sales presentation 101

12 Best Sales Presentations To Inspire Your Sales Deck [+ 5 Tips]

Updated: October 22, 2024

Published: February 22, 2017

Sales presentations: They either blow you away or induce a daydream. Why? Not everyone's a gifted speaker — but everyone can put together an effective sales pitch deck with the right guidance.

While many salespeople focus on making their sales decks flashy, fun, and exciting, I find they overlook the need for their presentations to address the prospect's top concerns and offer an irresistible solution .

As a result, many presentations are met with wishy-washy responses that drag along the sales process and waste valuable time. Your sales team can do better, but what exactly does a great sales deck look like?

I used to design corporate sales presentations. Let me show you some stand-out sales presentation examples. I’ll cover some common pitfalls to avoid to help you perfect the pitch . Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What Is a Sales Deck?

Sales deck examples, sales deck vs pitch deck, example sales presentation, sales deck presentation tips, sales deck template, how to find a sales deck template.

A sales deck is a slide presentation (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, etc.) used to supplement a sales pitch. The sales pitch, given by a salesperson to a prospect, often includes an overview of the product or service, offers a value proposition and solution for the prospect, and includes examples of success stories from other clients.

The primary purpose of a sales deck and presentation is to introduce a solution (i.e., your pitch ) that ultimately leads the prospect to purchase from your company.

If you've done everything right during the discovery process — digging deep into your prospect's challenges and understanding exactly what they need — only to get a noncommittal response, then your presentation needs some major adjusting.

10 Free PowerPoint Templates

Download ten free PowerPoint templates for a better presentation.

• Creative templates.
• Data-driven templates.
• Professional templates.

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

A sales deck is a pitch meant to convince a prospect to make a purchase by showcasing your product features, benefits, and value proposition.

A pitch deck , on the other hand, is usually created for investors who want to learn more about your company, vision, products, financials, and target audience. Think of the pitch deck more like a synthesized version of your business plan.

Ready to see some sales deck examples? I’ve collected some of the best for your inspiration, in no particular order.

• Attention Media
• Kibris Developments
• Leadgeeks.io

1. Leadnomics Sales Deck by Katya Kovalenko

15 Sales Presentation Techniques That Will Help You Close More Deals Today

9 Ways to End Your Sales Presentation With a Bang

7 Apps That Help Salespeople Become Even Better Speakers

7 Secrets of a Winning Capabilities Presentation

Insight Selling: The 8-Slide Framework for a Better Pitch

The Best Work-Appropriate GIFs to Use in Your Next Sales Slide Deck

How to Make a Business Presentation in 7 Easy Steps [Free Business Presentation Templates]

The 8 Types of Presentation Styles: Which Category Do You Fall Into?

How to Handle Difficult Sales Calls Like a Pro

Technology Give You the Middle Finger in a Demo? 7 Reactions to Avoid

Powerful and easy-to-use sales software that drives productivity, enables customer connection, and supports growing sales orgs

• Sales Content Management
• Buyer Engagement
• Sales Onboarding & Training
• Data-Driven Sales
• Dealer Enablement
• Content Personalization
• Sales Presentations
• Content Sharing & Tracking
• Digital Sales Room
• Sales Content Analytics
• Integrations
• Smart Sales Tools
• For Marketers
• For Sales Teams & Dealers
• For Business Leaders
• Customer Stories
• Sales Enablement
• Revenue Enablement
• Help Center
• Learning Management System

10 Most Loved Features – Presented by the Showell Team

• Showell for Marketing
• Showell for Sales
• Showell for Leaders
• Showell for Dealer Sales

A Must-Have Solution for Kubota’s Dealer Success

Showell’s Digital Sales Room: Branding Made Easy

9 Steps For An Effective Sales Presentation + 6 Examples

As a sales professional, you're constantly seeking ways to create presentations that not only engage your audience but also close deals. While templates can streamline this process, understanding the fundamental principles behind effective presentations is crucial for truly mastering the art of the pitch.

But what exactly makes a sales presentation effective, and how can you create one that resonates with your prospects?

In this guide, we'll walk you through the key elements of an effective sales presentation and provide you with a step-by-step approach to crafting presentations that convert.

We've also included various presentation formats you can use for your next meeting, along with tools to help you create and deliver impactful presentations.

What you'll find in this blog:

What Makes For an Effective Sales Presentation

Understanding these fundamental components is crucial because they form the foundation of any successful sales presentation.

Nowadays, your prospects are bombarded with sales pitches daily. You need to stand out. By mastering these core elements, you'll be able to craft presentations that not only capture attention but also drive action.

Whether you're aiming to increase your close rate, shorten your sales cycle, or simply make a lasting impression, these key components will give you the edge you need.

1. Clear and compelling value proposition

Your presentation should clearly communicate how your product or service solves your prospect's problems or meets their needs.

Many sales presentations fail because they focus too much on features rather than benefits. This leaves prospects wondering, "So what? How does this help me?"

A clear value proposition addresses this by explicitly connecting your offering to the prospect's needs, making the relevance and importance of your solution immediately apparent.

2. Understanding the audience's needs and pain points

Generic, one-size-fits-all presentations often fall flat because they don't resonate with the specific audience. Prospects may feel that you don't truly understand their unique situation or industry.

That’s why personalization is key here. Your presentation should demonstrate that you understand your prospect's specific challenges and goals.

Not only that, tailoring your presentation shows that you've done your homework and are offering a solution that's relevant to them specifically.

3. Engaging storytelling and visual elements

Dry, fact-heavy presentations can be boring and forgettable! They often fail to create an emotional connection or leave a lasting impression. A great presentation tells a story that resonates with your audience, supported by visuals that enhance understanding and retention.

Storytelling and effective visuals make for a presentation that's more engaging and memorable. This helps overcome information overload and helps your key points stick in the minds of your prospects.

4. Strong call-to-action (CTA)

Many presentations end on a weak note, leaving prospects unsure about what to do next. This can result in lost momentum and missed opportunities.

Your presentation should guide your prospect towards a clear next step, whether that's scheduling a demo, starting a trial, or making a purchase. A strong CTA solves this by providing clear direction, reducing decision paralysis, and helping to move the sales process forward.

Now that we've got all that covered, let's get into the nitty-gritty of creating an effective sales presentation.

9 Steps to Follow For An Effective Sales Presentation

Creating an effective sales presentation isn't just about having great content; it's about structuring and delivering that content in a way that resonates with your audience and drives them to action.

Here are nine steps to help you craft and deliver presentations that convert:

Step 1: Research your audience thoroughly

Many salespeople rely on generic presentations or make assumptions about their prospects based on limited information.

Before you even open your presentation software, you need to know who you're presenting to.

Dive deep into your prospect's industry, company, and specific challenges. Use tools like LinkedIn, company websites, and industry reports to gather insights.

In addition to that, conducting a thorough customer needs analysis will help you better tailor your presentation to their needs .

This eliminates irrelevance or misaligned presentations. By thoroughly researching your audience, you can create a presentation that speaks directly to their needs, challenges, and goals, increasing engagement and the likelihood of a positive response.

Step 2: Craft a compelling opening

Many presentations start with company history or a long-winded introduction that fails to capture attention.

Gong even reported that starting off with "Did I catch you at a bad time?" decreases your chances of booking a meeting by 40%. 

You've got about 30 seconds to grab your audience's attention. Start with a bang by using a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a brief story that highlights the problem you're solving.

A compelling opening hooks your audience from the start , making them more likely to pay attention to the rest of your presentation.

Step 3: Clearly articulate your value proposition

Don't make your audience guess why they should care about your product or service. Spell it out for them in clear, benefit-driven language. Focus on the outcomes you can deliver, not just features.

This solves the problem of prospects not understanding the relevance or value of your offering. By clearly articulating your value proposition, you make it easy for prospects to see how your product or service will benefit them specifically.

