sales presentation definition in business

What Is a Sales Presentation? Definition, Tips, and Follow-Up Tasks

Sales presentations let you communicate with customers in a highly memorable and persuasive way. But exactly what is a sales presentation? 

A sales presentation involves more than just a simple pitch; it’s a more complex method of explaining your product or service to a customer and demonstrating its value. 

In this article, we will explain how presentations fit into the sales process, discuss ways to make them more effective, and cover crucial follow-up tasks.

Key Takeaways

• A sales presentation is a pitch or demonstration given by a salesperson to potential customers to persuade them to buy a product or service.
• Sales presentations demonstrate the value your product offers the customer through in-depth information, data, customer reviews, visual aids, videos, statistics, demonstrations, and more.
• Key sales presentation tips include researching customer needs, tailoring the presentation to each customer, and pitching a compelling story.
• After a presentation, you should thank the attendees, follow up with additional information that addresses any objections or questions, schedule a follow-up phone call or meeting, and keep in touch to help solidify the sale.

What Does a Sales Presentation Mean?

How do sales presentations fit into the sales process, sales presentations vs. sales pitch, start by researching, craft a strong introduction, tailor your presentation to the customer journey, highlight key points backed by data, bring your product or a visual aid, use a template, what to do immediately after a sales presentation.

A sales presentation is a pitch or demonstration given by a salesperson to potential customers in order to persuade them to buy a product or service. But a sales presentation is more than just a sales pitch. It takes your customer on an experience that aids them in understanding how you can meet their needs and requirements.

Presentations also offer the opportunity to explore and build customer relationships by providing tangible success stories or positive customer reviews that can help boost your credibility. However, presenting this information to customers effectively and captivatingly is crucial for your success.

Sales presentations are typically used when introducing products or services to prospective clients to facilitate better business deals. This could involve giving further background about your company’s offerings and showcasing awards your company’s work or product range has received. A well-crafted sales presentation will let your potential buyers know why they need what you’re offering.

Sales presentations are part of the larger sales process that typically happens toward the end of the sales cycle . The sales process begins with a sales rep researching a potential customer’s needs and preferences, preparing your product or service to meet their needs, and building a relationship with your customer over time.

In the early stages of the sales process, you might communicate with your customer over email or through website visits. Later on, you might have meetings or other more direct communications.

As you near the end of the sales cycle, the time for delivering a sales presentation approaches. This is when your customer has already established that you have something of value to offer, and they’re ready to learn more.

Your presentation should provide a detailed overview of how your products can meet their current needs while enabling them to easily view features and benefits in one place.

It’s common for people to think that a sales pitch and a sales presentation are the same thing. However, while they may seem similar, these two approaches have significant differences.

Sales pitches are often standardized, are not tailored to the unique needs of a specific customer, and don’t require any research into the customer’s pain points. For example, a sales pitch is usually characterized by one-way communication. During a sales pitch, you are focused solely on selling your product or service to the customer without any exploration of their needs or interests.

A sales presentation, on the other hand, encourages a more interactive dialogue with customers. It allows them to ask questions and provides more in-depth information about why your product would benefit them specifically. It’s not as much about “selling” as about introducing products based on customer insights to establish value in their eyes.

How to Create an Effective Sales Presentation

When creating an effective sales presentation, there are several factors to consider. A successful sales presentation should be tailored specifically for each customer and allow them to experience meaningful engagement with your product.

It should build on your customer’s needs and interests to showcase how you can meet them without focusing too much on selling points. Additionally, research plays a key role in any sales process, and having data about industry trends or statistics that support your claims can add credibility to your proposal. Here are some tips on the best way to develop a winning sales presentation.

Researching before you start is essential for a good sales presentation. While the information in your presentation will vary depending on the client and situation, it’s important to include enough data and industry stats relevant to the customer’s needs. This data should be targeted towards the specific aspects of your product that can address your customer’s problem areas.

Also, digging further into case studies or positive reviews from existing customers is great for transforming a one-off sale into an ongoing business relationship. You should back up everything you say with credible sources during your sales pitch for a greater impact on viewers’ buying decision process. Newspaper articles, past client testimonials, or information from trusted online sources can all be good places to find data that backs up the claims in your presentation.

Starting a sales presentation with an introduction and some small talk is important for building rapport and trust. This also allows you to warm up the room while giving your customers a chance to get comfortable with you as well. Ensure the conversation’s tone matches your presentation’s purpose, too. Keep it upbeat yet professional, and aim to get out of any awkward silences quickly.

Develop your sales presentation with the customer journey in mind. This means considering your customer’s objectives and using them as a guideline for crafting your story. By paying attention to what your target audience needs, you not only increase the potential of closing a deal but also make customers feel understood.

But don’t take too long to get into specific details about your product. Oftentimes, getting directly to the point of how your product can solve their problem is much more effective and persuasive than offering generic explanations about what you do.

Remember the Power of Storytelling

Storytelling can be incredibly effective when it comes to sales presentations. Focus on telling stories that convey how your company or products have successfully helped other customers meet their needs. This can help your customer understand why they need what you’re offering.

Talking about your product’s challenges and solutions in simple yet compelling language is also important. Remember that a sales presentation isn’t just reciting facts and data points — illustrate the solutions you offer in a memorable way.

Focus Your Presentation on the Customer’s Problem

When creating a sales presentation, keeping the customer’s problem in your mind is important. You should provide solutions that address their pain points and benefit their specific situation.

A good sales presentation will spotlight the features of your product that provide quick and simple problem-solving for the customer. By doing this, you can position your offering as something your customer needs rather than something that’s merely nice to have.

Ways to Improve Your Sales Presentations

Besides doing the required research beforehand, there are some sales presentation techniques you can use to ensure everything runs smoothly and effectively. Here are a few ideas.

As mentioned before, having data that backs up the key points you make in your presentation is critical. These points should include quick summaries or facts about product insights, as well as any relevant customer feedback to give viewers a clear idea of how your offering can meet their needs.

Having your product there for customers to see during your sales presentation can be very persuasive. If it’s too difficult or impossible to bring your product to the presentation, you should still bring visual aids.

For example, you can provide a link with interesting animations of your product’s features, display quotes from previous customers, showcase awards you’ve won, or show videos of your previous work and how it benefitted the customer.

Create a sales presentation template that can be used across different customer sessions to speed up the process. Start by making a sales presentation outline that applies to all customers, and then tailor it to each customer as needed.

Having a consistent format and look to all your presentations will save time and reduce the effort needed to develop new slides so you can focus on crafting content specifically for each customer. An effective template will also ensure brand consistency and professionalism linked with your company’s name.

Assess Your Body Language

When delivering a presentation, body language is just as important as words. Having good posture shows confidence in your presentation and can help keep your customers engaged. Avoid crossing your arms or moving around too much, as this can cause viewers to be distracted. It’s a good idea to record yourself practicing your presentation in advance to see how you appear to others.

Ask for Input

Feedback is essential for sharpening your skills as a presenter and gaining confidence in your sales presentations. Asking your customers or sales team members for feedback on your sales deck and presentation is a great way to get honest and productive input. They may suggest changes that could bring greater clarity to your presentation or help you develop a more effective sales deck in the future.

Highlight Value Before Going Into Pricing

A professional sales presentation should focus heavily on value. Highlight how customers stand to benefit from your product, as this is crucial for getting them to purchase with confidence. You will be much more successful if you demonstrate how valuable your product is before you tell the customer how much it will cost them. 

If you’re selling something expensive, packaging additional services or features in one bundle at no extra cost can be useful for reassuring your customer that the price is worth it. This could include offers such as introducing discounts for first-time buyers or offering free maintenance contracts over a set period.

Outline Next Steps

To give your customer a clear idea of where you want things to go, always remember to end your presentation with a quick overview. This can include summarizing your value proposition and the advantages that customers can gain from using your product. Clearly outline any details about follow-up steps to set client expectations up correctly.

Increase Audience Engagement

Tricks such as incorporating polls and games during your presentation can help people remember the key points you want to present. It’s another way for sales reps to make a memorable impression on viewers and engage them with your product even after the meeting has ended.

Also, remember that the most effective sales presentations use an impactful sales deck that allows you to paint a memorable story for the customer. Build opportunities for interaction into your presentation itself.

After a successful sales presentation, it is important for a salesperson to follow-up with their client. This follow-up should be swift and thorough to ensure that the customer remembers their experience and continues to do business with the salesperson. The follow-up can include sending an email or letter summarizing the conversation and outlining any next steps, such as setting up another meeting or contract signing. Be sure to address any specific questions or concerns the prospect expressed during the presentation as well.

Additionally, it is important for the salesperson to keep in touch with their customer after the initial sale. This can be done by sending periodic updates on new products or services, providing tips on how best to use purchased products, and offering other relevant insights that could help strengthen the customer relationship.

Finally, regular check-ins will help cement loyalty while helping to identify opportunities for future sales. When executed correctly, these follow-up tasks can contribute heavily to long-term success in sales.

Sales presentations are an important element of the sales journey and require thoughtful preparation. Now that we’ve answered the question of what is a sales presentation, you can use these tips to improve your interactions with customers. Through data-backed storytelling and consideration of the customer’s journey, you stand a great chance of successfully selling your product.

Always remember that these sales presentation techniques should help make the sale come alive for viewers so they can better envision value in what you have to offer. By following our sales presentation tips, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a successful sales presentation every time!

Jane Mitchell is a sales expert with over 17 years in the industry, extending her knowledge to diverse sectors and providing optimal business growth solutions. Her knack for crafting unique sales strategies is unmatched. Jane fuels her wanderlust by traveling the world, having reached the prestigious Million Miler status with Delta Airlines.

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Effective Sales Presentations: Techniques for Impactful Communication

By   Hanson Cheng

July 7, 2023

• minute read

Last Updated on July 7, 2023 by Hanson Cheng

Immerse yourself in this comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect sales presentation. This article is brimming with valuable and insightful pointers on increasing the effectiveness of your sales presentations, covering every aspect from preparation and design to delivery and subsequent evaluation. Whether you’re setting clear objectives, analyzing your audience, structuring your presentation, or overcoming objections, this article has you covered.

The use of visual aids, crafting a compelling story, and tips for successful non-verbal communication are just a few of the highlights you’re about to discover. Step into this treasure trove of information and give your sales presentations the boost they deserve.

Effective Sales Presentations

Sales presentations are integral to any business’s strategy to influence prospective customers, partners, or investors. They are used to highlight a product or service, its benefits, and how it can solve the audience’s specific problems.

Understanding the importance of sales presentations

Sales presentations are the bridge between your business and potential clients. They not only showcase your product or service, but they also represent your company’s identity, mission, and values. A well-prepared, engaging and persuasive sales presentation can build trust, foster relationships, and close sales.

Sales presentations are useful tools for:

• Demonstrating the value and benefits of your product or service
• Establishing a connection with your audience
• Distinguishing your business from the competition
• Persuading the audience to take action: whether it’s to make a purchase, sign up for a service, or invest in your company

In our global and highly competitive marketplace, a compelling sales presentation is necessary, not an option. Even companies like Apple and Tesla give high importance to their sales presentations, knowing that their market share and revenue generation significantly depend on them.

Characteristics of impactful sales presentations

Not all sales presentations lead to success. Only those that are informative, captivating, and tailored to the audience’s needs and interests can be deemed powerful. Impactful sales presentations typically have these characteristics:

• Clear and simple: Effective sales presentations are straightforward and avoid technical jargon. They articulate the product or service and its benefits in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.
• Customer-centric: Impactful presentations are not about the company but about the customer. They focus on how the product or service can solve the customer’s problem.
• Engaging: Successful sales presentations interact with the audience, asking questions, and encouraging participation.
• Visual: The use of visuals, such as charts, graphs, images, and videos, makes sales presentations more impactful. They can help explain complex data, illustrate a point, and maintain audience interest.
• Storytelling: A good story can help make your sales presentation more persuasive and memorable. Stories can evoke emotions, which can boost retention and influence decision-making.

Knowing the importance and characteristics of effective sales presentations is crucial for any business aiming to gain market share, attract investors, or create lasting customer relationships. A well-thought-out, engaging, and personalized sales presentation can close deals and help your business thrive in any industry.

Preparing for an Effective Sales Presentation

Setting clear objectives.

To host an effective sales presentation, setting clear objectives beforehand is paramount. Knowing the goals you want to achieve will guide the structure and content of your presentation. You may want to outline your objectives in a clear, concise, and actionable manner. One common objective is to demonstrate the benefits of your product or service and how it solves a problem or meets your audience’s needs. Another frequent goal is to persuade the audience to take a specific action at the end of the presentation, such as making a purchase or signing up for a trial.

