly mistakes. The solution? Transitioning from spreadsheets to digital automation.
By VectorOne March 4, 2025
We recently had some conversations with people in different levels about software changes in their organization. What we heard was...where do we start this conversation? As a business leader, you recognize that technology plays a vital role in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. However, convincing decision-makers to invest in new or upgraded software can be challenging. To get the conversation started, here are some key discussion points that highlight the need for change and the benefits of a tailored solution.
By VectorOne September 5, 2024
In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is key. Companies rely on a variety of systems to manage different aspects of their operations, from customer relationship management (CRM) tools to accounting software, inventory management, and more. However, a common challenge many organizations face is ensuring these systems communicate effectively with one another. When systems operate in silos, it can lead to inefficiencies, such as double data entry, errors, and lost productivity. This is where the importance of finding the right tech solutions for seamless system communication comes into play.
By VectorOne July 25, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, the roles of professionals often blur and intertwine, leading to innovative approaches in project management. One such emerging trend is the shift from traditional project managers to designers taking the lead in projects. This shift offers a multitude of positive impacts, transforming the way projects are conceptualized, developed, and executed.
By VectorOne July 8, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the success and efficiency of companies. However, with rapid technological advancements come significant challenges that companies must navigate. Here are the five biggest technology challenges companies face today and how partnering with a software development company can provide much-needed solutions.
By VectorOne June 10, 2024
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have become essential tools for businesses of all sizes, streamlining operations and enhancing customer interactions. Adopting a CRM can offer numerous advantages, from improving customer service to driving sales and fostering collaboration within your team. Let's delve into the pros of using a CRM and explore how to choose the right one for your business needs. We'll also discuss the value of custom solutions when off-the-shelf options fall short.
By VectorOne May 31, 2024
In today's fast-paced digital world, software applications are at the heart of virtually every business operation and personal activity. From managing finances to communicating with teams across the globe, the importance of reliable and efficient software cannot be overstated. However, a significant challenge that persists across the software landscape is the lack of solid user interfaces (UI). This issue is more than just a minor inconvenience; it can lead to decreased productivity, frustrated users, and ultimately, the failure of otherwise promising applications.
Show More