Step 4: Personalize Your Sales Presentation

Use the insights you gathered in step 1 to tailor your presentation to your audience. Reference their specific industry challenges, use their company's name and logo, and even mention key decision-makers by name if appropriate.

This level of personalization shows that you've done your homework and truly understand their needs.

You don’t want your prospects feeling like they're getting a generic, one-size-fits-all solution. Personalization demonstrates that you understand their unique challenges and are offering a tailored solution.

Step 5: Use storytelling to engage your audience

Humans are wired for stories. Use case studies or customer success stories to illustrate how your solution works in real-world scenarios.

Structure your story with a clear beginning (the challenge), middle (the solution), and end (the results). This approach makes your presentation more memorable and relatable.

Storytelling prevents your presentations from being dry and forgettable. It helps your audience visualize how your solution could work for them, making your presentation more engaging and memorable.

Step 6: Include Social Proof and Testimonials

Many companies rely solely on their own claims about their product or service, which can come across as biased or untrustworthy.

Don't just tell your prospects how great you are – show them.

Don't just tell your prospects how great you are – show them. Include testimonials, case studies, and data from existing clients to build credibility. If possible, use examples from companies in similar industries or with similar challenges to your prospect.

Social proof from satisfied customers builds trust and credibility, making your prospects more likely to believe in the value of your offering.

Step 7: Leverage visual aids and multimedia content effectively

Presentations that are text-heavy and visually unengaging are difficult for the audience to absorb and retain information.

Break up text-heavy slides with infographics, charts, and images that support your key points. If appropriate, consider including short video clips or product demos. Remember, the goal is to enhance understanding, not to distract from your message.

This, again, eases information overload and poor retention. Visual aids and multimedia content make complex information easier to understand and remember, improving the overall effectiveness of your presentation.

Step 8: Address/anticipate objections proactively

If you wait for your prospects to raise objections, it can derail the presentation and put them on the defensive.

Don't wait for your prospects to bring up concerns. Address common objections head-on in your presentation. This shows that you understand their perspective and have solutions ready.

Step 9: End with a compelling CTA

Are you still sending your presentations with a vague "thank you" or "any questions?" This leaves your prospects unsure about next steps.

Make sure your presentation builds towards a clear next step. Whether it's scheduling a demo, starting a free trial, or setting up a follow-up meeting, make your call-to-action clear and compelling. Reinforce the value you've presented throughout and create a sense of urgency.

This solves the problem of losing momentum at the end of a presentation. A strong CTA guides your prospect towards the next step in the sales process, increasing the likelihood of moving the deal forward.

6 Examples of Sales Presentations That Convert

Great! Now that we've covered the steps for creating an effective presentation, let's explore some presentation styles you can use for your next meeting.

Each of these styles has its strengths and is suited to different situations.

The key is to choose the style that best fits your product or service, your audience, and the specific goals of your presentation.

1. The Problem-Solution Approach: 

This presentation style starts by deeply exploring a common industry problem, then introduces your solution as the answer. It's particularly effective when you're targeting a specific industry or niche.

Here’s how it might look:

• Opening slide: "The $10 Billion Problem Plaguing the Manufacturing Industry"
• Next few slides: Detailed breakdown of the problem (e.g., inefficiencies in supply chain management)
• Middle section: Introduction of your solution (e.g., an AI-powered supply chain optimization platform)
• Closing slides: Case studies showing how your solution solved this problem for other manufacturers

The success of this approach hinges on three critical elements. First, you need an in-depth analysis of the industry problem, demonstrating your expertise and understanding.

Next, establish a clear link between the problem and your solution, showing how your offering directly addresses the issue.

Finally, provide concrete examples of how your solution has worked for others in the same industry, building credibility and showing real-world applicability.

2. The Demonstration-Focused Presentation

If you're selling a product that's best understood through hands-on experience, this approach can be powerful. Just make sure to focus on the features that are most relevant to your specific audience.

How it might look:

• Brief introduction of your product (1-2 slides)
• Live demonstration of key features, narrated to highlight benefits
• Q&A session where audience members can request to see specific functions

At the heart of this presentation style is the live product interaction. Keep slides sparse and let your solution take center stage.

As you navigate through features, provide a clear narrative that bridges the gap between functionality and benefits, helping your audience grasp the real-world value.

Remember to stay flexible– be prepared to pivot your demo based on the audience's reactions and questions, showcasing the features that resonate most with their specific needs.

3. The Data-Driven Pitch

This approach is great for audiences who are particularly analytical or numbers-focused. Use concrete data to back up your claims and demonstrate the tangible value of your offering.

• Opening slide: "The Numbers Don't Lie: Why Our Solution is a Game-Changer"
• Series of data visualizations (graphs, charts) showing industry trends
• Slides breaking down the ROI of your solution with concrete numbers
• Case study slides with before/after statistics from current clients

The cornerstone of this approach is the strategic use of data visualizations. These visual aids transform complex information into easily digestible insights.

Pair these visuals with razor-sharp, quantifiable value propositions that speak directly to your audience's pain points and objectives.

The cherry on top? Tailored ROI calculations that paint a clear picture of how your solution translates into tangible value for the prospect's unique situation.

4. The Storytelling Presentation

This style uses a single, compelling customer story to illustrate the entire journey of working with your company. It's particularly effective for complex or high-value sales where prospects need to envision a long-term relationship.

• Opening slide: "The Day Everything Changed for ACME Corp"
• The challenges they faced
• How they found your company
• The implementation process
• The results they achieved
• Closing slides linking ACME's story to the prospect's situation

Crafting a compelling narrative is the essence of this presentation style. Build your story with a distinct beginning, middle, and end to create an engaging arc that captivates your audience.

Weave emotional touchpoints throughout your tale to forge a connection with your listeners. The key to making this approach resonate is drawing clear parallels between your story and the prospect's own challenges, helping them envision how your solution could transform their business narrative.

5. The Interactive Workshop Style

This approach turns your presentation into a two-way conversation, allowing prospects to get hands-on with your product or actively participate in problem-solving exercises.

Active participation is the driving force behind this approach. Ditch the traditional slideshow in favor of hands-on experiences that keep your audience engaged.

Guide your prospects with crystal-clear instructions to ensure they can fully immerse themselves in the interactive elements. Then cap off the experience with a thoughtful debrief session, connecting the dots between the hands-on activity and the real-world value of your product or service.

• Brief introduction of your product/service
• Guided exercise where audience members use your product to solve a sample problem
• Discussion session where audience members share their experience
• Closing section linking the workshop experience to real-world applications

6. The Social Proof and Testimonial-Centric Presentation

If you have a strong track record of customer success, this approach can be very persuasive. It lets your satisfied customers do the selling for you.

• Opening slide: "Don't Just Take Our Word For It"
• Series of slides, each featuring a different customer testimonial or case study
• Video clips of customers sharing their experiences
• Data slides showing aggregate customer satisfaction scores or other relevant metrics
• Closing slide: "Ready to Join Our Success Story?"

Diversity is key in this presentation style! Blend written testimonials, in-depth case studies, and compelling video content to create a rich tapestry of social proof.

It’s important that you anchor these stories with hard numbers, showcasing quantifiable results that demonstrate the concrete impact of your solution. 

And to really drive your point home, feature testimonials from businesses that mirror your prospect's profile, amplifying the relevance and persuasiveness of your social proof.

Each of these presentation styles has its strengths and is suited to different situations. The key is to choose the style that best fits your product or service, your audience, and the specific goals of your presentation.

Remember, the most effective presentations often combine elements from multiple styles to create a compelling and persuasive narrative.

Tools To Use For Creating and Delivering Winning Sales Presentations

We wouldn't leave you hanging without the right gear for the job. To help you put these strategies into action, we've compiled a list of powerful tools that can elevate your sales presentations from good to great.

From design to delivery and beyond, these resources will help you craft, present, and optimize your pitches for maximum impact .