Analyzing Your Audience

Having a profound understanding of your audience can significantly influence the success of your sales presentation.

– Demographics : Gaining insights into the basic demographic details of your audience, like age, gender, geographic location, occupation, income level, etc., can help tailor your presentation to the needs and interests of your audience. For instance, a presentation targeted at C-suite executives in San Francisco would likely differ in terms of language, tone, and content compared to a presentation made to small business owners in Austin, Texas.

– Prior Knowledge of the Topic : Gauging the audience’s previous knowledge about the product/service being sold is also crucial. For instance, if they are already familiar with the product category, you may want to focus more on showcasing the unique advantages of your offering rather than start from scratch.

Researching Your Product/Service

A deep and realistic understanding of your product or service is fundamental in a sales presentation. It’s important to know the details inside-out to confidently address any question that comes your way during the presentation. You should be well aware of not only the advantages and benefits of your offering, but also its weaknesses or any possible objections from potential customers, to respond efficiently and adeptly.

Designing an Impactful Sales Presentation

Structuring your presentation.

A good structure is key to a compelling sales presentation.

– Introduction : Starting the presentation with an engaging introduction is crucial to hook your audience immediately. It could be a relevant story, a powerful statistic, or an inspiring quote, anything that sparks interest and sets the stage for the rest of the presentation.

– Body : The body of your presentation should be composed of distinctive sections addressing different aspects of your product/service. Each section should be clear, and informative, and add value to the overall narrative. Using data, anecdotes, examples, and stories can help make your presentation more engaging and persuasive.

– Conclusion : Concluding your presentation effectively is equally important. A strong conclusion should recap the main points and offer a clear call to action that inspires your audience to act.

Visual Aids in Sales Presentations

Visual aids can be a gem in sales presentations, as they assist in explaining complex ideas and data more intuitively and leave a lasting impression. – Types of Visual Aids : Visual aids can vary from basic graphs and charts to more sophisticated animations or interactive elements. Whiteboards, slides, videos, infographics, and flowcharts are typical visual aids used. – Best Practices : However, using visual aids demands some best practices to avoid overwhelming or confusing the audience. Visuals should support your spoken message, not overshadow or contradict it. Moreover, keeping visuals clean, simple, and aesthetically pleasing can enhance their effectiveness.

Crafting a Compelling Story

Incorporating a compelling story in your sales presentation can enhance engagement, make the content more relatable, and achieve better persuasion. Use stories that resonate with your audience, align with your brand and product, and convey your value proposition effectively. Whether it’s a client’s success story, the story behind your product, or your company’s journey, ensure it’s genuine, relatable, and engaging.

Delivering the Sales Presentation

In delivering an effective sales presentation, several significant factors come into play. These factors include building rapport with your audience, using effective communication techniques, and handling objections confidently.

Building rapport with the audience

An important and often overlooked part of delivering an effective sales presentation involves establishing a solid rapport with your audience. A positive connection between the presenter and the audience can greatly enhance the effectiveness of a sales presentation. Therefore, sales reps should strive to connect individually with each member attending their presentation.

This connection can be made through common interests, ice-breakers, or another shared experience. Building rapport helps create a comfortable environment where the audience is more likely to be receptive to the main message and stay engaged throughout the presentation.

Communicating effectively

Effective communication during a sale presentation is another significant determinant of the presentation’s success. It goes beyond the spoken words; your vocal quality and non-verbal cues also play substantial roles.

Vocal quality : Your voice’s tone, volume, and pace can significantly affect the audience’s reception of your sales presentation. A monotone voice can be dull and could disengage your audience. Instead, varying your voice’s tone and pitch can make your presentation more engaging and exciting, keeping your audience’s attention.

Non-verbal communication : Body language is another crucial part of communication during a sales presentation. It can influence how the audience perceives you and your message. Things such as eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions can enhance your presentation, making your delivery more robust. For example, maintaining eye contact can help build trust with your audience, while positive facial expressions can create an enthusiastic and welcoming environment.

Overcoming objections

During a sales presentation, objections are almost inevitable. However, how you handle them can make or break your presentation. Instead of viewing objections as roadblocks, view them as opportunities to clarify information and reinforce your sales arguments. Be patient and actively listen to the objecting party, allowing them to completely state their objection before responding. Always keep your responses respectful, constructive, and focused on the value of your products or services. In doing so, you can turn potential deal-breakers into deal-makers.

To summarize, delivering an engaging and effective sales presentation requires building rapport with the audience, using effective communication through both verbal and non-verbal cues, and confidently overcoming objections. Mastering these techniques can help one deliver a sales presentation that informs, convinces, and converts.

Evaluating and Improving your Sales Presentation

The journey to crafting an effective sales presentation doesn’t end after delivery; it’s a continuous evaluation and improvement process. This section will cover three key practices to refining your sales presentation: seeking feedback, learning from successful presentations, and constant practice and refinement.

Seeking Feedback

Feedback serves as a critical foundation for personal growth and professional development. In the context of sales presentations, it helps in identifying areas that need improvement and strategies that work well. Creating an environment where clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders feel comfortable providing honest insights about your presentation is essential.

Consider implementing a structured approach to seeking feedback by focusing on specific aspects of the presentation like the structure, content, delivery style, and visual aids. You can ask questions like “Was the objective of the presentation clear?” or “Were the visual aids effective in communicating the important points?”

Avoid becoming defensive when receiving feedback and embrace constructive criticism. Acting on the feedback will build trust among your peers, clients, and superiors, showing them that you value their insights as you strive to improve your presentation skills.

Remember, the purpose of feedback is growth. So, embrace it as an opportunity to learn from your experiences, making your future sales presentations increasingly successful.

Learning from Successful Presentations

After feedback, learning from the best is another effective way to improve your sales presentations. Recognize the attributes of successful presentations and identify how you can implement them in your presentation strategy. This does not mean copying others’ style, but understanding why their presentations work and implementing those attributes into your individual style.

Watching successful sales presentations can provide insights into various tactics like structuring the presentation, engaging the audience, handling objections, and closing the deal. Online platforms like TED talks, professional workshops, and corporate presentations can act as valuable resources in this learning process.

Moreover, successful sales presentations from the same industry can provide industry-specific insights that can enhance your understanding of the market, customer preferences, and competition.

Constant Practice and Refinement

Sales presentations are part of a skill set; like any other skill, they need constant practice and refinement. The evolution of an effective sales presentation involves an ongoing cycle of planning, practicing, delivering, and refining.

The key is implementing the feedback and learning from successful and less successful presentations in your practice. Regular practice enhances your confidence and helps you prepare for unexpected situations during the presentation.

Record your presentation rehearsals to observe your body language, delivery style, and the flow of the presentation. It provides a different perspective, aiding you to identify areas that might not be apparent during the actual delivery.

To summarize, evaluating and improving your sales presentation requires an open mindset towards receiving and implementing feedback, learning continuously from successful presenters, and rigorously practicing and refining your style. It’s an ongoing process that gradually makes you a proficient presenter capable of delivering effective and successful sales presentations.

Recap of techniques for impactful communication in sales presentations

Reflecting on the insight gained throughout this article, it is evident that an impactful sales presentation relies on a range of methods and techniques. Initially, establishing clear objectives is pivotal. This provides a guiding compass for the presentation, ensuring the message is tailored and targeted. Simultaneously, understanding your audience lays the foundation for formulating a presentation that resonates with their interests, needs and knowledge level.

A product/service research deep dive not only equips you with needed knowledge to hold an informative presentation but also establishes a level of credibility with your audience. Going forward, the structure of the presentation must be carefully composed, maintaining a compelling narrative throughout. Introducing effectively, building an engaging body of content and leaving a lasting impression with a dynamic conclusion all form part of this process.

Visual aids serve to augment the presentation, enhancing the message through engaging and illustrative content. Used appropriately, these graphics can enhance understanding and retention of information. Meanwhile, crafting a compelling story makes your presentation memorable whilst stimulating an emotional connection with the audience.

During the delivery of the presentation, fostering rapport with your audience can be highly beneficial. Communicating effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, enhances the message delivery, ensuring your audience is fully engaged. Overcoming objections in the course of a presentation showcases a deep understanding of the product/service and instills a level of trust within the consumer.

Finally, the constant pursuit of improvement is what distinguishes a good salesperson from a great one. Seeking feedback, learning from successful presentations, and constant practice and refinement are the foundations of this pursuit.

The future of sales presentations

In an ever-evolving business landscape, sales presentations are bound to undergo transformations. Technological advancements continue to reshape how we approach and deliver presentations. Elements like virtual and augmented reality are gradually emerging as valuable tools in sales presentations. By offering more immersive and engaging presentation experiences, these technologies can help firms stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

Furthermore, the growing emphasis on data-driven decision making is likely to shape the future of sales presentations. As businesses gather more data about customers and markets, sales presentations will increasingly rely on relevant data to make more convincing arguments. This may involve presenting statistical evidence of a product’s success, its popularity among a certain demographic, or its market share in comparison to competitors.

Additionally, the need for personalization in sales will continue to intensify. In line with this, future sales presentations will likely focus more on individual consumer needs and preferences. This personalization can manifest in several ways, such as focusing on a customer’s specific pain points, tailor-making solutions, or even personalizing the manner in which the presentation is delivered.

Lastly, sustainability and social impact are becoming significant business considerations, especially among younger consumers. Sales presentations that capitalize on this trend by highlighting a company’s environmental consciousness or positive societal impact may find greater success in future landscapes.

The future of sales presentations promises exciting developments, and staying abreast of these trends will ensure you remain competitive and impactful in your delivery. Regardless of the changes to come, the basic principles of effective sales presentations, as discussed throughout this article, will remain relevant and applicable.

Effective Sales Presentation – FAQs

1. what factors should be considered in creating an effective sales presentation.

Creating an effective sales presentation requires understanding the audience, defining clear objectives, maintaining simplicity, excellent storytelling, using persuasive language, engaging visuals, and incorporating proof points or case studies for credibility.

2. How crucial is storytelling in sales presentations?

Storytelling in sales presentations is vitally important. Stories capture attention, appeal to emotions, make complex information simpler, and inspire action, therefore, making the sales presentation effective and memorable.

3. Why is understanding the audience essential in sales presentations?

Understanding the audience allows customization of the presentation to their needs, expectations, and preferences. This can foster connection and engagement hence, greatly increasing the likelihood of a successful sales presentation.

4. Can the use of visuals enhance the effectiveness of sales presentations?

Absolutely! Incorporating relevant and engaging visuals can simplify complex information, increase retention of the material presented, and make the presentation more engaging and memorable, enhancing effectiveness significantly.

5. How can a presenter demonstrate credibility during a sales presentation?

Presenters can demonstrate credibility by: incorporating testimonials, case studies, or reviews; demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the product/service; showing a clear understanding of the customer’s needs; and presenting a professional demeanor.

6. What role does persuasive language play in sales presentations?

Persuasive language plays a crucial role in influencing the audience’s perception and decisions. It helps in making a compelling argument for the product/service, inspiring action, and, ultimately, achieving the sales objectives.

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Hanson Cheng

About the author

Living in Portugal with my wife and puppies. Scaling online businesses and sharing lessons learned on this website and in our email newsletter. Always happy to hear from you, so find me on Instagram if you want to say hi!

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15 Sales Presentation Examples to Drive Sales

By Danesh Ramuthi , Oct 31, 2023

A sales presentation is not merely a brief introduction to a product or service. It’s a meticulously constructed sales pitch tailored to showcase the unique features and key elements of what’s being offered and to resonate deeply with the prospective customers. 

But what stands out in the best sales presentation is their ability to weave an engaging story, integrating customer testimonials, success stories and sales performances to maintain the audience’s attention span and to persuade them to take action. 

The right tools, like those provided by Venngage presentation Maker and its sales presentation templates , can greatly aid in this endeavor. The aim is to have a presentation memorable enough that it lingers in the minds of potential clients long after the pitch. 

Its ultimate aim is not just to inform but to persuasively secure the audience’s commitment.

Click to jump ahead:

6 Sales presentation examples

What to include and how to create a sales presentation, sales presentation vs pitch deck.

• Final thoughts

A sales presentation can be the differentiating factor that turns a potential client into a loyal customer. The manner in which a brand or individual presents their value proposition, product, or service can significantly impact the buying decisions of their audience.

Hence, drawing inspiration from various sales presentation examples can be an instrumental step in crafting the perfect pitch.

Let’s explore a few examples of sales presentations that cater to different needs and can be highly effective when used in the right context.

Clean sales presentation examples

The concept of a “clean” sales presentation reflects more than just its visual aesthetic; it captures an ethos of straightforward, concise and effective communication. A clean presentation offers a professional and efficient way to present your sales pitch, making it especially favorable for brands or individuals looking to be perceived as trustworthy and reliable.

