April 06, 2020
How to Ace Virtual Sales Presentations
Experts deliver practical, actionable strategies.
With the coronavirus forcing nearly everyone who can work from home to do so, virtual sales presentations have completely supplanted face-to-face meetings. As such, it’s critically important that sales professionals ensure their digital presentation skills are strong. Implementing the advice from the experts below will ensure they’re just that.
Know Your Tech: From Zoom to Google Hangouts, the marketplace is replete with technology tools that facilitate conducting virtual sales presentations. Make sure you’re adept at working with whatever solution you choose, as well as any hardware you might be using. A practice run-through of the presentation is always wise. “Don’t wait until the last minute to log in and try things out,” says Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder/CEO of global marketing/branding firm Mavens & Moguls. “Make sure you have a phone number or back up plan in case it does not connect online as planned.”
Be Personable: Certain common sense, humanizing practices you would do on an in-person call should also be done during virtual presentations. “Smile when you speak and slow down a bit so they can hear you clearly,” Arnof-Fenn says. “Be as natural and relaxed/warm as possible.”
Get the Setting Right: Be in a quiet place where there’s not potential for distractions and interruptions from pets, kids and phones. But don’t stop there. Jason Chambers suggests that you arrange your physical setting so that it conveys the impression you want to make on prospects. “What does the room you are in look like? Is it professional and appropriate for the work you are doing?” Chambers, who is senior business developer at global human resources/talent management consulting firm Talent Plus, Inc, encourages you to ask yourself. “If you don’t have as much control over this, be sure to blur your background using your virtual meeting software.”
Dress the Part: Don’t schlub it up on how you dress. Attire yourself as you would if you were making an in-person presentation. “Don’t wear a busy pattern, as it can be distracting on screen,” says Arnof-Fenn. “Solid colors are best.”
Ensure Audio Is Up to Snuff: “Using your computer or phone audio is not good enough to ‘wow’ everyone listening and will usually have a scratchy and unfocused quality,” says Stacy Caprio, founder of digital advertising/marketing firm Accelerated Growth Marketing. “Instead, invest in an inexpensive USB computer-connected microphone and your audio and presentation quality will increase exponentially. Audio makes a very big difference to the overall feel and quality of a presentation.”
Take Care With Smart Camera Practices: Get the camera angle right. “You may think this seems silly, but my laptop camera is below the screen, forcing my audience to look right up my nose,” says Chambers. “I had to immediately get a separate camera that I mounted on top of my screen. Trust me, this is a much better experience for my audience.” Next, practice talking to the camera as if it were a person there in front of you; this simulates the connective conversation you want to have during the presentation. “It’s important that your audience knows you are looking at them,” says Chambers.
Feature Engaging Visuals: “The best sales presentations include visual aids that boost engagement and interest,” says Chane Steiner, CEO of Crediful, which operates in the personal finance arena, helping consumers repair credit among other services. “Not only do visual aids such as pictures, graphs and charts make your viewers more attentive and receptive to your message, they can also serve as additional proof points and can further drive the sale. Any time you’re discussing data points, numbers or statistics, it’s beneficial to include a visual representation for your audience to better understand it.”
Don’t Forget to Show Your Face: All the images and screen shares you might provide can be great. Still, don’t overdo it. “It’s important for people to see your face during points of nontechnical explanation, so you can establish rapport and others can read your body language,” says Dr. Konstantinos Tsilkos, CEO of PharmMed, a digital marketing agency for physicians.
Be Sure to Log Off: Don’t let your guard down and speak or act freely until you’ve made certain you’re logged off. You don’t want to do or say something that undermines the good impression you made during the presentation.
Follow Up: “Always write a thank you email afterwards,” says Arnof-Fenn. “It shows professional skills and manners, and helps you stand out. It reminds prospects of your strengths and interest.”