Design Tools

Visuals can make or break your presentation. These design tools can help you create stunning slides and graphics that capture attention and convey information effectively:

• Canva : A user-friendly platform with a vast library of templates, perfect for creating professional-looking slides even if you're not a design expert.
• Adobe Creative Suite : For those who need more advanced design capabilities, tools like Photoshop and Illustrator offer unparalleled control over your visual elements.
• Venngage : Specializes in infographic creation, helping you turn complex data into easily digestible visuals.

Presentation Tools

While PowerPoint is the old standby, there are many other options that can add dynamism and interactivity to your presentations :

• Prezi : Offers a unique, non-linear presentation style that can help you stand out from the typical slide deck.
• Slides.com : Great for collaborative editing and easy sharing of your presentations online.
• Beautiful.ai : Uses AI to help you design professional-looking slides quickly, adapting your content to proven presentation formats.

Presentation Tracking and Analytics Tools

To refine your approach over time, you need data. These tools can help you measure the effectiveness of your presentations:

• Showell : Provides analytics on how your audience interacts with your presentation materials, including which slides get the most attention.
• Looker : Offers in-depth data visualization capabilities, helping you understand and present complex sales data.
• Google Analytics : If you're sharing your presentation online, Google Analytics can provide valuable insights into viewer behavior.

Sales Enablement Tools

These tools can streamline your sales process and ensure your team has access to the most up-to-date and effective presentation materials. In today's fast-paced sales environment, modern sellers require solutions that are mobile-friendly and allow for on-the-go customization while maintaining brand guidelines:

• Showell : Offers a mobile-friendly interface for easy customization of presentations while maintaining brand consistency. It allows sales teams to access and tailor materials on-the-go, perfect for last-minute adjustments before client meetings.
• Showpad : A comprehensive sales enablement platform that centralizes content, provides analytics, and offers coaching tools.
• Highspot : Combines content management, customer engagement, and analytics to improve sales effectiveness.

Remember, the most effective sales presentation is one that resonates with your specific audience and clearly communicates the value you can provide. These tools can help you create, deliver, and optimize your presentations, but they're just that – tools.

The real magic happens when you combine them with the strategies and examples we've discussed throughout this guide.

Crafting an effective sales presentation is both an art and a science. By following the nine steps we've outlined, understanding the different presentation styles, and leveraging the right tools, you can create presentations that not only inform but also persuade and convert.

Remember, the most crucial aspect of any presentation is its ability to resonate with your specific audience and clearly communicate the value you provide. The strategies and examples we've discussed will help you achieve this, but it's the execution that truly matters.

One tool that can significantly enhance your sales presentation process is Showell . As a comprehensive sales enablement platform, Showell offers a mobile-friendly interface for easy customization of presentations while maintaining brand consistency. It allows sales teams to access and tailor materials on-the-go, making it perfect for last-minute adjustments before client meetings.

Let us help you transform your sales presentations from good to great, and start closing more deals with confidence. Get started with Showell Free today or book a demo with our sales enablement experts . 

Learn more about Sales Enablement:

Book a Demo!

If you'd like a personalized walk through of how Showell can address your specific needs, book a demo with us.

Related content

👀 Turn any prompt into captivating visuals in seconds with our AI-powered design generator ✨ Try Piktochart AI!

7 Sales Presentation Examples for Successful Pitches

A successful sales presentation can significantly influence a potential client’s decision-making process. It needs to be engaging, informative, and persuasive.

This guide explores the components of an effective sales presentation, and best practices for creating one, and provides seven exemplary sales presentation templates from various sources.

What Is a Sales Presentation?

A sales presentation is a strategic dialogue designed to persuade a potential client or customer to purchase a product or service. It typically involves a detailed explanation of the product’s features, benefits, and potential return on investment.

What Is Included in a Sales Presentation?

A sales presentation typically includes sections on:

• Introduction : Brief introduction of the company and the presenter.
• Customer Needs : Identification of the client’s needs and how they align with the product or service.
• Product/Service Details : Detailed information about the product or service, highlighting unique selling points.
• Success Stories : Real-life examples or case studies demonstrating the value of the product or service.
• Pricing and Packages : Overview of pricing options and any customizable packages.
• Call to Action : Strong conclusion that prompts the audience to act or decide.

Sales Presentation Best Practices

Creating an effective sales presentation involves several best practices:

• Tailor Your Message : Customize the presentation to address the specific needs and interests of your audience.
• Keep It Concise : Focus on key points to maintain the audience’s attention and keep the presentation within an appropriate timeframe.
• Use Visuals : Employ charts, graphs, and images to make your points clearer and more engaging.
• Rehearse : Practice your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth delivery.
• Engage Your Audience : Encourage questions and interact with the audience to make the presentation more dynamic.

7 Sales Presentation Examples

1) piktochart: “sales pitch examples”.

Piktochart’s Sales Pitch Examples illustrate how to effectively communicate the value of your product or service. These examples showcase various strategies to capture and retain the audience’s interest, making them highly practical for anyone looking to enhance their sales presentations.

Canva Sales Presentation Template offers visually appealing templates designed to make sales presentations more engaging. These templates are easy to customize and suitable for a wide array of industries, helping presenters create professional-looking presentations effortlessly.

2) Slidebean Sales Pitch Deck Template

Slidebean Sales Pitch Deck Template is designed to streamline the creation of impactful sales presentations. The template guides users through structuring an effective pitch, emphasizing the art of storytelling to captivate potential investors and clients.

3) Prezi Sales Plan Presentation Template

Prezi Sales Plan Presentation Template offers a dynamic way to engage audiences with its distinctive zoomable canvas. The template allows sales professionals to outline their strategies and goals in a visually engaging sequence that captures the natural flow of a sales process.

It is designed to help presenters illustrate complex sales plans through a structured yet flexible narrative, enabling the audience to follow along through a visual journey of targets, tactics, and expected outcomes.

4) Queza : Pastel Color Sales Marketing Powerpoint

Queza : Pastel Color Sales Marketing Powerpoint from Envato Elements is designed with pastel colors and a clean, modern aesthetic, making it ideal for sales and marketing presentations that require a fresh and inviting look. This PowerPoint template is versatile, featuring a range of slide layouts that can be used to showcase products, market analysis, sales strategies, and more.

5) SlideSalad Sales Deck PowerPoint Templates

SlideSalad Sales Deck PowerPoint Templates ****offer a comprehensive sales deck that is robust and creatively appealing, ideal for making impactful sales presentations. It features hundreds of unique slides designed for various sales niches, allowing for extensive customization.

6) Solua : Cyber Monday Sale Event Powerpoint

The Cyber Monday Sale Event PowerPoint on Envato Elements is a powerhouse for creating high-impact sales presentations. This template features a modern design that effectively combines bold colors and sleek layouts to capture audience’s attention. It includes multiple slide options to showcase products, promotional offers, and pricing strategies.

7) SlideModel Sales Pitch Presentation Template

SlideModel Sales Pitch Presentation Template offers professionally designed templates tailored for sales presentations. These templates are structured to facilitate clear communication of complex data, strategic alignment, and persuasive storytelling. They are particularly useful for sales teams looking to present data-driven arguments effectively.

Other Posts

What a Pitch-Perfect Business Plan Presentation Template Looks Like

7 Best Practices to a Standout Research Presentation

How to Make a Presentation (Guide With Tips & Templates)

For Sales Manager:

For sales reps:.

• Refer & Earn

Sales Presentation 101: Examples and Ideas That Can Help You Present Like a Pro

Updated On: 14 Apr, 2023

Your sales presentation can make or break a deal.

No, that is not an exaggeration. While it is true that a customer’s final decision depends on many other aspects of the product, one cannot deny that an effective sales presentation significantly influence their decision. If done right and at the right moment, your sales presentation can accelerate the buyer’s decision. 