Every slide in such a presentation is meticulously designed to be aesthetically pleasing, balancing visuals and text in a manner that complements rather than competes.

Its visual appeal is undeniably a draw, but the real power of a clean sales presentation lies in its ability to be engaging enough to hold your audience’s attention. By minimizing distractions, the message you’re trying to convey becomes the focal point. This ensures that your audience remains engaged, absorbing the key points without being overwhelmed.

A clean design also lends itself well to integrating various elements such as graphs, charts and images, ensuring they’re presented in a clear and cohesive manner. In a business environment where attention spans are continually challenged, a clean presentation stands as an oasis of clarity, ensuring that your audience walks away with a clear understanding of what you offer and why it matters to them.

Minimalist sales presentation examples

Minimalism, as a design and communication philosophy, revolves around the principle of ‘less is more’. It’s a bold statement in restraint and purpose. In the context of sales presentations, a minimalist approach can be incredibly powerful.

It ensures that your content, stripped of any unnecessary embellishments, remains at the forefront. The primary objective is to let the core message shine, ensuring that every slide, every graphic and every word serves a precise purpose.

This design aesthetic brings with it a sense of sophistication and crispness that can be a potent tool in capturing your audience’s attention. There’s an inherent elegance in simplicity which can elevate your presentation, making it memorable.

But beyond just the visual appeal, the minimalist design is strategic. With fewer elements on a slide, the audience can focus more intently on the message, leading to better retention and engagement. It’s a brilliant way to ensure that your message doesn’t just reach your audience, but truly resonates with them.

Every slide is crafted to ensure that the audience’s focus never wavers from the central narrative, making it an excellent choice for brands or individuals seeking to create a profound impact with their pitches.

Simple sales presentation examples

A simple sales presentation provides a clear and unobstructed pathway to your main message, ensuring that the audience’s focus remains undivided. Perfect for highlighting key information, it ensures that your products or services are front and center, unobscured by excessive design elements or verbose content.

But the beauty of a simple design is in its flexibility. With platforms like Venngage , you have the freedom to customize it according to your brand voice and identity. Whether it’s adjusting text sizes, incorporating vibrant colors or selecting standout photos or icons from expansive free stock libraries, the power to enhance and personalize your presentation lies at your fingertips.

Creating your ideal design becomes a seamless process, ensuring that while the presentation remains simple, it is every bit as effective and captivating.

Professional sales presentation example

A professional sales presentation is meticulously crafted, reflecting the brand’s guidelines, voice and core values. It goes beyond just key features or product benefits; it encapsulates the brand’s ethos, presenting a cohesive narrative that resonates deeply with its target audience.

For sales professionals, it’s more than just a slide deck; it’s an embodiment of the brand’s identity, from the great cover image to the clear call to action at its conclusion.

These presentations are tailored to address potential pain points, include sales performances, and present solutions in a compelling and engaging story format. 

Integrating elements like customer success stories and key insights, ensuring that the presentation is not just good, but memorable.

Sales performance sales presentation example

A company’s sales performance presentation is vital to evaluate, refine and boost their sales process. It’s more than just numbers on a slide deck; it’s a comprehensive look into the effectiveness of sales campaigns, strategies and the sales team as a whole.

This type of sales presentation provides key insights into what’s working, what isn’t and where there’s potential for growth.

It’s an invaluable tool for sales professionals, often serving as a roadmap guiding future sales pitches and marketing campaigns.

An effective sales performance presentation might begin with a compelling cover slide, reflecting the brand’s identity, followed by a brief introduction to set the context. From there, it delves into specifics: from the sales metrics, customer feedback and more.

Ultimately, this presentation is a call to action for the sales team, ensuring they are equipped with the best tools, strategies and knowledge to convert prospective customers into paying ones, driving more deals and growing the business.

Testimonial-based sales presentation examples

Leveraging the voices of satisfied customers, a testimonial-based sales presentation seamlessly blends social proof with the brand’s value proposition. It’s a testament to the real-world impact of a product or service, often making it one of the most effective sales presentation examples. 

By centering on customer testimonials, it taps into the compelling stories of those who have experienced firsthand the benefits of what’s being offered.

As the presentation unfolds, the audience is introduced to various customer’s stories, each underscoring the product’s unique features or addressing potential pain points.

These success stories serve dual purposes: they not only captivate the audience’s attention but also preemptively handle sales objections by showcasing how other customers overcame similar challenges.

Sales professionals can further augment the presentation with key insights derived from these testimonials, tailoring their sales pitch to resonate deeply with their potential clients.

Creating a good sales presentation is like putting together a puzzle. Each piece needs to fit just right for the whole picture to make sense. 

So, what are these pieces and how do you put them together? 

Here, I’ll break down the must-have parts of a sales presentation and give you simple steps to build one. 

What to include in a sales presentation?

With so much information to convey and a limited time to engage your audience in your sales presentation, where do you start?

Here, we’re going to explore the essential components of a successful sales presentation, ensuring you craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your prospects.

• A captivating opening slide: First impressions matter. Start with a great cover image or slide that grabs your audience’s attention instantly. Your opening should set the tone, making prospects curious about what’s to come.
• Data-driven slides: Incorporate key points using charts, graphs, infographics and quotes. Instead of flooding your slides with redundant information, use them as a tool to visually represent data. Metrics from your sales dashboard or third-party sources can be particularly illuminating.
• Social proof through testimonials: Weave in testimonials and case studies from satisfied customers. These success stories, especially from those in the same industry as your prospects, act as powerful endorsements, bolstering the credibility of your claims.
• Competitive context: Being proactive is the hallmark of savvy sales professionals. Address how your product or service fares against competitors, presenting a comparative analysis. 
• Customized content: While using a foundational slide deck can be helpful, personalizing your presentation for each meeting can make all the difference. Whether it’s integrating the prospect’s brand colors, industry-specific data or referencing a past interaction, tailored content makes your audience feel acknowledged.
• Clear path to the future: End by offering a glimpse into the next steps. This can include a direct call to action or an overview of the onboarding process. Highlight the unique value your company brings post-sale, such as exceptional training or standout customer support.
• Keep it simple: Remember, simplicity is key. Avoid overcrowding your slides with excessive text. Visual data should take center stage, aiding in comprehension and retention. 

Related: 120+ Presentation Ideas, Topics & Example

How to create a sales presentation? 

Crafting a good sales presentation is an art that blends structure, content and design. 

A successful sales presentation not only tells but also sells, capturing the audience’s attention while conveying the main message effectively. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure that your sales deck becomes a winning sales presentation.

1. Find out your ideal audience

The first step to any effective sales pitch is understanding your audience. Are you presenting to prospective customers, potential clients or an internet marketing agency? Recognize their pain points, buying process and interests to craft a message that resonates. This understanding ensures that your presentation is memorable and speaks directly to their unique needs.

2. Pick a platform to Use

Depending on your target audience and the complexity of your sales literature, you might opt for Venngage presentation maker, PowerPoint templates, Google Slides or any tools that you are comfortable with. Choose a tool that complements your brand identity and aids in keeping your audience’s attention span engaged.

3. Write the ‘About Us’ section

Here’s where you build trust. Give a brief introduction about your organization, its values and achievements. Highlight key elements that set you apart, be it a compelling story of your brand’s inception, a lucrative deal you managed to seal, or an instance where an internet marketing agency hired you for their needs.

4. Present facts and data

Dive deep into sales performance metrics, client satisfaction scores and feedback. Use charts, graphs and infographics to visually represent these facts. Testimonials and customer success stories provide that added layer of social proof. By showcasing concrete examples, like a customer’s story or feedback, you give your audience solid reasons to trust your product or service.

5. Finish with a memorable conclusion & CTA

Now that you’ve laid out all the information, conclude with a bang. Reiterate the value proposition and key insights you want your audience to remember. Perhaps share a compelling marketing campaign or a unique feature of your offering.

End with a clear call to action, directing your prospects on what to do next, whether it’s downloading further assistance material, getting in touch for more deals or moving further down the sales funnel .

Related: 8 Types of Presentations You Should Know [+Examples & Tips]

Sales presentation and the pitch deck may seem similar at first glance but their goals, focuses, and best-use scenarios differ considerably. Here’s a succinct breakdown of the two:

Sales Presentation:

• What is it? An in-depth dialogue designed to persuade potential clients to make a purchase.
• Focuses on: Brand identity, social proof, detailed product features, addressing customer pain points, and guiding to the buying process.
• Best for: Detailed interactions, longer meetings and thorough discussions with potential customers.
• Example: A sales rep detailing a marketing campaign to a potential client.

Pitch Deck:

• What is it? Pitch deck is a presentation to help potential investors learn more about your business. The main goal isn’t to secure funding but to pique interest for a follow-up meeting.
• Focuses on: Brand voice, key features, growth potential and an intriguing idea that captures the investor’s interest.
• Best for: Initial investor meetings, quick pitches, showcasing company potential.
• Example: A startup introducing its unique value proposition and growth trajectory to prospective investors.

Shared traits: Both aim to create interest and engagement with the audience. The primary difference lies in the intent and the audience: one is for selling a product/service and the other is for igniting investor interest.

Related: How to Create an Effective Pitch Deck Design [+Examples]

Final thoughts 

Sales presentations are the heart and soul of many businesses. They are the bridge between a potential customer’s needs and the solution your product or service offers. The examples provided—from clean, minimalist to professional styles—offer a spectrum of how you can approach your next sales presentation.

Remember, it’s not just about the aesthetics or the data; it’s about the narrative, the story you tell, and the connection you establish. And while sales presentations and pitch decks have their distinct purposes, the objective remains consistent: to engage, persuade and drive action.

If you’re gearing up for your next sales presentation, don’t start from scratch. Utilize Venngage presentation Maker and explore our comprehensive collection of sales presentation templates .

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Prepare, Present, And Follow Up: How To Nail Your Best Sales Presentation

Some people find presenting easy. They seem to have an intuitive understanding of how to grab and keep the attention of everyone in the room. Meanwhile, there are those who confess presenting is stressful. What to do if you are a sales rep who belongs to this second type?

There is a piece of good news for you: you can definitely master the art too. To deliver the best sales presentation, you should learn key tips beforehand, so you’ll be ready the next time you’re done with lead generation .

In this blog post, we’ll break down the process of creating a sales presentation into steps and discuss best practices you can use at each stage.

Sales presentations — what are they?

• Why is it difficult to deliver a good sales presentation?

Step 1. Preparing for a sales presentation

Step 2. presentation, step 3. follow-up.

A sales presentation is a part of the sales process wherein a salesperson demonstrates a product/service and explains in detail how to use it with a single aim — to move a prospect further down the sales funnel , motivating them to buy it. 

The best sales presentation makes room for questions, so it becomes a genuine two-way process, in which the prospect understands the value of the sales offering, while the sales rep learns more about their target market, prospect’s real wants, and needs. 

Another significant characteristic of a successful sales presentation is that the audience will likely feature some major players, i.e., decision-makers, which definitely streamlines the sales process.

But why is it sometimes difficult to deliver a good sales presentation?

The truth is, people, in general, don’t find presentations exciting. About 79% agree that listening to others presenting them something is boring. Your goal as a salesperson is to make your sales presentation engaging so your prospects understand all the benefits of your product without being overloaded with unnecessary information. Thus, professional presentation design and limited data are key to attractive slides.

Seems like a challenge, doesn’t it? Worry not, though. This post is designed to help you prepare the sales presentation step by step. 

How to give a successful sales presentation: a step-by-step guide

We recommend that you break down the process of delivering your sales presentation into three logical steps:

• Preparation
• Presentation itself

Let’s discuss what you should do at each of these steps, so you can be forearmed with a good outline next time you present your solution to prospective customers.

Good sales presentations begin before the speaker actually enters the room or joins the call . That’s the case when success is down to preparation. 

Preparation for the sales presentation means getting knowledgeable about any details relevant to your product, prospect, and the market in general. Incorporating an AI presentation tool can enhance your preparation, providing insights for more engaging and effective communication.

This is why this first step to giving your best sales presentation should boil down to the following tasks: 

Know your product

You need to know your product features inside out. Learn this information from your team and study the questions about your product that your customers frequently ask. These issues are likely to come up during the presentation itself. 

Try to test your product features as a user on your own. This way, you’ll be well-versed in how it’s all working and better understand your solution’s benefits. Look through your product testimonials to back up your expertise with real data from the current customers who have been using your product successfully for some time. 

Now think about how to render information about your company and solution simply and clearly — prospects you’ll be presenting to may have little knowledge of what your business is doing.