Making a solid sales presentation requires storytelling skills , a robust structure, and some planning. Your presentation has to provide a unique perspective on the product that the customer wouldn’t have normally thought of. 

Let’s find out what a good sales presentation should look like. From the structure to the key elements every sales presentation needs, we’ll cover everything you need to know. 

What Are the Principles of An Effective Sales Presentation?

• How To Build A Sales Presentation? 

How To Deliver a Sales Presentation

Great sales presentation ideas, what to do after a sales presentation.

• Conclusion 

It is important to understand that a sales presentation is much more than a sales pitch . A sales pitch is an attempt to persuade a buyer to consider your product. It is something that your sales team does every day, in every preliminary interaction with a prospect.

Sales pitches are relatively easy because they are mostly one-to-one, over a call or an email. You only need to convince that one person and when that’s done you successfully close the deal. In a sales presentation though, you have to face more than one decision-maker.

In a nutshell, technically a sales presentation is similar to a sales pitch but far more elaborate and complex.

Sales presentations are driven by certain principles; they are – 

1. Personalization  

A sales presentation cannot be generic. If you wish to connect with your audience and sell them the idea, you have to personalize your presentation to fit their use case.

To do this effectively, learn about the buyer’s primary pain points and focus your presentation on these issues. The buyer needs to feel understood to have trust in your pitch. 

For example when we pitch Kylas to our potential buyers, instead of focusing on our features we rather convey how the tool will benefit their business and fit their use case. This helps user understand in what ways the product/service can help them.

2. Simple and To-The-Point

Time is valuable. Both yours and your audience’s. So your sales presentation has to cut straight to the point. Of course, you would need to give them a brief introduction and context. But don’t beat around the bush or bore your audience with too many industry statistics, jargons or your company history. Grab their attention in as little time as you can. 

3. Focus On the Problem

The sales presentation needs to focus on the problem and not skip to the solution. Through the sales presentation, you need to help the buyer understand their problem even better. When the buyer sees that you know the problem better than they do, they assume that you probably have the best solution too. 

4. Differentiators Are Best Left for the End

A common tendency of sales leaders is to highlight the differentiators from the very start of the sales presentation. This only comes across as desperate and pushing to make a sale. Differentiators should not lead your sales presentations. Your buyer should themselves see how you are different from your competitors. 

Once the buyer gains an insight into the key problems they face, they can be led to the differentiators. At this point, feel free to show them how your product can address the problem that your competitors can’t. 

5. Connect With the Decision-Makers  

If you talk like a sales rep, you will automatically be directed to interact with an equivalent position in the buyer’s company. If you really want to make an impression on the decision-makers, you have to talk in a language that executives would relate to.

Product specs and features are best left to the end-users or IT teams. Decision-makers need to hear how the product will impact the business as a whole. 

6. Conversational  

Don’t make the sales presentation sound like a sales pitch. Presentations need to be more conversational and flow more naturally. Encourage questions and engage in a two-way conversation to ensure that the buyer is equally invested in the presentation. 

How To Build A Sales Presentation?  

Now that you know the underlying principles of a good sales presentation, you need to know how to build one. Every sales presentation needs to have a structure to it. How you open the presentation, what you talk about in the body of the presentation, and how you close it are crucial. 

So what goes into creating a killer sales deck ? Let’s look at the structure of a perfect sales presentation step-by-step. 

1. Here Is How You Should Begin Your Sales Presentation

You always start with a brief introduction of yourself and your company. Once the pleasantries are out of the way, go on to the important part. 

Highlight the Problem  

Every sales presentation needs to have a problem statement. It is the problem that you aim to solve with your product. So without much ado, get to explaining the problem you want to address. It could be a change in the industry that needs organizations to catch up or a specific problem at the buyer’s end that you have identified and can help solve. 

The customer may not be aware that they have a pain point that needs to be addressed. It is your job to make them see where they are lacking. Also, show them what they could achieve if these issues are taken care of. 

Use numbers and figures to quantify the problem. It helps drive home the point better. Say things like, “you are losing X amount in revenue each year” or “Y number of your customers are slipping through the cracks because of this”. 

This helps them understand the scale of the problem. It also creates a sense of urgency as the buyer surely doesn’t want more damage done. Tell the buyer how much more they could lose if they didn’t apply a solution right away. 

2. Body of Sales Presentation  

Now that the buyer is aware they have a problem, it is time to offer a solution. 

2.1 Present the Solution  

At this stage, you need to talk about the product you are offering and how it can help them. Your product could cater to many different users. So you should be careful that the positives you highlight are meaningful and relevant to the current buyer in question. Discuss more on how it helps them solve their specific problem instead of discussing common features. 

But words alone can’t do a good enough job of convincing your buyer. You need to back it up with data. 

2.2 How to Present Sales Data and Performance ?

Presenting sales data and performance reports at a sales presentation is a tricky job. You don’t want your audience dozing off at the sight of all those numbers and figures. But you definitely want them to see what you have achieved so far. 

The golden path here is to only show what is relevant and rely on visual representations. Create charts, graphs, and infographics to support your presentation. Present the results of case studies that show what your customers have gained from using your product.

Use data from customers who have a similar profile as the current buyer. This helps the buyer relate better and see your solution as truly useful. 

For instance, if you are pitching to a startup, you cannot show them what an MNC has gained using your product. The scale and priorities of the two businesses are very different. So, the buyer may not see this as an ideal solution for themselves. 

Use social proof wherever it fits. Share a few customer testimonials or reviews. Again the customer reviews you are sharing should be from companies in the same space as the buyer. 

Keep your data engaging, meaningful, and limited. 

2.3 What Makes a Good Sales Presentation?

A good sales presentation should be short but impactful. Many thought leaders in the industry suggest that your sales presentation  should not be longer than 10 minutes . Within these 10 minutes, you have to cover everything that the buyer can find useful in making a purchase decision. 

Maintain consistency throughout your presentation. Everything from the images you use to the brand colours and logos should be coherent. Make sure you have researched the buyer well enough. Wherever you need to use their brand assets, ensure that you are using the right ones. 

3. How to End a Sales Presentation  

After you have said all that needed to be said, it is time to close your presentation. You can add a final slide highlighting the next steps. This should be more like a call to action. If the buyer decides to move forward with the purchase, what do they need to do? Finally, leave the floor open for questions from the audience. 

Let the buyer come up with their queries and concerns. The answers that you provide at this stage are going to be very crucial to the deal. 

Building a good sales presentation is only the first part of this complex job. How you deliver the presentation plays an even more crucial role in this. Presentation skills are going to matter a lot in how you influence the buyer. 

Here are a few quick tips for the presenter. 

1. Be Confident Inside and Outside

The first thing your audience is going to notice is how confident you are about the whole situation. Your confidence has to reflect in your speech and your body language. If you can deliver the presentation even without the slides, it shows that you know what you are talking about. Avoid looking at the slides every second. 

Stand/ sit straight and be careful about the hand gestures you make. Keep them minimal if you are not sure what to do. Try to look optimistic and in control of the situation. 

2. Modulate your Tone  

The last thing anyone wants from a sales presentation is a boring, monotonous voice just reading out the slides. A lot of your charisma exudes from the way you talk. So use your voice well. Modulate where necessary. Know which points to stress on and where to use a lighter tone. This also helps direct the attention of the audience to the right points. 

3. Look Involved  

If you want your audience to be invested in the presentation, you have to look involved yourself. For instance, if your audience consists of C-suite executives and you are selling a software solution, you need to be dressed for the occasion.

If you are presenting to an audience of young, energetic entrepreneurs running a startup, you will need to exude the same kind of energy. 

When you look involved, your audience automatically trusts you. 

4. Do Not Assume That the Audience Cares About Your Product

The audience does not care about the product you are selling. They only care about the problem they face. So don’t assume that they would be familiar with your product. You need to ensure that everyone is on board when you start your presentation. Look for their reactions during the presentation and see if they are following. 