Know your competitors

“Know your enemy” — a saying you’ve probably heard many times. In business, it’s not about enemies but rather competitors who may serve as a good background for your product growth. 

Look more precisely into the solutions your prospects might buy instead of yours. Identify their weaknesses, so you can shine while comparing your features to theirs. But don’t neglect to study their strengths, too, so you’re prepared to overlay them with the benefits of your product. 

On top of this, learn how your competitors give their sales presentations. If they turn up with slick visuals and the most up-to-date software , you’re going to look pretty lackluster with your ring-bound notepad. 

Research your competitors both online and using any printed materials they circulate to potential customers. Get a feel for their tone of voice and brand identity. If there are any elements of their approach you can successfully assimilate (in a fully legal fashion), do so. They’d do the same to you. After all, all’s fair in love and sales. 

Gain customer knowledge

Knowing your customers and their buyer behavior is crucial to a successful sales presentation. Always keep in mind: you’re there not just to talk about your product but to connect with your prospecting customers. For this to happen, you have to know them well and identify their needs and wants. 

Before you even start a sales process, you’ll build your ideal customer profile , which will help you target prospects who are more likely to buy your product. But it doesn’t mean they’ll all actually will. 

So, at this stage, learn more about your prospect’s buyer personas. How long have they been in the company you’re selling to? Are they experts in their field? Have they bought from your competitors before?

Study the market 

What, in essence, does the company you’re presenting your solution to is doing? What’s the nature of their market? What problems are they likely to deal with? How might your product help solve them?

It will work wonders if you show you’ve done thorough research about the market your prospects operate in and their challenges and offer ways your company can assist in healing their pain points. You’ll come across as someone who wants to make their life a little better, which is hard to resist. 

Now that you’ve worked hard to prepare for the sales presentation, let’s discuss what strategies will help you win your prospect’s heart during the sales call or meeting when you’re demonstrating your demo. 

Leverage storytelling

One of the most powerful tools while making a sales presentation is telling your prospect a good story . People like stories: we’ve been gathering around campfires to hear tales from our fellows for centuries. OK, the tribes of antiquity were probably not assembled to learn about what the newest support chatbot could do for them, but there are some constants of storytelling that pertain to marketing and sales even now. The fact is, stories can be fun, and they can be memorable. 

Tell the company’s story: why it was born, how it was born, and the dreams and ideas behind it. People love stories of struggle and eventual triumph, so stage it like this, but don’t go overboard. Something else people like about a story? Brevity. 

Tell your prospects about one of your current customers who faced a problem your product could alleviate, propelling the company to succeed. Testimonials you’ve prepared at the first stage will be pretty helpful here 🙂 

Emphasize the value of your solution by painting a picture of what might be achievable when all obstacles are overcome. Once your prospect can envisage this promised land, you can tell them how your product will get them there, faster than other alternatives (aka your competitors). 

Use technology

You can’t rely solely on your magnetism and storytelling while giving a sales presentation. The modern audience expects a little more of an audio-visual feast than a salesman with a clipboard. They expect a digital pitch . 

Any technology like PowerPoint is a great way to get information across in a manner pleasant to your prospect’s eye. Well-crafted PowerPoint templates will allow you to visualize your product features, while a nicely laid out infographic will make the information you’ll be telling your prospect not tedious to hear. Look at the example:

If an image can somehow put what you’re saying in a better way, do use it in your sales presentation. 

In addition, you can use video content to present your solution. Short videos work miracles — not a surprise, about 94% of marketers say video has helped them increase user understanding of a product/service.

Include social proof

Social proof is a psychological phenomenon that consists in people mimicking the actions of others when faced with uncertainty. In marketing and sales, you can use social proof in a variety of forms:

• Customer reviews
• Testimonials
• Certifications and awards
• Influencers
• Press features
• Endorsements from experts in your industry

Social proof greatly influences decision-making: 2 out of 3 people say they’d be more likely to make a purchase after watching a testimonial video demonstrating how a business, product, or service had helped another person like them. 

You can learn who to ask for social proof professionally in our post about customer referrals . 

Demonstrate your product functionality

Don’t forget to bring the product in with you, of course.

If your product is digital, like an application or other software, have it installed and ready for work in real-time. 

Say, if your company is offering a CRM solution , show how all of its features work as soon as your prospect onboards. You can even let them try it on their own, under your caring guidance. This way, prospects will test it beforehand – the experience that will be more likely to result in their decision to buy it. 

End your presentation with a call to action

Your sales presentation can’t be just a one-way conversation. You should aim at building relationships with your prospect. A call to action (CTA) actually extends the life of your sales presentation, whereby you give them something to think about…and come back. 

In your call to action, offer your prospect one or two next steps. Just ensure it is short, straightforward, and personal. For example, instead of using something generic like ‘Download the guide,’ try something like ‘Become a pro with this short guide.’ The second option highlights the benefits and sounds more buddy-like, doesn’t it?

A sales presentation doesn’t end at the last slide and a polite ‘Goodbye.’ You should be sure your prospect has got the idea right, has no questions to ask, and is satisfied with how a presentation went. So, at this final step, we recommend that you do the following:

Ask yourself a series of questions about your performance. These could include:

• ‘Have I identified my prospect’s problem and offered solutions?’ 
• ‘Have I made sure the prospect knew how much I appreciated the chance to present to them?’
• ‘Have I encouraged a dialogue?’
• ‘Have I kept my comments relevant and engaging?’

Then rate your performance on each of these aspects out of 10. Doing this exercise immediately after the presentation will give you a good idea of how you performed.

Approach the prospect for feedback

If the call to action doesn’t seem to have worked, and the prospect isn’t hurrying up to order from you, there’s nothing wrong with approaching them and asking (but briefly) what feelings they have after the demo and what they think about your solution.  

Any customer retention guide will tell you about the importance of making a customer feel valued, and following up is an aspect of that. Ask if they’ve had time to think about what you had discussed and see if there’s anything you can do for them to seal the deal. This way, you’ll demonstrate that you care about your prospect’s feelings.

Quite often, the prospect may have loved the product but hasn’t had time to mull over how best to implement it. You can assist by suggesting ways your product might be integrated into their company and emphasizing how much time will be saved once the product is in place. 

Some basics to end with

To crown it all, we’ve gathered several simple tips to help you deliver effective sales presentations. Here are a few of them:

• Make eye contact. Sales professionals know this is one of the most important sales techniques. If you aren’t afraid to look directly in the eyes of your prospect, you come across as honest. In addition, this allows you to notice how they feel when you’re saying something and adjust your speech accordingly.  
• Relax. Your behavior at the sales presentation should convey calmness and confidence, so even if it’s your first demo in life, try to be relaxed. You’re an expert, and your knowledge of the subject is enough not to worry.  
• Listen. Though a sales presentation seems your moment to speak, remember to make contact with the prospect. Be attentive to what they’re asking and telling you. That’ll prove you really care.  
• Learn from the best. You don’t have to come across like Cirque du Soleil or PT Barnum, but it can help if you demonstrate a little showmanship. Watch some videos of great orators (from Martin Luther King to Jerry Seinfeld), but do bear in mind your capabilities. If you want to improve in this area, consider a public speaking course. 
• Practice, especially if you’re part of a sales team making the presentation. The more people there are, the greater the potential for mess-ups, so get that presentation nailed. You’ll all feel much more confident, which will be visible to your prospects. 

Wrapping up

The key to your best sales presentation, like any other business communication , is your knowledge and understanding of the interlocutor. Have a clear message, ensure you’re using all the tricks to get it across and practice until you know your pitch inside out. When you deliver your demo, be mindful of your prospect’s needs and ensure they get a chance to express them. 

Whatever sales presentation ideas you use, if you treat your audience with respect and look like you genuinely want to be there with them, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success. And if you need a single platform for all your sales activities, Snov.io is always here for you.

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Home Blog Business Crafting an Effective Sales Presentation: Strategies for B2B Sales Teams

Crafting an Effective Sales Presentation: Strategies for B2B Sales Teams

In business, sales keep the lights on, the paychecks paid, and the stakeholders happy. But if your sales presentations—and you, the sale professional behind them—aren’t stepping up to the plate, your competitors are making the sales that you’re not.

In sales processes, sales presentations are unavoidable. You can turn the unavoidable into uplifting discussions that improve your buyer’s work life. Switch your boring, repetitive slides with personalized solution-driven conversation starters. Add value to how you sell, and supercharge your presentations.

This guide is for sales professionals who want to improve their sales presentations. We cover what goes on your slides plus what’s behind the scenes, you! 

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Why are Sales Presentations important?

B2b sales presentation vs. sales pitch / pitch deck, types of sales presentations.

• How to Prepare a Sales Presentation

How to Develop a Visual Sales Presentation

How to deliver a sales presentation, follow up after a sales presentation.

• 6 Tips to Supercharge Your Sales Presentations

Closing Thoughts

What is a sales presentation.

There is a common mixup in terms of defining a sales presentation, as people instantly associate the event with the tool used to deliver the presentation.

In practical terms, a sales presentation is a short meeting where a sales-intended slide deck is designed to sell a product or service. More holistically, a sales presentation is a transference of feeling between a sales professional and a prospect. 

A sales presentation is an essential part of the typical sales process . At different touchpoints with the buyer, sales professionals use tried-and-tested techniques in their sales presentations to persuade and convince a prospect to close the deal. 

Without sales, there is no business. Sales bring in revenue and profit for your company, helping it grow and positively impacting more people. And what’s behind the sales? Sales presentations and the sales professionals that spearhead them.

In B2B, sales presentations are the conduit to successful business communication. Your company sells what another company needs. The salesperson and the decision maker communicate, and if it all works out, there’s a sale that’ll hopefully benefit everyone. 

A sales presentation and pitch aren’t the same, although closely related. A sales pitch is a type of sales presentation. Pitches are generally used at the top of the funnel in the sales process; they bring people in.

A sales presentation can be used at any touchpoint with the buyer; their progression through your funnel and process will mandate what type of sales presentation you need.

This guide covers sales presentations as a category; if you’re looking for pitch decks , here are our favorites.

As a sales professional, you create all styles of sales presentations. Your choice depends on what level of the sales process you’re on, what you’re selling, your prospects’ needs, and the company’s selling framework. 

These are some of the most common sales presentation types concerning what’s being sold:

• Product: A product sales presentation showcases a singular product (physical or digital) to solve a specific problem. You are paid to provide products.
• Service: A service sales presentation shares why your prospect needs your service. You are hired (paid) to provide a service.
• Project: A project sales presentation attempts to close the deal to start a project that involves an exchange of money. You are hired (paid) to spearhead a project and finish with deliverables.

Regarding sales presentation styles and their placement in the sales process, you have three options:

• Informative: Informative sales presentations are at the top of the sales funnel or process. You share information about what you sell in a relatable language for the buyer—no call to action yet.
• Persuasive : In a persuasive sales presentation, you remind the buyer of the information and add how what you sell solves their problem. 
• Reminder : A reminder sales presentation reminds buyers of their interest and brings them back into the buying frame of mind.

How to Craft a Sales Presentation From Start to Finish

Selling guru Zig Ziglar always said that your sales presentation is an extension of you as a person. Your personality must come through positively through your slides and speech, creating a feeling of trust with the buyer. 

In this section, you’ll find the ultimate guide to crafting a sales presentation from start to finish. We’ll use a case study as a foundation for every step of the sales presentation creation process. 

The buyer is a large manufacturing factory looking to outsource services or buy a product that will help them monitor production data. Currently, they manage a complex tech stack that involves different software solutions. This system proves inefficient; it takes too long to export reports, and operators regularly have issues introducing data or troubleshooting error codes. 

They need a solution that will be efficient, save time, and avoid operator frustration. Likewise, they also need the system to be in one place, replacing all the components of their previous tech stack.

You, the sales professional, work for an AI-based SaaS that offers production and manufacturing dashboards. Everything is powered by a cloud-based application that is accessible 24/7 through PC, tablets, and smartphones. The information is fetched from the machines through sensors paired with cameras that sync the information for easy troubleshooting.

Your company has three years of experience in the market, with several customer success stories regarding energy management, increased production output, and reduced waste production—all thanks to implementing your production and manufacturing solutions. You aim to upscale the company’s operations, securing a deal with a large corporation. Hence, the sales presentation to close the deal.

To help you navigate the sales presentation journey, we’ve separated this section into four categories that lead to each other. 

• Preparation
• Development
• Continued Communication

How to Prepare a Sales Presentation 

A lot of work goes into preparing a sales presentation. You’re not just designing the slides for the deck but also preparing yourself for an impactful conversation. 