Change your pace accordingly and let them ask questions mid-way if they need to. 

There are some common sales presentation examples that you can learn from. These templates can help you build on and create a solid sales pitch. 

1. The Product Demo  

One way of going about your sales presentation is by giving a demo of the product you are selling. In this case, you don’t even need those slides. You can give your prospects a taste of what your product offers first-hand. If this is a feasible option, then you should definitely go for it. 

It can be far more engaging than a slideshow. But it may also be a little time-consuming, so you will need to plan well. 

2. The Data-Backed Sales Presentation  

Another very convincing template is the data-driven presentation that offers proof that your solution works. The idea here is not to stuff the presentation with numbers but to show your buyers what you can provide in an engaging way. Create infographics, videos, graphs, and handouts that will keep your audience engaged and informed. 

3. The Minimalistic but Confident Sales Presentation

If you are confident about the product you are selling, you don’t need much, really. You can even present without a slide deck or a demo. Just prepare your pitch well, invite questions from the audience, and offer convincing answers. If you are doing it right, it should be enough to take them further down the sales funnel . This kind of confidence only comes from experience though, so tread very carefully. 

The job does not end with delivering a good sales presentation. You have work even after the presentation is over. Your audience will likely have some questions they want to ask. Also, they won’t be making a purchase decision immediately after your presentation. 

1. Accept Questions  

Always encourage your audience to get back to you with more questions if they need to, even after you have left their office. This keeps the door open for communication. It also helps build a stronger relationship with the prospect. 

2. Follow Up  

If the prospect does not get back, you have to follow up yourself. Give them some time to ponder, and then send a follow-up email or make a call. Ask them if they need any further assistance to help finalize their decision. 

Conclusion  

Though you may think that a sales presentation is just another sales pitch, it is so much more. The power of your sales presentation can only be unleashed if you know how to do it right. The sales presentation gives you the opportunity to share your customers’ stories, highlight your achievements and demonstrate what value you can offer to a prospect.

Letting go of an opportunity like this would be a mistake. So invest some time and effort into making a winning sales presentation and using sales CRM software for your growing business.  

Boost your sales productivity and nail your sales target with customizable sales CRM software .

If you want your business to scale new heights,  Kylas  is the answer for you. Kylas Sales CRM tool can help you streamline your sales by providing you with Custom Sales Insights and more. Contact us today to know more!

Shagun Sharma

Shagun is a content marketer at Kylas, extremely well-versed in all things Marketing. She works closely with the sales team to create best-in-class content for our readers. Her experience combined with her thorough research skills makes all her blogs very in-depth and insightful. In her leisure time, Shagun enjoys hiking, gardening, and immersing herself in music.

• Sales Best Practices
• Sales Productivity
• Sales Techniques

Recommended Articles

Business Growth

Top 4 Small Business Growth Strategies Need to Know

According to the World Bank, small businesses represent about 90 percent of all global businesses and more than 50 percent…

Published On: January 26, 2021

Sales Effectiveness

Inbound Sales Vs Outbound Sales – The Right Choice for Your Growing Business

Budding entrepreneurs with growing businesses are often torn between two sales strategies– inbound and outbound sales. The inbound vs. outbound…

Published On: November 30, 2021

10 Must Have Powerful Words to Improve Sales Skills

“How you sell is more important than what you sell.” – Andy Paul, Global Sales Experts, and Author. This quote by Andy…

Published On: May 14, 2021

5000+ growing businesses have signed up for Kylas!

Existing user? Login here.

An account with the given contact details already exists. Please proceed to log in or try signing up with a different email id or phone number.

By clicking on "Sign up for free", you agree to our terms and you acknowledge having read our privacy policy

Thank you for your interest in Kylas. Our experts will connect with you shortly.

Back to Sales Management

How to Craft and Deliver a Sales Presentation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by: Sean McAlindin

Sean McAlindin, a business and arts writer, has a decade-long experience in music and culture journalism and recently ventured into business writing.

Edited by: Sallie Middlebrook

Sallie, holding a Ph.D. from Walden University, is an experienced writing coach and editor with a background in marketing. She has served roles in corporate communications and taught at institutions like the University of Florida.

Updated on July 21, 2024

What is a Sales Presentation?

Why are sales presentations important, the steps to creating and delivering an effective sales presentation, where sales presentations go wrong.

In the competitive world of business, the significance of delivering an impactful sales presentation cannot be overstated. Not only is it a vital tool for showcasing your products, services, or ideas – a successful sales presentation connects with an audience and builds the bridge to a potential business relationship. 

Ultimately,  it’s about establishing credibility and likeability with your prospects. Whether you’re pitching to potential clients, investors, or colleagues, mastering the art of delivering a compelling sales presentation can lead to positive outcomes and lucrative sales opportunities.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you craft and deliver effective sales presentations. We will cover essential tips for preparation, including doing your research, understanding your audience, and setting clear objectives. You’ll learn how to create a solid presentation from the ground up with a strong narrative structure, engaging visuals, and a decisive call to action. 

We’ll also address how to handle questions and follow up after the presentation, as well as touch on some common pitfalls where sales presentations go wrong. By following these strategies, you can elevate your presentation skills, connect with your audience on a deeper level, and achieve greater success in your sales endeavors.

Key Takeaways

Sales presentations are the most direct way to sell your product or service to a new audience. Mastering these skills will improve your confidence as a sales professional, build lasting business relationships, and help you close more deals.

Crafting a quality sales presentation requires preparation, structure, insight, and adaptability. It’s important to have the right tools, knowledge, structure, and mindset to connect with your audience. Our trusted experts at Making That Sale will go over everything you need to know in this comprehensive, step-by-step guide.

A sales presentation is a communication tool used by individuals and businesses to showcase their products, services, or ideas to potential clients, investors, or stakeholders.

It is a strategic and well-crafted pitch designed to create a favorable impression of your product and services, and persuade your prospects to buy what you’re selling. Whether conducted in-person or virtually, a successful sales presentation builds a relationship with the audience, addresses their needs, and ultimately persuades them to consider your solution.

Most sales presentations include a script along with a slideshow that features graphics, video, and key statistics. However, a truly effective presentation goes far beyond features and benefits. The best ones tell a spellbinding story with engaging visuals that forges genuine interest and personal connections with the audience.  

Sure, you’re going to talk about the product or service you’re selling, but on a deeper level, you are trying to build trust and rapport between you and your prospects. A sales presentation is all about establishing the framework for a successful and fulfilling business relationship. A great pitch takes advantage of this opportunity to make a lasting impression and convince your customers to make the next step on their business journey with you by their side. 

Sales presentations are important in the world of business mainly because they often represent your first (and sometimes only) opportunity to grab your customers’ interest and establish the potential for a future sale. 

It’s an opportunity to showcase the unique benefits of products or services, while establishing trust and credibility with the audience. By addressing their specific needs and pain points, sales people  demonstrate expertise, relevance, and commitment to personalized service. 

By presenting information in a clear and engaging manner, you can use your sales presentation to encourage quicker responses and commitments from stakeholders. In competitive markets, an effective sales presentation sets businesses apart from competitors by giving them the chance to highlight their advantages and persuade prospects that their solutions are the best. 

Sales presentations are indispensable tools for businesses to communicate their mission, build relationships, and create actionable opportunities. By learning how to craft and deliver impactful presentations, salespeople can propel themselves toward sustainable success, career growth, and a world of endless business possibilities. 

Now, let’s go through the process of creating and delivering a sales presentation, step by step. In this section, we’ll cover preparation, written craft, visual design, live delivery, Q&A, and follow-up, ensuring you don’t miss the chance to engage your audience and deliver a compelling message.

1. Preparing the presentation

Before stepping into the spotlight, it’s crucial to lay the groundwork for an effective sales presentation. 

If you follow these foundational steps as you embark on your journey to becoming a skilled sales presenter, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a sales presentation that leaves a lasting impression and yields successful results. 