Before designing slides or writing speeches, you must strategize the sales presentation according to your client’s needs and your goals as a sales professional. Think of their needs and address them clearly.

Here are some questions to answer:

• How can you best communicate a solution for their needs while building trust?
• Where in the sales process are you with this client? Is the purpose of this presentation to inform, persuade or remind?
• Is there a sales playbook or guideline available to help you stay within company selling procedures?
• How can you get to know the prospect better before presenting?

Planning 

Always think of both the slides and the speech as an inseparable pair. If you can’t visit the prospect in person, prepare for a virtual call. 

Here are some planning stage actions.

• Meet with the buyer to have a conversation about their issues. Book a call with them to deliver your presentation.
• Use a Gantt Chart template to organize your timing for preparation and development.
• Visualize a roadmap of the ideal sales process with your prospect and aim to achieve it.
• Schedule time in your calendar to practice your speech.
• Research the buyer’s particular pain points. Did any of your existing clients have the same paint points? How did your service solve them? Have case studies on hand to share with the prospect.

Connecting 

A large part of a successful sales presentation is the human connection you create with the prospect or buyer. As you communicate with the potential buyer, build a relationship. You want this buyer to buy and become a loyal customer and, eventually, a natural promoter.

The manufacturing company that needs your dashboard solution has specific pain points, which they shared during the initial call. Use them as conversation points to connect on a deeper level. Depending on your personality, you can use humor, empathy, or other psychological tactics to connect meaningfully and honestly.

Developing a sales presentation involves putting the content together for the slides and speech. Presentation slides aren’t your speech in written form; they’re supporting material. Ideally, share the visual presentation before and after you talk with them; this helps reinforce the message by imprinting the conversation in their minds.

Write the Content

Your monitoring dashboard company has the solution the manufacturing factory needs. You know this, but they aren’t quite sure yet. They need to buy from someone, and it could be anyone. Use the power of communication to be the one they buy from. 

Here are some tips for writing and developing the content for your presentation. 

• Create a double outline with two columns—one for the slides and one for the speech. Match the presentation slide to your speech, but don’t make them exactly the same. The slide has to support what you’re saying, not repeat it.
• Write the speech as if you were talking to the prospect. Think of questions they might ask and write down the answers.
• As you work through the writing, develop one-liners to bring the message home for the buyer. 
• Use specific examples. In this case, the manufacturing enterprise needs a custom dashboard for its production monitoring. Write down reasons why your offer solves their most significant problems and issues. Why did they start looking for a custom dashboard solution in the first place? Knowing the buyer almost intimately is essential so that your offer sells itself.

Structure the Presentation

The two most powerful parts of your presentation are the opening and the ending. Everything in the middle is a filler that the prospect might or might need to pay more attention to. 

Start with your best shot, the point you feel has the most persuasive power. Then use your second-best shot for the ending. 

Here’s a rundown of sections that’ll help move along the conversation. Each section can be one slide, or it can be a few.

Personalized cover and intro . A personalized cover on a sales presentation deck makes a positive first impression and interest for the rest of the slides. By now, you should know the company’s name, the buyer’s name, and their role in the company. Include them on the cover with a prefix like this:

• Prepared for: Name of buyer, role, company.
• Prepared by: Your name, your role, your company.

On the opening slides, reintroduce what your company offers. Only some members on the client side know the specifics involved in the deal. Present a quick reminder of what your company does. This is the perfect opportunity to share your elevator pitch, your best shot.

Problem / Solution Analysis . Be specific. You already know what they need from you, but they don’t. Sell the solution confidently by being specific about how your custom dashboard service will solve their monitoring pain points. 

Here’s how to do it: Start by presenting the problem given to you by the company. Visually display the reports you obtained from the buyer. Then, present an analysis crafted by your team. Show how specific pain points are solved by displaying real and projected data.

Share your perspective on the issue, and bring up potential trouble points the customer may still need to spot. Conclude by introducing “the solution” with accurate data and projections.

The Cost of Doing Nothing. Use data to show how your solution will not only solve their immediate problem but also in the future. Visually explain how choosing not to buy your dashboard service—doing nothing, staying the same—will cost more than you’re asking them to invest. Using clear calculations, explain how if they stay as they are, not only will they end up wasting more money than if they had bought the dashboard system, they’d be in deeper water and still without the dashboard. 

Your solution instantly solves the cost of doing nothing or staying as they are. Returning to the custom dashboard sale example, let’s say that after the estimation analysis you present, the buyer sees an increased OEE (Overall equipment effectiveness) by 30% in the upcoming four months after the production monitoring software pinpoints the bottlenecks in production. That’s enough information to make the sale!

Real Referrals

Go beyond the testimonial quote and share real referrals from clients whose pain points you solved with custom solutions. Keep a file of case studies, testimonials, and social media mentions ready to add to any presentation.

Create internal case studies if your company is relatively new and you have few referrals or testimonials. Use your product or service to solve your company’s pain points and document the process. Through quality video presentations , your company can also expose insightful information if your referrals aren’t enough, as said videos demonstrate the operational aspect of the product or service you intend to sell.

Regardless of the background, this section aims to increase credibility and authority. Use real data in clear visualizations to showcase gains like ROI and production. Ensure that what you share makes an impact. Storytelling techniques come in handy at this point.

The pricing slide is optional

The slide with pricing is optional. Generally, fixed pricing is more apt for a slide in a sales presentation template . Flexible or complex pricing needs more than a slide. 

Putting the case study as an example, the buying company has 30 product lines but wishes to conduct a trial run for the software solution you are selling them, on 5 product lines for 90 days. Based on the initial results, they will gradually upscale the service. 

In a case like this, the price negotiation is managed by both companies’ financial departments, where accurate quotations are handled. On the slide, you can link to the spreadsheet where calculations are conducted, but you can leave detailed calculations out of the conversation completely. 

Closing  

Thank everyone that attends the call or meeting. And also, include a Thank You note on the last slide. Use your second elevator pitch , the second shot, at this point. Leave the ball in the buyer’s court and make it easy for them to buy. Close the sale by agreeing for your financial team to contact theirs.

Include all forms of communication on that slide with hyperlinks to call you on the phone or get in touch via email.

Design the Slides with Visuals

Designing the slides means putting it all together into a set of slides that flow along with your speech or recorded video-over. We won’t go too deep into this point, but be sure it’s important! Here are some essential things to achieve when designing slides:

• A balanced layout on all slides.
• Harmonious transitions from slide to slide.
• Visual unity between slides.
• A unified color and font scheme.
• Licensed visuals, videos, and images.

This is what your sales presentation can look like.

Save Time With Templates

PowerPoint Templates are the ultimate timesaver for anyone creating presentations. Not only do they save time in development and production, but they also help with visual consistency and flow. Using predesigned templates where you only need to change the content and the colors is ideal for someone with minimal design skills or limited time. FYI, even designers use templates.

Presentation delivery is more important than all the other steps combined. At the point of delivery, your goal is to convince and then persuade the buyer that your solution is worth investing in. 

Practice your Speech

At this stage, top-performing sales professionals stand out from the rest. A memorized speech and perfect slides won’t make the sale; YOU will. The entire transaction depends on you and how you connect with the buyer.

Here are some tips on how to turn a speech into a conversation that will lead to a close.

• Develop and train your voice. Simply memorizing information isn’t going to make sales; you need to practice voice inflection and change of pace. Don’t discount taking speaking courses to improve your skills.
• Record yourself practicing and play it back. Take notes on what you can improve and what can be discarded. 
• Ask peers and colleagues for feedback.
• Always keep improving from every sales presentation.
• Practice for many scenarios; standing in front of a group, sitting at a table next to people, via virtual call.

Remember that all this work you’re doing is for the prospect’s benefit. Don’t talk at them; talk with them. Don’t deliver your presentation dryly or rushed; give yourself and each other time to converse.

Distributing Presentations Digitally 

You won’t always be able to visit the prospect in person. Practice delivering the sales presentation and speech on camera. On some occasions, you won’t be able to meet the prospect. In this case, create the presentation and then record yourself presenting on each slide. Use tools like Loom or Nimbus to record yourself while presenting the slides.

Body Language

It is imperative to be mindful of your body language when delivering a sales presentation, as also interpret your customer’s body language signals. In corporate environments, the interactions between buyer and seller are carefully handled in terms of speech, documents, and deals, but our bodies are able to convey our true feelings about a situation without us even realizing such a fact.

Eyes are a window to the soul, and where a spectator places their focus is usually their main point of interest. If the audience is looking at you, their interest is targeted to what you are disclosing. On the other hand, if you perceive the audience is looking at a distracting element or at no specific point, like gazing at the horizon, then you should revive the presentation with a hook or introduce a surprise element. Constant staring is considered an intimidating practice in Western cultures, so avoid being too forward when speaking to your client. A good ratio of eye contact for sales is between 55-65%.

Anxiety can manifest in multiple shapes, such as toe tapping, pursing lips, unstill hands, or continuous neck movement. Drumming fingers is a common sign of impatience as if your content isn’t relevant or boring to the audience. Playing with desk elements, doodling, or looking at the smartphone are signs of boredom and annoyance. Keep extra care if you see attendees leaning into their arms, as it is a clear sign of a desire to leave the meeting.

When delivering a sales presentation, avoid common non-verbal communication mistakes such as:

• Hands in pockets : It suggests a lack of transparency in the information disclosed.
• Arms crossed close to body : Protectiveness against the audience.
• Posture : Slouching your back is a no-no unless you have any kind of proven physical limitation. Otherwise, it transmits a lack of interest and an unprofessional look.
• Watching the clock : While it is okay to be mindful about the remaining time available in a sales presentation, watching your clock can be felt as if you want to run away from the room as quickly as possible.

The type of follow-up after a sales presentation will depend on if you closed or not. Hopefully, by this point in the relationship with your prospect, a follow-up will come naturally through a few emails or calls. Keep the conversation going and share compelling content and data to help them finalize the deal.

If you close on the sales presentation, the follow-up will be more about financial exchanges. Nevertheless, keep communicating with them and let them know you are always available to discuss whatever they need. 

6 Tips to Supercharge Your Sales Presentations

To succeed in high-profile sales, go beyond the basics to make your presentations close on business deals, increase conversion rates and build meaningful business relationships.

1. Be actionable

At every point in the sales process, ensure the prospect knows where they stand. Expose the next steps in the sales negotiation through conversations and email. Share the sales process with prospects at first contact, letting the buyer know you’re not hiding anything. 

Don’t take the negotiation like a closed deal from the start. The buyer is the one that ultimately makes the decision, but that doesn’t mean you have to put pressure on them. Instead, be actionable and help the buyer make an informed decision that will benefit their company immediately and in the future. Show them how easy it is to take action and close the sale.

2. Presenting the Cost of Not-Doing

When prospects push back, they still don’t see the full value of what you’re offering in terms of what it will cost them if they don’t close the sale. This is why including data visuals and convincing information about the Cost of Not-Doing is a critical angle for your slides.

Use storytelling with numbers and data to create a sense of urgency. Take a cue from Zig Ziglar and his view on the topic, “The fear of loss is greater than the desire for gain.” Present the cost of not-doing as a non-action, leaving everything the same. Continuing with ineffectiveness only results in loss of profit, wasted time, and disgruntled factory managers.

3. Show Empathy Over Sympathy

In sales, it’s all about the attitude you bring to the table when doing a sales presentation. Not only do you have to believe that what you sell solves problems well, but you also have to believe that what you sell is helping people by making their job easier. Therefore, you’re making their lives better. 

In the case of your software company creating a custom dashboard, the buyer’s pain points are:

• Their current tech stack is inefficient.
• Reports take too long to export.
• Troubleshooting is a mess.

Go a step further and ask the buyer what happens when the reports take too long, or the troubleshooting could be smoother. Highly likely that there’s downtime in production or reporting. And what does that lead to? Frustration. And manager frustration leads to negative attitudes toward employees, leading to complaints. 

Show the buyer how your solution doesn’t just help monitor production but also makes your managers and employees more content with work. When employee satisfaction increases, it leads to employee retention. In the opposite scenario, there are unhappy managers and higher employee turnover.

4. A Good Image Across Your Slides 

Just as your appearance influences your sales career, so do the presentation slides you prepare, develop and deliver. It starts with the visual aspect and the design of the presentation as a whole. Here are some best practices to follow so you can achieve a good, professional image all around. 

• Have an offline format for the presentation. Have it on a USB stick, not online.
• Be ready for any kind of question.
• Ensure the presentation is compatible with viewing on different formats; tablet, laptop, mobile, PC, or projector.
• Use catchy, engaging, branded visuals like infographics slides , illustrations, data visualization, video, and voiceovers .