Understand your audience

An excellent sales presentation is no mere, one-sided pitch, but rather a personalized engagement with each unique audience. It involves understanding the specific challenges and requirements of who you’re selling to and tailoring your content accordingly. This level of customization establishes rapport, trust, and credibility, while laying the foundation for a positive and receptive atmosphere.

Before you begin crafting your sales presentation, learn about the prospect’s company size, mission, industry, internal processes, and vision for the future. Examine their pain points and associated consequences to customize your presentation directly to their needs. This will help you plan some small talk, tweak your sales pitch, and choose relevant social proof that sells directly to their experience and mindset. 

Identify the decision-makers and stakeholders who will be present during your presentation. Research their roles and responsibilities. If they’re from high-level management, focus on how you’ll help them achieve long-term goals. If they’re planning to use your solution day-to-day, focus on its efficiency, ease of use, and problem-solving.

Knowing your audience allows you to speak their language, making your pitch more relatable and convincing. Your preparation will demonstrate an attention to detail and leadership quality that naturally attracts people to you and persuades them to listen to what you have to say.

Know your product inside and out

The other side of the equation is knowing your product or service like the back of your hand. Before preparing your sales presentation, list all the positive attributes, statistics, and details that you want to get across, and choose the ones that are most important to your audience. You’re not here to overwhelm them with information, but you need to make sure you’re covering the basics and that you’re prepared to answer technical questions when they arise. 

Set clear objectives

Without clear objectives, a presentation can easily lose focus and go off the rails. Define what you aim to accomplish with your pitch – whether it’s to secure a deal, gain buy-in for a project, or establish a partnership. Setting clear goals enables you to structure your content effectively and ensure that every element of your presentation aligns with your intended outcomes.

Develop a compelling story structure

Great sales presentations are more than just a collection of slides; they tell a captivating story that resonates with the audience. By using proven storytelling techniques, presenters can draw their listeners in and create an emotional connection that makes the experience more memorable. 

We’re all wired for tales of triumph, struggle, and inspiration. While these narratives can take many forms, their most basic structure involves conflict and a resolution. In a sales presentation, this means focusing on how your solution can solve a specific problem or fills a key need for your client. Your goal is to demonstrate the value you can bring to their lives or businesses in a way that’s both compelling and relatable. 

Start by hooking your listeners with a strong opening that captures their attention and generates interest in your topic. Develop a logical flow of ideas, organizing your content in a way that is easy to follow and builds a persuasive case. Back up your claims with data, evidence, and real-world examples to reinforce the credibility of your offering and bolster your audience’s confidence in your presentation.

You can get more creative from there to bring your presentation to life, but that’s a great base to build from. For more information about how to leverage narrative techniques to make deals, read Making That Sale’s article, “How to Sell with Storytelling.”

2. Crafting the presentation

Creating a successful sales presentation is an art that goes beyond just delivering information. It’s about understanding your audience’s aspirations and crafting an entertaining narrative that resonates with their hearts, minds, souls. Each slide, every word, and every gesture presents an opportunity to make a lasting impression and leave your audience inspired.

In this section, we’ll guide you through choosing the right presentation tools, developing a story based on a common, effective structure, and creating appealing and impactful visuals and graphic design elements that tie everything together.  

Choose the right presentation tools

First things first, pick your preferred platform. PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, Prezi, and Visme are all popular options. Choose a presentation tool that aligns with your style and allows you to unleash your creative genius with ease and confidence. 

When it comes to selecting the right sales presentation tools, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, ensure compatibility and accessibility with your workflow. Whatever program you use, make sure it seamlessly integrates across your devices and platforms for easy access and editing on the go. 

A user-friendly interface is equally important, as it empowers you to create visually captivating slides without a steep learning curve, saving valuable time and effort. If you collaborate with a team on presentations, prioritize tools with real-time collaboration features and version control to ensure that multiple team members can work together seamlessly.

Next, focus on the visual capabilities of the tool. Look for options that allow you to effortlessly incorporate images, graphics, charts, and multimedia elements. Visuals not only enhance engagement, but also help simplify complex information, making it easier for your audience to grasp and remember key points. 

Since many presentations are now happening online, choose tools that offer screen sharing, live broadcasting, and offline presenting capabilities. This flexibility enables you to adapt to different presentation scenarios and cater to various audience preferences. 

For more information on the pros and cons of popular sales presentation tools, read Making That Sale’s article, “The Best Sales Presentation Tools.”

Follow a simple presentation outline

Here is a bare-bones sales presentation outline you can use to start crafting your presentation. There’s plenty of room for interpretation and creativity, but this covers all the basics you need to include to get started. 

1. Open with small talk and introductions 

Thank your prospect for attending.  Introduce yourself and your business. Consider making a safe, agreeable joke or positive commentary about their company. Otherwise, open with an essential question or some type of appealing hook.  Make this section brief, yet personal, upbeat, and engaging. 

2. Set an agenda 

Remind the prospect of the purpose of the meeting and why it’s good they’re attending. Get their agreement to move on and talk about the problem and solution ahead.

3. Bring up your prospect’s main problem 

Summarize what you learned about during research and discovery about your client’s main pain point and elucidate the implications of leaving it unsolved. Present this information in a way that resonates with your audience by using empathetic language and descriptive storytelling. 

4. Talk about the benefits of your solution

Envision a better world in which the problem is gone, thanks to you. Reveal how your product or service can make this vision a reality by improving their business and brightening their outlook for the future.

5. Share social proof 

Include case studies, testimonials, and anecdotes from past customers who have benefited from your solution. Point to sales numbers, industry trends, or other data that supports your claims about your product.

6. End with a call to action 

Wrap up with a closing statement that invites your audience to begin this partnership, make a purchase, or take another decisive action. The whole build-up of your presentation is leading to this doorway. Make it easy and appealing for your audience to enter and take the next steps. 

3. Designing an engaging, effective slideshow

Now, let’s dive into the art of designing slideshows that seriously pop. Say goodbye to boring bullet points and clip art. In the age of media, we can and must do better. 

Start by selecting an appropriate color scheme and font that complements your brand and message. A dash of color can work wonders in capturing attention and making information more memorable.

Select engaging visuals that draw in your audience with photography, charts, and video clips. These graphics not only break the monotony of information, but also help illustrate your points and engage your audience. Engaging slides with relevant images and easy-to-process data can enhance understanding and retention of the information being presented. 

Create graphs that back your claims, illustrate trends, and supplement your stories. For example, if you say Facebook ad prices are trending upwards, show a line chart of this. If you’re talking about satisfied customers, show actual photos of the people whose lives you’ve touched. 

Be selective with your visuals as it’s essential to strike a balance and avoid overwhelming the audience with too much content. A visually appealing presentation should complement the presenter’s message and not overshadow it. So, choose wisely to ensure that every visual element serves a purpose in supporting your narrative.

Keep your slides clean and uncluttered to avoid overwhelming your audience. A cluttered slide can feel like trying to read another language. Stick to the essentials complemented with simple, compelling visuals, and your message will shine through as clear as day. When it comes to text, font size and readability matter, especially for those sitting in the back row. Make sure that everyone can effortlessly read your slides without squinting or calling for backup binoculars. Not everyone has 20/20 vision, you know!

Remember, designing an effective slideshow is an art form that requires thoughtful consideration of your audience’s preferences and needs. With the right blend of colors, fonts, and visuals, you’ll create a presentation that not only pops and engages, but also leaves a lasting impression on your listeners.

Pro tip : Send the slideshow to your audience ahead of time so that they can get an idea of what you’ll be talking about before the presentation.

4. Delivering the presentation

Now that you’ve got an expertly-scripted narrative and captivating visuals to go with it, it’s time to nail your delivery like a pro. Get ready to shine on that stage and win the hearts and minds of your audience with your down-to-earth, welcoming, confident approach to selling.