5. Presenting ROI Projections

When deciding which data to visualize, put ROI projections at the top. Showing projections and visions of the buyer’s success increase the chances of closing the sale. This technique is the opposite of showing the cost of Not-Doing. 

With ROI projections, you put the buyer in a privileged position. You show them how much they will gain from their investment. Go further and project how long it will take to repay the investment. Hopefully, it’s not very long!

6. Be on Brand

The content and visuals on your presentation slides must reflect the company’s brand with a compelling narrative. We already mentioned the importance of believing in your product or service. Take it further and believe—and stand behind—the company brand’s values, mission, and vision. 

Aligning with the company’s values will help you see the sales process as a way to grow the brand you work for and your career as a sales professional. Craft the sales presentation with this in mind, and take your sales career to the next level with every close you make.

Your role in a sales presentation is to embody the brand, the product, or the service, as the best and only solution to the buyer’s pain points. Craft and practice your messaging to reveal how the buyer’s situation will improve once they close. 

Use SlideModel templates for full deck presentations, individual slides, and design element collections to help craft sales presentations that convert. Choose the perfect data visualizations and infographics to share the Cost of Not-Doing. SlideModel has your back.

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How to create an effective sales plan and present it: components and tips

Any business involves sales, and forecasting and planning are some of the major activities for a sales team. In this article, you will learn what a sales plan is, how to create an effective one, and how to make a sales presentation PowerPoint based on this plan. We will also discuss some sales plan examples.

What’s sales plan, and why do you need it?

A sales plan is a part of an extensive sales planning process. It helps forecast the sales success a business wants to achieve and outlines a plan to help it accomplish its goals.

Here are the reasons why you need an effective sales plan:

• It helps foresee risks.
• It makes it easier to track company goals.
• It helps find any bottlenecks in the process.
• It helps set clear revenue targets to achieve within a specific period.
• It helps improve lead generation efforts.
• It helps unify labor policies and ensure consistency in operations.
• It helps understand the business’s strengths and weaknesses.
• It helps track progress.
• It helps identify sale strategies that match the target market.
• It helps evaluate the sales team’s performance.
• It helps define each salesperson’s role and delegate work.
• It helps lay out tactics to execute the sales team’s strategies.

Sales plan structure

A sales plan outline will help you present critical metrics, KPIs, processes, tools, objectives, and strategies necessary to hit your sales goals.

If it is your first time creating a sales plan, below are the sections that must be included:

1. Your target revenue

In a sales plan, you can set a revenue-based goal, such as a target of $10,000 in 5 new deals in one month or $150 million in annual recurring revenue. You will need to keep that revenue target achievable.

Here are a few tips for setting your target revenue:

• Determine a reasonable sales goal according to prior sales results and your ability to reach a new market.
• Calculate the anticipated expenses for a specific period.
• Use projected sales forecasts based on estimates or industry standards.

2. Your ideal customer profile and buyer personas

To establish the target market or ideal customer, you must create a series of unique customer profiles that include geographics, demographics, job positions, behavior, and interests. From there, you can clearly define buyer personas and develop more targeted marketing and advertising strategies.

3. Your sales team

A sales team plays a vital role in implementing any sales plan. You must clearly delegate roles and responsibilities to the sales managers, customer service representatives, account executives, sales development representatives, and other sales professionals.

What’s more, there should be smooth communications and a handoff process. You can even consider using a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system to bring visibility and transparency to the sales process for all team members.

4. Your resources

Is your team small? Then, it would help if you determine how to expand the team to meet the sales targets and state how many resources are necessary within a specific period in your business plan.

You may also utilize specialized sales software for effective sales operation management. One such tool is snov.io , which helps scale a small business while engaging better quality leads with the product or service.

5. Safety of communications

Effective communication is essential in a sales team as it keeps each member productive, engaged, and informed. It also performs the following functions:

• Provides analytics needed to measure engagement with sales goals and benchmarks.
• Encourages marketing and sales teams to collaborate on projects.

That’s where you need to ensure the security of your communications and take advantage of dialpad.com, a workspace dedicated to team and customer communications. It is designed for global teams, where they can safely and efficiently communicate through voice, video, and AI contact centers.

6. Your position on the market

Position on the market is about competition, market trends, risks, and predictions. It outlines what your company must do to market your products and services to your target customers.

If you know how to position your business on the market, you will have a big picture of how you can establish the identity or image of your brand. It also allows you to achieve superior margins for the product or brand relative to competitors.

7. Your prospecting strategy

Prospecting strategy involves how you will generate quality leads and what inbound and outbound methods your sales team will use. Your goal here is to create interest and convert it into a sales meeting.

Below are easy ways to start your prospecting strategy:

• Build a list that includes who your sales team wants to generate meetings with.
• Research your prospects to ensure your new leads are a good fit.
• Craft your offer to drive value.
• Create a prospecting campaign to generate appointments with potential buyers and include a solid value-based offering.

8. Your pricing strategy

Your sales plan’s pricing strategy is about determining how you plan to change the price of your product and within what period. It will help you choose prices that maximize your shareholder value while considering the market and consumer demand.

Pricing strategy accounts for many business factors, such as product attributes, brand positioning, target audience, marketing and revenue goals. It is influenced by external factors, such as economic and market trends, competitor pricing, and consumer demand.

When creating a pricing strategy, consider the following:

• Pricing potential evaluation
• Buyer personas
• Historical data
• Your business goals vs. value
• Competitor pricing

9. Your goals, objectives & DRIs

Goals often include one to three- or five-year projections. Your goals must reflect recurring or existing customers’ expected sales and revenue. Then, you will need to have sales objectives that prioritize the activities your sales team needs to engage in.

Assigning Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) also helps make a successful strategic sales plan. These individuals are typically responsible for making sure particular tasks are well-executed.

10. Your action plan

Part of creating an effective sales plan is defining your action plan. It deals with summarizing your plan to achieve each specific objective. For instance, if your sales goal is to increase your referrals by 20%, your actions would be:

Holding referral technique workshops Running a contest to boost referral sales Increasing referral sales commissions by 5%

11. Your budget

In this section, you must outline all costs you believe will be required to achieve your sales targets. Some expenses include hiring, printing, travel, training, sales tools, commissions, salaries, etc. These expenses are meant to be estimates, but due diligence and research should be done to prevent financial errors.

Sales plan examples

When it comes to creating a sales plan, there is no unified sales plan template. Each sales plan differs based on the company’s purpose. While you can encounter different sales plans, here are the common ones:

1. 30-60-90-day sales plan

A 30-60-90-day sales plan is milestone-based. This means it specifies a short-term goal you must achieve within 30, 60, or 90 days. This type of sales plan is suitable for new sales managers, helping them establish tactical and strategic activities according to this plan.

2. Territory sales plan

A territory sales plan features tactics dedicated to the sales team in different territories. You will need to consider a specific area’s market dynamics and working environment.

With a territory sales plan, you can:

• Target specific customers, opportunities, regions, and industries.
• Align the sales team with the prospects.
• Set realistic goals, optimize the strategies, and track progress.
• Spend more time selling.

When creating this sales plan, you have to:

• Define larger sales goals.
• Define the target market.
• Assess account quality and prospects.
• Map out the sales representatives’ strengths and weaknesses.
• Assign leads. Polish your plan.

3. Sales plan for specific sales

When it comes to this sales plan type, you must familiarize yourself with different sales domains, such as sales training plans or compensation, as well as:

• State the company’s mission
• Set objectives and timeframe
• Define the sales team
• Define the target market
• Evaluate the resources
• Create a comparative analysis of your offerings
• Set the sales budget
• Define the marketing strategy
• Work out the strategy
• Define the action plan

4. Monthly sales plan

If you prefer a traditional sales plan, you can opt for a monthly sales plan. It features tactics and revenue goals, which have to be accomplished within a month.

5. Sales tactics plan

A sales tactics plan includes execution strategies. It also involves detailed daily or weekly plans, including prescribed call sequences, meeting appointments, and email follow-up frequency.

Tips on how to create a sales plan

Are you looking for effective recommendations on how to make sales plan for your company? Then, check out the following:

Tip #1: Back up your plan with research and statistics

It is advisable to always back up your sales plan with research and statistics. This will help you define the sales team’s tasks needed to better meet your sales goals. These tasks should primarily stem from statistics and research.

Tip #2: Use SWOT analysis to analyze your capacities

From a sales perspective, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis will help assess your company’s position in the market. It will also allow you to gain insights into leveraging your selling points, acquiring market shares, and comparing your business’ position with that of your competitors.

To make this easier, you can use a visualizing tool to document the results of your SWOT analysis. You can choose from flow-chart tools, spreadsheet apps with SWOT analysis templates, mind mapping software, SWOT analysis generators, or online presentation or graphic design tools.

Tip #3: Split your sales plan into specific tactical plans

You can use specific tactical plans to achieve your sales goals. The details depend on different variables, such as resources and time. You can make a plan for individual areas of sales, such as SDRs, sales enablement, sales operations, and customer success.

As you create a tactical plan, you have to consider the following key elements:

• Company mission
• Key performance indicators
• Flexibility
• Action items
• Responsible parties

These key elements will help you identify the plan’s success in many ways, including the likelihood of accomplishing it.

Tip #4: Use previous performance data

You can use previous performance data to build incentive, territory, quota, and sales capacity plans. Using this data as your crucial decision-making tool, your sales team can have a basis for making informed decisions and forecasting performance more efficiently and accurately. In return, your sales plan will likely help achieve efficiency, higher performance, and bottom-line growth.

Tip #5: Outline the tracking methods you’ll use

By outlining tracking methods, you can set process workflows, allowing your sales representatives to determine where each prospect stands and which steps they need to take next.

You can also track the following:

• Sale cycle length.
• Number of closed deals.
• Conversion rate.
• Average contract value.
• Pipeline value by quarter, by month, and by individual and team.
• The number of unclosed deals after reaching a specific stage.

Now that you know the peculiarities and components of a sales plan, let’s find out how to make a sales plan presentation, what to include in it, and discover the top 14 sales presentation tips from vetted professionals.

What is a sales deck, and how to best present one?

A sales deck is a set of slides you can use to guide your audience through your sales strategy presentation.

Slide presentations can help your target audience grasp crucial information, pricing, and product characteristics your sales representatives can build their story around.

The best sales presentation slides serve as a touchstone for your sales team’s pitches. They allow your sales managers to draw on their personal knowledge to deliver additional information tailored to the prospects and stakeholders they are presenting to.

What are the types of sales presentation?

Sales presentations are classified into three types: standard memorized presentations, formulated sales presentations, and need-satisfaction presentations. Each sales presentation deck type has distinct characteristics that suit different scenarios.

1. Standard memorized presentations

Standard memorized presentations are very detailed and precise and always follow a predefined structure. They ensure no detail is overlooked and enable the sales team to produce a well-rehearsed, flawless presentation, leaving no room for misinterpretations or potential inaccuracies.

2. Formulated sales presentations

Formulated sales presentations offer a balance between rigidity and flexibility. While they follow a structured sales presentation outline, they allow salespeople to adjust their presentation in real time based on the customers’ reactions. Because of this flexibility, the sales presentation is not set in stone but revolves around customer preferences and queries.

3. Need-satisfaction presentations

Need-satisfaction presentations follow a customer-centric approach, allowing the salesperson to focus on satisfying the customer’s individual demands. The emphasis here is on establishing a dialogue rather than presenting a monologue, encouraging the customer to actively engage in the process.

What are the features of a sales presentation?

The content of your sales presentation PowerPoint must be written carefully and portray the story behind the specific product or service. As time is of the essence in sales, ensure your presentation is no more than 10 minutes and the overall meeting time does not exceed one hour.

When you invite people to come to your sales presentation, make sure they are decision-makers and are related to the things you are selling. Also, try not to lose the prospect’s attention by choosing the wrong points. Your sales presentation doesn’t have to concentrate too much on your service or product. Instead, show the audience how your service or product will change their lives in a good way.

Sales presentation structure

Here’s how to build a sales presentation that catches your audience’s attention and delivers your product’s value proposition in the best way possible:

• Introduce the pain points of your prospects.
• Describe the impact of the problem your prospects are facing.
• Explain why change is urgently necessary and what they stand to lose by not acting.
• Present the solution: a clear path toward the prospect’s goals.
• Provide evidence, address reservations, and FAQs.

To create personalized sales decks quickly, you can use a sales presentation template with the most recent FAQs and case studies. This will allow you to easily copy a deck and create a customized sales presentation for each new prospect in a matter of minutes.

What to include in a sales deck?

Good sales decks have a few key elements, such as:

• Introduction. Say a few words about your company, mentioning your activities and mission. Make sure you grab the audience’s attention with a memorable opening slide or cover image.
• Definition of the problem. Identify the main issues that your company is trying to solve. Provide your audience with some data. Metrics can come from third-party sources or your own sales dashboard.
• Social proof. For instance, you might add quotes and success stories from customers to support your sales presentation. However, you must not repeat the things you say.
• Customized content. Customize your sales presentation for every single prospect so as to build a bridge between your services or product and your audience. In other words, make sure it is personalized.
• Next steps. Include a clear and brief call to action. Offer a few next steps for your potential prospects.
• Visuals. Graphs, charts, and other design elements are all effective techniques to illustrate your point. However, make sure they are simple. Do not overwhelm your sales presentation with too much data; use more visuals instead.

Lastly, make sure that the font (and font size) used in your sales presentation design is legible to everyone in the room.

Other points to consider

1. the product.

Demonstrate how your service or product operates in action. Create a perfect environment to showcase how the product works, if it is physical. Utilize technology if it is a digital product. For instance, you might ask your prospects to download the app. In some cases, you might use video as a demo.

2. Handouts

Hand out some materials to your audience. For instance, it might be a QR code or contact data. The information must be clear and to the point. Distribute the handouts once the sales presentation is over.

3. Practice and teamwork

Double-check your sales presentation with a few salespersons. Practice a lot before the actual presentation. Come earlier to make sure everything works well. Also, decide who will say some information during the presentation and who will do certain things to help you.

Expert tips: How to create your sales presentation?

Tip #1: sync.

Your main points must be synchronized with your sales deck. When you present statistics, you should speak slowly. Emphasize your tone of voice when you are talking about pain points. Express relief when you showcase how your company wants to tackle specific issues. Make sure all the questions you ask your audience have straightforward answers or are rhetorical.

Tip #2: Involve storytelling

People like exciting stories related to their daily lives and problems. They will listen to your sales presentation even more attentively if you tell a story that solves their everyday problems.

Tip #3: Avoid using technical slang

In your sales presentation, use general terms that are clear to every audience member. Do not use slang words. Most people in the room might not have a clue about your offering, so the simpler the lexicon is, the better the result.

Tip #4: Emphasize the value of your product or service

Try to demonstrate how your product or service differs from your competitors. Tell about the main differences slowly. Mention how your product or service will make other people’s lives more comfortable. In other words, emphasize their value.

Tip #5: Practice body language

Your body language must be confident during the presentation. Improve your body language by maintaining eye contact and standing straight. It will prove to people that you are interested in communicating with them.

Tip #6: Be funny

Use your sense of humor. For instance, you might play jokes, but you would better not force them. Keep in contact with your prospects by telling funny stories. Make sure everyone in the room is comfortable and relaxed.

Tip #7: Emphasize your expertise

Do not talk too much about your company. You should focus your sales presentation on the field of your expertise instead. For instance, you might demonstrate a slide with logos of the companies that have already invested money in your brand.

Tip #8: Focus on benefits

Emphasize the strong points and tell how your product or service will improve your prospects’ lives. Do not focus too much on the pain points. Make sure your presentation is personal and describe all the benefits they will get. You might also mention the names of people in the room to make them feel valued.

Tip #9: Include research

Add internal and external types of research to your sales presentation. Use statistics or graphs and cut the information into brief pieces for your company to get more authority. Add relevant numbers and examples to demonstrate how you helped previous clients.

Tip #10: Showcase the return on their investment

Tell how your company will master productivity, multiply market share, make more money, eliminate costs, and boost sales. In other words, you should show the results of investments both long- and short-term.

Tip #11: Rehearse

Rehearsing before a presentation will help boost your confidence and smooth “rough spots.” You will also get to know the approximate amount of time needed to deliver your presentation.

Tip #12: Talk directly to your audience

Do not speak just to your slides. Utilize slides to emphasize the things you say. If you fail to do so, your presentation will most likely sound boring. Try to engage every member of the audience. Express yourself by using your hands. For instance, you might ask them to raise their hands if they agree to some of the points.

Tip #13: Add a clear call to action

Make sure your last slide includes a call to action. Add your contact data, but do not go deeply into detail. Know when it is the right time to stop.

Tip #14: Answer the audience’s questions

Your prospects will ask questions, and you have to be prepared to stop the presentation and answer their questions as they appear. Your audience must be sure that you take them seriously. At the end of your presentation, you can also offer a product’s trial, discount, or other incentive to motivate the audience or create a sense of urgency. The main goal here is to make the audience involved.

Lastly, follow sales presentation best practices to ensure a polished and persuasive delivery. This includes maintaining a clear and concise narrative, addressing potential objections proactively, and incorporating compelling storytelling techniques. Utilize engaging visuals to enhance your message and capture the audience’s attention. Practice your delivery to ensure a confident and natural presentation style and encourage audience interaction through discussions.

By adhering to these best practices, you can create a sales presentation that not only increases the likelihood of successful outcomes but also fosters positive connections with potential clients or stakeholders.

Still wondering how to create a sales deck?

Don’t worry—our presentation design service has got you covered! With profound expertise in designing compelling presentations in different software and thousands of satisfied customers from across the globe, it will be a no-brainer for our dedicated team to transform your ideas into a visually stunning, impactful sales presentation. Take the first step towards a winning presentation by reaching out to us today.

Your success story begins with professionally crafted pitch deck slides —let SlidePeak help you make it a reality!

#ezw_tco-2 .ez-toc-widget-container ul.ez-toc-list li.active::before { background-color: #ededed; } Table of contents

• Presenting techniques
• 50 tips on how to improve PowerPoint presentations in 2022-2023 [Updated]
• Keynote VS PowerPoint
• Types of presentations
• Present financial information visually in PowerPoint to drive results

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Introduce a new product idea in a presentation

• Design Tips

A complete guide to perfect pitch deck design: structure, tips & examples

For Sales Manager:

For sales reps:, 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!

Priyanka Mohanty

Priyanka is a marketer with over 13 years of experience in content curation. She has extensive blogging experience and has worked with many companies in the US. She is known to bring practical knowledge to the table. However, besides writing, Priyanka is also passionate about dancing, drawing, and reading.

• Sales Best Practices
• Sales Productivity
• Sales Techniques

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11 Sales Presentation Examples That Explode Your Pipeline

See uniquely effective sales pitch presentation examples and learn how to make a sales presentation that deeply engages buyers and helps you close the sale.

6 minute read

helped business professionals at:

Short answer

What makes a successful sales presentation?

A successful sales presentation deeply engages buyers by setting your product apart from competitors. It should be unique, avoiding static and generic slides.

Key elements include an attention-grabbing cover slide, a clear introduction, problem identification, solution proposal, social proof, key benefits, detailed implementation, and a clear call-to-action.

Interactivity enhances engagement, making the content more memorable. Addressing common sales objections and weaving a coherent story further ensures success.

A generic sales presentation is a silent sales killer

One of the biggest challenges for B2B sales and marketing teams is creating a presentations for sales that truly sets your product apart from the competition.

The main reason why most sales presentations fail is because they all look the same. Sure enough, certain designs are more attractive than others, but the delivery falls short all the same—static, generic, boring insufferable slides. To help you make your offer outshine the rest and leave the competition behind, I rounded up our best sales presentation examples we’ve seen used with tremendous success!

What to include in a sales presentation deck

Regardless of the industry you’re operating in, any outstanding sales presentation deck should contain the following 8 slides :

• Cover slide: your company name and logo next to an attention-grabbing tagline outlining your unique value proposition.
• Intro: here you present what your company does, why it's relevant to buyers, and how you fit into the overall picture.
• The problem: identify the main problems buyers in your niche face and why they need to be solved.
• The solution: the way your solution contributes to solving the problem mentioned in the previous section.
• Social proof: customer testimonials and case studies.
• Key benefits: the unique features of your solution that make it stand out from comparable products or services.
• The “details”: describe how the implementation process works, what the key benefits and integrations are, and what your pricing structure looks like.
• Next steps (Call-To-Action): a clear explanation of the next step a prospect is supposed to take after reading your sales presentation deck.

If this info is not enough, you may wanna read our killer post on the ins and outs of how to create exceptional sales decks .

6 questions any successful sales presentation needs to answer

If you want to turn a prospect into a client, there are 6 basic questions you’ll have to address in your sales presentation deck .

What are the benefits of switching to your product or solution over the status quo?

Why should a potential customer adopt this change now rather than later?

Why should they pick your industry solution instead of those outside of your industry?

Why should a potential buyer choose you and your company specifically?

Why should they pick your product and service? What unique value will it bring them?

Why should you get their hard-earned money?

According to David Hoffeld , these 6 basic questions are the reason behind all sales objections. If you answer them in your sales presentation, you can lead prospects through the buying process and get them to become paying customers .

Now it’s just a matter of weaving the answers to these questions into a coherent story using the outline we mentioned in the previous section.

Stop boring your prospects with static sales presentations

Static presentations should be a thing of the past. By giving your prospects an interactive presentation they can “play around” with rather than trying to decode, you enhance engagement.

Case in point: look at this example of the same presentation for sales designed in 2 different ways, one static and one interactive.

Which one would get you interested? Which would you rather keep reading?

Static PowerPoint

Interactive Storydoc

Dynamic content has big implications for your ability to make successful sales presentations. They increase the average reading time, scroll depth, conversion rate, and internal shares, and are generally seen as more informative.

Using interactive sales presentations brings real business results

Our data from analyzing over 100K Storydoc sessions suggest that these are some outcomes you can expect by moving to interactive content:

146% increase in your presentation’s average reading time (as compared to the PPT benchmark)

41% increase in the number of people who get all the way down to the end of your presentation

2.3x more internal shares within your buyer’s organization

Storydoc users report a 2x increase in conversion over their competitors. So, now that PowerPoint is no longer stopping you from achieving full potential, let's dive deeper into some sales presentation examples .

Best sales presentation examples that bring big results

Instead of wasting your time and effort on sales presentations that look pretty but don’t bring the desired results, I’ll let you in on a little secret of what makes a sales presentation highly effective and compelling .

These sales presentation examples are not your average PowerPoint decks, and rightfully so. PPTs are a 30-year-old technology that fails to meet the needs of modern-day buyers.

NOTE: All of the sales presentation examples presented below have been crafted using Storydoc. They consist of modern scroll-based interactive slides that have proven to bring great results. They're also 100% replicable, meaning you can take any of these samples and use it to create your own high-performing sales presentation in a matter of minutes.

Sales pitch presentation

What makes this sales presentation great:

• Interactive slides are perfect for leading prospects through a compelling story narrative.
• Various data visualization elements allow you to present hard data in a more digestible way.
• Tiered slides can be used to outline the key features and benefits of your solution in a condensed way.

Sales mastery guide presentation

• Contemporary design in line with the freshest trends helps position your company as youthful and cutting-edge.
• A variety of image and data visualization placeholders that can easily be customized to convey the key insights.
• A perfect balance of text-based and visual slides helps add context to your numbers.

Sales impact presentation

• It comes with plenty of image placeholders that can be edited in just a couple of clicks to include industry-relevant visuals.
• Running numbers slides can be used to present the most important metrics.
• Interactive slides are ideal for guiding prospects through a captivating storyline.

Winning sales presentation

• Minimalist design doesn’t detract from your main message while providing value.
• Timeline slides and grayed out content are perfect for walking readers through complex processes or directing their attention to the main benefits of your solution.
• The calendar integration on the last slide makes it easier than ever for prospects to book a meeting with you straight from the deck.

Sales excellence showcase presentation

• A video on the cover slide boosts engagement by up to 32% , increasing the chances of prospects reading your entire deck and taking the desired action at the end.
• Easily customizable slides which are perfect for delivering ultra-personalized sales pitches.
• A vertical timeline allows this template to be repurposed for the next stages of the sales funnel too, for example client onboarding.

High-performance sales presentation

• The narrator slide allows you to walk prospects through even the most complicated solutions in an easily understandable manner.
• Video placeholders help ensure that more prospects will get to the end of your deck .
• The ability to embed case studies helps legitimize your solution in the eyes of prospective customers.

Light mode sales presentation

• Tiered slides allow you to present a variety of services or use cases of your solution in a single deck.
• Animated slides boost user engagement and make your presentation more user-friendly, maximizing the chances of your deck getting read in full.
• A library of data visualization elements to choose from helps position your company against competition and compare key metrics.

Dark mode sales presentation

• High-contrast colors make the presentation easier to consume and interact with.
• A fully interactive layout increases user engagement, as well as the average reading time.
• Tiered slides make it easy to present your service offer or snippets of your portfolio.

Modern sales presentation

A selection of dataviz elements is ideal for demonstrating the most important business metrics and performance indicators.