Rehearse the presentation

Remember the saying, “Practice makes perfect”? Well, it’s true when it comes to sales presentations. Rehearsing allows you to commit your pitch to memory, so it comes across as effortless and natural. 

It’s a good idea to practice alone to get comfortable with your material. Then, when you’re ready,  gather some colleagues, friends, or family as a test audience. Listen to their feedback and respond accordingly. 

Practice also gives you a chance to time your presentation, to see if it needs to be cut or expanded upon depending on your audience and venue. Remember to pace yourself, take time to answer questions, and leave room for unscripted interactions with your audience.

Develop confident body language

Confident body language can do wonders for your presentation skills. Start with eye contact – a simple, magic power that keeps your audience engaged and confident in you. Try to connect with all the people in the room, one calm, collected gaze at a time.

Whether you’re in person or on a Zoom call, don’t be afraid to let your hands do the talking. Use motions to emphasize your points and transitions. You don’t need to jump up and down – a small, well-placed gesture can go a long way. In terms of posture, put your shoulders back, smile, and feel free to move around naturally. 

Unless you really happen to offend someone, avoid apologizing if you make a mistake. This indicates nervousness or discomfort. Instead, take it in stride and move forward with confidence.

Speak with clarity and enthusiasm

Hold up, Shakespeare! Leave the jargon and technical terms at the door. Your audience isn’t here for a vocabulary lesson. You need to speak using clear, simple language that everyone can understand.

Since the tone of your voice matters a lot, consider using one that is upbeat and energized. Keep your narrative and visual content moving ahead. Don’t spend more than a minute or two on each slide. Frequently changing the visual stimuli helps to maintain the audience’s curiosity, especially in the age of 21st-century information overload where attention spans are shorter than ever. 

Above all, let your passion for what you’re selling shine through. Show enthusiasm for your subject matter and really believe in what you’re saying. If you’re not excited about what you’re selling, it’s unlikely your audience will become enthusiastic about it, or even interested at all. 

Connect with your audience

Do your best to maintain an approachable and friendly demeanor throughout the presentation. Smile genuinely, maintain eye contact, and use inclusive language. Encourage interaction with your audience by asking questions, seeking their input, and acknowledging their responses. 

While you’ll be tempted to push ahead with your scripted presentation, it’s a good idea to address questions as they come up, or promise to circle back around to them later. This approach creates a sense of involvement and fosters a two-way communication flow helping your audience feel valued, heard, and engaged in the conversation.

Be yourself

Every presentation is a chance to showcase not only your products or ideas, but also unique authenticity and passion. Embrace your one-of-a-kind voice, let your personality shine, and watch as your audience becomes invested in your vision.

Originality creates a human connection, making you more relatable and approachable to everyone. People buy from those they like and trust, so be true to yourself. You’ll be more likely to forge a meaningful bond with your audience and open them up to a sale. 

Don’t be afraid to go off script

While expert salespeople usually follow a script, they are also masters of improvisation. Every audience is different, and if you’re going to succeed consistently, you need to be able to think on your feet and respond to changing circumstances.

Going off script during a sales presentation can be a powerful tool to establish a genuine connection with your audience. While preparation is crucial, spontaneity adds an element of authenticity and adaptability that resonates with listeners. It allows you to address questions or concerns in real-time, demonstrating your expertise and building trust.

Let’s say your prospect asks an unexpected question or interrupts you in some other way. How are you going to react? The way we act in unfamiliar situations has a big impact on how people form opinions about us. They may just be testing you, or have a peculiar personality quirk. Either way, to keep their interest you’ll have to be agile and ready to shift gears to keep them engaged while continuing to steer the discussion toward your desired end goal. 

Close your presentation on a high note

As the curtains draw close on your spectacular sales presentation, it’s time to leave a lasting impression that lingers in the minds of your captivated audience. We suggest following these simple steps. 

1. Summarize

Summarize the key points and takeaways of your presentation, reinforcing your main message in a concise, yet impactful, manner. Consider using a creative analogy or metaphor that drives home the substance of your sales pitch in a memorable way. A well-crafted summary ensures that your audience departs with a clear understanding of your value proposition in a way they can repeat and explain to others. 

2. Call to action

Then comes the moment you’ve been building up to – the grand finale of your sales presentation! It’s time to close with a powerful call-to-action that sparks action in your audience. Whether it’s urging them to schedule a meeting, sign up for a trial, or commit to a purchase, make it crystal clear what you want them to do next. A compelling call-to-action fuels the momentum you’ve gained and propels your audience into the next step in the sales journey. 

3. Offer additional resources

Want to go the extra mile? Provide your audience with valuable resources that enhance their understanding and keep the momentum going. Share relevant materials, such as research papers, case studies, or links to informative websites. It’s a gesture that shows you’re invested in their success beyond the confines of the presentation.

4. Final thoughts

When it’s time for your closing master stroke, you may choose to go out with a thought-provoking question or inspiring quote. Be bold, creative, and authentic in your approach. While gimmicks aren’t necessary, you may choose to use a surprise element, such as a live demonstration, giveaway, or interactive game, to leave an indelible impression. 

5. Addressing questions and objections

As your sales presentation ends, the spotlight often shifts to a Q&A session. This is where you can showcase your expertise like a pro and add the final touches that make your sales presentation an absolute winner. Here are some ideas to prepare for this important but sometimes forgotten portion of the process. 

Anticipate potential questions and concerns

As you’re planning your presentation, step into your audience’s shoes and envision what might be on their minds. What questions would you have if you were in their position? 

Anticipating their concerns allows you to proactively prepare your answers, demonstrating that you truly understand their needs and are ready to provide reliable solutions. Get ready to handle those curveballs and you’ll win over your prospects with your knowledge and quick responsiveness. 

Prepare well-researched answers

When it comes to answering questions, there’s no room for winging it. Thoroughly research your topic, gather relevant data, and equip yourself with compelling evidence to back up your points. Armed with a wealth of knowledge, you’ll exude confidence and leave your audience with a sense of trust in your expertise. 

While you don’t want to bombard your audience with statistics in the initial pitch, the follow-up questions are a great place to nerd out and dig into the details. When they’ve asked a question, you can be relatively sure they are interested in gaining more in-depth knowledge about it. 

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability

Sometimes, the Q&A session can throw unexpected surprises your way. Instead of silently freaking out and changing the topic, embrace the opportunity to demonstrate your adaptability, empathy, and sense of humor. 

If faced with a question you hadn’t anticipated, stay composed, and acknowledge the inquiry. If you don’t have an immediate answer, offer to follow up after the presentation. Doing this will offer your audience a small sign of your commitment to delivering accurate, up-to-date information.

6. Following up

As the final act of your sales presentation draws to a close, the journey doesn’t end there. Follow-up and feedback are the key ingredients to building long-lasting business relationships, closing deals, and refining your presentation prowess for your next audition. With this in mind, let’s dive into the steps to take after the spotlight fades and the audience gets on with their day. 

Send personalized follow-up messages

Keep the momentum going by reaching out to your audience with personalized follow-up messages. Thank them for their time, reiterate the main points discussed, and offer any additional information or resources promised during the presentation. A personalized touch shows your attentiveness and genuine interest in their needs, strengthening your connections and leaving a positive impression.

Offer them another opportunity to buy

Perhaps you and your prospect didn’t come to a final agreement at the end of the sales presentation. It’s likely they need some time to reflect on your offer and decide whether or not it’s right for their business. When you follow up, reiterate your product and pricing structure, so they know exactly what they need to do to move forward with your solution. You don’t need to be pushy, but keep the doorway open and make it as easy as possible for your potential client to walk through it. 

Request feedback

Open, honest feedback is the key to ongoing growth and improvement. Don’t be shy about asking your audience for their thoughts and opinions on your presentation. Constructive criticism and valuable insights can provide a fresh perspective, helping you refine your strengths and work on any areas that may need fine-tuning. 

Embrace feedback as a learning opportunity, and your future presentations will shine even brighter than before. Implement the suggestions that align with your goals and style, and don’t forget to celebrate the areas where you’ve received praise. With each iteration, you’ll become an even more compelling and confident presenter.

Before we conclude, let’s take a moment to talk about what people often do wrong while drafting their presentations. Here are the most common pitfalls that can completely derail even the most promising sales presentation. Steer clear of these and you’re well on your way to success. 

1. Lack of preparation

Insufficient preparation can negatively impact a presentation’s success. Without thorough research and planning, the presenter may struggle to effectively connect with their audience, convey the value proposition, or address potential questions that arise. There’s nothing worse than bombing a pitch because you didn’t do your homework. 

2. Poor understanding of the audience

Failing to understand the audience’s needs, preferences, and pain points can lead to a disconnected presentation that doesn’t resonate with the listeners. Take the time to research your prospects before every presentation or be doomed to forever remain a stranger. 

3. Too much ego 

Presentations are far too often egocentric and all about the company and the product. The problem with this is that the customer doesn’t really care about you, your product, or your service. Customers care about themselves and how you can make their lives better. Remember, to make them the center of your story or risk losing their attention and possibly causing them to hate you. 

4. Ineffective delivery

Poor public speaking skills and a lack of confidence can undermine the presenter’s credibility and diminish the impact of the message. These skills can be learned over time, but it’s important to cultivate genuine expertise and a good sense of self-esteem. Take care of yourself, your life, and your work, and this positive energy will come through to any audience that’s paying attention.

5. Text overload

No one wants to read a mass block of text. A presentation should be as succinct as possible or it will risk boring people. Each slide should address one idea or point. When you have too many ideas at once, people are more likely to become distracted and lose interest.

6. Too much jargon

In the world of sales, it’s all too easy to get caught up in statistics, technicalities, and meaningless jargon. Overloading the audience with too much information or complex data can confuse and disengage them, making it difficult for them to grasp the main points. It’s essential to keep your sales presentation simple, understandable, and engaging for each customer. The last thing you want to do is sound like an unrelatable salesperson who might as well be a robot. 

7. Lack of storytelling

Humans love to be told stories. There is something innately magical about them that draws us in and holds our attention. Presentations that are only a list of features and functions don’t command as much interest as those that weave a narrative of how your product can add value to a customer’s life. So get out your finest fountain pen and sketch out a story that’s sure to keep them on the edge of their seat.

8. Poor design

People like to look at things that attract them, and those things are usually well-designed. You may not be a gifted artist, but there are plenty of professionals you can find on freelancing platforms, such as Upwork, who will help make your presentation look professional, if you lack the skills to do it yourself.

You may also consider investing in an AI image generator like DALL-E , Midjourney , or Stable Diffusion to help you create the images you need. Nowadays, there are also a profusion of AI slideshow and video presentation generators including Vimeo, Animoto, Simplified, and Movavi. 

9. Missing call-to-action

Without a clear and persuasive call-to-action, the audience may not know the next steps to take. You can have the greatest build-up imaginable, but if you miss the punchline, it’s all for naught. To avoid missed opportunities, be absolutely clear about the coming steps at the end of your presentation in order to move the sale and business relationship forward from here. 

10. Overpromising and underdelivering

While it’s tempting to promise the moon, making unrealistic claims that cannot be fulfilled only leads to a loss of trust and credibility. Remember that honesty, authenticity, and empathy are the three keys to connecting with your customers. Be straightforward and grounded about what you can do for them and be ready to follow through on what you say. 

11. Technical issues

Technical glitches or disruptions during a virtual or multimedia presentation can disrupt the flow and distract from the message. While this is sometimes unavoidable, be sure to have a backup plan in case things go haywire. If you don’t think ahead, you could be caught out on on the sales presentation sea without a lifejacket or any chance of rescue. 

Armed with the insights from this guide, you’re now ready to craft and deliver sales presentations that captivate your audience, build strong business connections, and drive sales numbers. Embrace your own authentic voice, let your passion for selling shine, and watch as your audience becomes invested in your vision and ready to follow you to the promised land.

Remember, this isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with each unique audience. So be sure to prepare, practice, and continually refine your presentation as you work through your leads. Be flexible, knowledgeable, helpful, and humble and you’re bound to see your results improve over time. 

You have the tools, the knowledge, and the spirit – now go out there and make your mark! Your journey as a skilled sales presenter has only just begun, and with each pitch, you have the chance to close more deals that will make a positive difference in the lives of your customers. 

Technical glitches and interruptions can happen, but being prepared is the key. Always have a backup plan, such as carrying a printed copy of your presentation or having digital copies on multiple devices. 

Stay composed if a technical issue arises and use humor to defuse any tension. Embrace interruptions as opportunities to engage with your audience and address their concerns. Your ability to handle these situations gracefully will showcase your adaptability and professionalism.

Recognizing and catering to diverse learning styles is essential to keep your audience engaged. Use a mix of visuals, verbal explanations, and interactive elements to accommodate different preferences. 

Incorporate hands-on activities, group discussions, or live demonstrations to enhance engagement. By appealing to various learning styles, you’ll create a more inclusive and interactive experience, ensuring everyone benefits from your presentation.

In the digital era, making your presentation collaborative is a valuable marketing opportunity. Incorporate visually appealing slides with shareable content, such as impactful quotes, statistics, or striking images. 

Encourage audience participation and offer incentives for social media shares, such as exclusive content or discounts. Utilize hashtags and create a catchy tagline to make your presentation easily discoverable on social platforms. By designing your presentation with shareability in mind, you can extend its reach and attract potential customers beyond the confines of the event.

Building rapport in virtual or remote presentations requires additional effort. Start by acknowledging the virtual setting and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Use your webcam to establish eye contact and convey authenticity. Take a few moments to acknowledge and introduce various audience members to each other. 

Throughout the presentation, you may choose to encourage audience participation through live polls, chat features, or Q&A sessions. Find ways to personalize your content to address the unique challenges of remote work or digital interactions. By leveraging technology and adapting your approach, you can forge strong connections with your virtual audience that can rival or surpass in-person communication.

Encountering a difficult audience is a common challenge. Stay calm and empathetic, acknowledging their concerns without becoming defensive. Use data and evidence to back up your claims and demonstrate credibility. 

Address skepticism head-on by first acknowledging that you can understand where they are coming from, and next by highlighting the benefits of your solution and success stories of previous clients. Openly invite questions and listen actively to show that you value their input. By remaining composed and confident, you can win over even the most skeptical audience.

Data and statistics can be powerful tools, but too much information can overwhelm your audience. Use visuals like charts and graphs to present data in a clear and visually appealing way. Summarize key findings in short, boldface any bullets used, and focus on the most relevant and impactful statistics. 

Remember to provide explanations and interpretations to make the data more accessible and relatable to your audience. Learn how to use storytelling to put data into context and demonstrate its real-world significance to your audience.

The key to being persuasive without being pushy is authenticity and genuine care for your audience. Focus on educating and informing rather than on selling. Address their specific needs and concerns, and offer solutions tailored to their requirements. 

Be transparent about the benefits and limitations of your product or service, and always respect your prospects decision-making process. Building trust and credibility through honest communication will make your presentation persuasive without feeling overly sales-focused.

Featured Resources

What is Ethical Selling?

Tamara Siklosi

Published on May 24, 2024

Is there such a thing as “ethics” in sales? If you’ve found yourself asking, “What is ethical selling?” you’re not alone.Alt ...

What Is Thought Leadership?

Are you looking for ways to stand out from the crowd and establish yourself as an expert in your field? Thought leadership might be just what younee ...

Common Sales Objections and How to Address Them

Published on April 10, 2024

You know the drill. You’re deep into your pitch, and just as you’re about to close the deal, the client throws a curveball.“It’s ...