• Slides combining text and images can be used to present the main features of your solution in a user-friendly way, without overloading prospects with technical specs.
• Dynamic variables can be easily edited in just a few clicks, allowing you to send out ultra-personalized versions of your sales presentation at scale.

Sales pitch presentation essentials

• The sleek layout allows you to convey key details in fewer slides, respecting your prospects' time.
• Versatile slides are readily customizable for diverse sectors and applications.
• Straightforward, easy-to-use editor guarantees that any additions or tweaks you make will seamlessly fit the existing deck design, so you don't have to worry about disrupting the layout.

Sales presentation insights

• The smart editor instantly extracts your company's branding, ensuring your presentation remains on-brand.
• The scroll-based interactive format simplifies the presentation of your offering to prospects, leading them through an engaging story.
• Our AI assistant can be used to generate relevant visuals, create the copy based on your website, or tweak the existing copy to perfection.

How to create your most effective sales presentation yet

The only way to survive in sales going forward is to make sales presentations that buyers love reading. PowerPoint will always fail to do this. It’s time to let it go. So long, old friend! You won’t be missed.

To create truly effective presentations for sales you’ll need to weave storytelling into your pitch, personalize for each prospect, and let them take the next commitment directly from your deck.

You can do all of the above and get deep insights into your sales process with Storydoc’s interactive sales presentation creator .

You can personalize at scale by integrating Storydoc with your CRM and pull prospect’s data directly into your presentations with a single click.

You can fine-tune your presentation to perfection using your extensive analytics panel.

Investigate when and where a presentation is being read, how many times it was shared internally, which parts engaged most, and which made prospects bounce.

Try Storydoc and watch your close rate break through the roof (hope you have your whiskey and cigars ready).

Sales presentation templates that win

To make your content creation easier I’ve brought you some of our best sales presentation templates to take and use.

These templates were built with business storytelling in mind. They use interactive design to engage prospects and help them break down even the most complex messages.

Each of these templates was tried and tested for every device or screen size.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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7 Amazing Sales Presentation Examples (And How to Make Them Your Own)

7 Types of Slides to Include In Your Sales Presentation

Inside the mind of your prospect: change is hard, before-after-bridge: the only formula you need to create a persuasive sales presentation, facebook — how smiles and simplicity make you more memorable, contently — how to build a strong bridge, brick by brick, yesware — how to go above and beyond with your benefits, uber — how to cater your content for readers quick to scan, dealtap — how to use leading questions to your advantage, zuora — how to win over your prospects by feeding them dots, linkedin sales navigator — how to create excitement with color, how to make a sales pitch in 4 straightforward steps, 7 embarrassing pitfalls to avoid in your presentation, over to you.

A brilliant sales presentation has a number of things going for it.

Being product-centered isn’t one of them. Or simply focusing on your sales pitch won’t do the trick.

So what can you do to make your offer compelling?

From different types of slides to persuasive techniques and visuals, we’ve got you covered.

Below, we look at data-backed strategies, examples, and easy steps to build your own sales presentations in minutes.

• Title slide: Company name, topic, tagline
• The “Before” picture: No more than three slides with relevant statistics and graphics.
• The “After” picture: How life looks with your product. Use happy faces.
• Company introduction: Who you are and what you do (as it applies to them).
• The “Bridge” slide: Short outcome statements with icons in circles.
• Social proof slides: Customer logos with the mission statement on one slide. Pull quote on another.
• “We’re here for you” slide: Include a call-to-action and contact information.

Many sales presentations fall flat because they ignore this universal psychological bias: People overvalue the benefits of what they have over what they’re missing.

Harvard Business School professor John T. Gourville calls this the “ 9x Effect .” Left unchecked, it can be disastrous for your business.

According to Gourville, “It’s not enough for a new product simply to be better. Unless the gains far outweigh the losses, customers will not adopt it.”

The good news: You can influence how prospects perceive these gains and losses. One of the best ways to prove value is to contrast life before and after your product.

Luckily, there’s a three-step formula for that.

• Before → Here’s your world…
• After → Imagine what it would be like if…
• Bridge → Here’s how to get there.

Start with a vivid description of the pain, present an enviable world where that problem doesn’t exist, then explain how to get there using your tool.

It’s super simple, and it works for cold emails , drip campaigns , and sales discovery decks. Basically anywhere you need to get people excited about what you have to say.

In fact, a lot of companies are already using this formula to great success. The methods used in the sales presentation examples below will help you do the same.

We’re all drawn to happiness. A study at Harvard tells us that emotion is contagious .

You’ll notice that the “Before” (pre-Digital Age) pictures in Facebook’s slides all display neutral faces. But the cover slide that introduces Facebook and the “After” slides have smiling faces on them.

This is important. The placement of those graphics is an intentional persuasion technique.

Studies by psychologists show that we register smiles faster than any other expression. All it takes is 500 milliseconds (1/20th of a second). And when participants in a study were asked to recall expressions, they consistently remembered happy faces over neutral ones.

What to do about it : Add a happy stock photo to your intro and “After” slides, and keep people in “Before” slides to neutral expressions.

Here are some further techniques used during the sales presentation:

Tactic #1: Use Simple Graphics

Use simple graphics to convey meaning without text.

Example: Slide 2 is a picture of a consumer’s hand holding an iPhone — something we can all relate to.

Why It Works: Pictures are more effective than words — it’s called  Picture Superiority . In presentations, pictures help you create connections with your audience. Instead of spoon-feeding them everything word for word, you let them interpret. This builds trust.

Tactic #2: Use Icons

Use icons to show statistics you’re comparing instead of listing them out.

Example: Slide 18 uses people icons to emphasize how small 38 out of 100 people is compared to 89 out of 100.

Why It Works:  We process visuals 60,000 times faster than text.

Tactic #3: Include Statistics

Include statistics that tie real success to the benefits you mention.

Example: “71% lift driving visits to retailer title pages” (Slide 26).

Why It Works:  Precise details prove that you are telling the truth.

Just like how you can’t drive from Marin County to San Francisco without the Golden Gate, you can’t connect a “Before” to an “After” without a bridge.

Add the mission statement of your company — something Contently does from Slide 1 of their deck. Having a logo-filled Customers slide isn’t unusual for sales presentations, but Contently goes one step further by showing you exactly what they do for these companies.

They then drive home the Before-After-Bridge Formula further with case studies:

Before : Customer’s needs when they came on

After: What your company accomplished for them

Bridge : How they got there (specific actions and outcomes)

Here are some other tactics we pulled from the sales presentation:

Tactic #1: Use Graphics/Diagrams

Use graphics, Venn diagrams, and/or equations to drive home your “Before” picture.

Why It Works:  According to a Cornell study , graphs and equations have persuasive power. They “signal a scientific basis for claims, which grants them greater credibility.”

Tactic #2: Keep Slides That Have Bullets to a Minimum

Keep slides that have bullets to a minimum. No more than one in every five slides.

Why It Works:  According to an experiment by the International Journal of Business Communication , “Subjects exposed to a graphic representation paid significantly more attention to , agreed more with, and better recalled the strategy than did subjects who saw a (textually identical) bulleted list.”

Tactic #3: Use Visual Examples

Follow up your descriptions with visual examples.

Example: After stating “15000+ vetted, ready to work journalists searchable by location, topical experience, and social media influence” on Slide 8, Contently shows what this looks like firsthand on slides 9 and 10.

Why It Works:  The same reason why prospects clamor for demos and car buyers ask for test drives. You’re never truly convinced until you see something for yourself.

Which is more effective for you?

This statement — “On average, Yesware customers save ten hours per week” — or this image:

The graphic shows you what that 10 hours looks like for prospects vs. customers. It also calls out a pain that the product removes: data entry.

Visuals are more effective every time. They fuel retention of a presentation from 10% to 65% .

But it’s not as easy as just including a graphic. You need to keep the design clean.

Can you feel it?

Clutter provokes anxiety and stress because it bombards our minds with excessive visual stimuli, causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren’t important.

Here’s a tip from Yesware’s Graphic Designer, Ginelle DeAntonis:

“Customer logos won’t all necessarily have the same dimensions, but keep them the same size visually so that they all have the same importance. You should also disperse colors throughout, so that you don’t for example end up with a bunch of blue logos next to each other. Organize them in a way that’s easy for the eye, because in the end it’s a lot of information at once.”

Here are more tactics to inspire sales presentation ideas:

Tactic #1: Personalize Your Final Slide

Personalize your final slide with your contact information and a headline that drives emotion.

Example: Our Mid-Market Team Lead Kyle includes his phone number and email address with “We’re Here For You”

Why It Works: These small details show your audience that:

• This is about giving them the end picture, not making a sale
• The end of the presentation doesn’t mean the end of the conversation
• Questions are welcomed

Tactic #2: Pair Outcome Statements With Icons in Circles

Example: Slide 4 does this with seven different “After” outcomes.

Why It Works:  We already know why pictures work, but circles have power , too. They imply completeness, infiniteness, and harmony.

Tactic #3: Include Specific Success Metrics

Don’t just list who you work with; include specific success metrics that hit home what you’ve done for them.

Example: 35% New Business Growth for Boomtrain; 30% Higher Reply Rates for Dyn.

Why It Works:  Social proof drives action. It’s why we wait in lines at restaurants and put ourselves on waitlists for sold-out items.

People can only focus for eight seconds at a time. (Sadly, goldfish have one second on us.)

This means you need to cut to the chase fast.

Uber’s headlines in Slides 2-9 tailor the “After” picture to specific pain points. As a result, there’s no need to explicitly state a “Before.”

Slides 11-13 then continue touching on “Before” problems tangentially with customer quotes:

So instead of self-touting benefits, the brand steps aside to let consumers hear from their peers — something that sways 92% of consumers .

Leading questions may be banned from the courtroom, but they aren’t in the boardroom.

DealTap’s slides ask viewers to choose between two scenarios over and over. Each has an obvious winner:

Ever heard of the Focusing Effect?

It’s part of what makes us tick as humans and what makes this design move effective. We focus on one thing and then ignore the rest. Here, DealTap puts the magnifying glass on paperwork vs. automated transactions.

Easy choice.

Sure, DealTap’s platform might have complexities that rival paperwork, but we don’t think about that. We’re looking at the pile of work one the left and the simpler, single interface on the right.

Here are some other tactics to use in your own sales presentation:

Tactic #1: Tell a Story

Tell a story that flows from one slide to the next.

Example: Here’s the story DealTap tells from slides 4 to 8: “Transactions are complicated” → “Expectations on all sides” → “Too many disconnected tools” → “Slow and error prone process” → “However, there’s an opportunity.

Why It Works:   Storytelling in sales with a clear beginning and end (or in this case, a “Before” and “After”) trigger a trust hormone called Oxytocin.

Tactic #2: This vs. That

If it’s hard to separate out one “Before” and “After” vision with your product or service because you offer many dissimilar benefits, consider a “This vs. That” theme for each.

Why It Works:  It breaks up your points into simple decisions and sets you up to win emotional reactions from your audience with stock photos.

Remember how satisfying it was to play connect the dots? Forming a bigger picture out of disconnected circles.

That’s what you need to make your audience do.

Zuora tells a story by:

• Laying out the reality (the “Before” part of the Before-After-Bridge formula).
• Asking you a question that you want to answer (the “After”)
• Giving you hints to help you connect the dots
• Showing you the common thread (the “Bridge”)

You can achieve this by founding your sales presentation on your audience’s intuitions. Set them up with the closely-set “dots,” then let them make the connection.

Here are more tactical sales presentation ideas to steal for your own use:

Tactic #1: Use Logos and Testimonials

Use logos and  testimonial pull-quotes for your highest-profile customers to strengthen your sales presentation.

Example: Slides 21 to 23 include customer quotes from Schneider Electric, Financial Times, and Box.

Why It Works: It’s called  social proof . Prospects value other people’s opinions and trust reputable sources more than you.

Tactic #2: Include White Space

Pad your images with white space.

Example: Slide 17 includes two simple graphics on a white background to drive home an important concept.

Why It Works:  White space creates separation, balance, and attracts the audience’s eyes to the main focus: your image.

Tactic #3: Incorporate Hard Data

Incorporate hard data with a memorable background to make your data stand out.

Example: Slide 5 includes statistics with a backdrop that stands out. The number and exciting title (‘A Global Phenomenon’) are the main focuses of the slide.

Why It Works:  Vivid backdrops are proven to be memorable and help your audience take away important numbers or data.

Psychology tells us that seeing colors can set our mood .

The color red is proven to increase the pulse and heart rate. Beyond that, it’s associated with being active, aggressive, and outspoken. LinkedIn Sales Navigator uses red on slides to draw attention to main points:

You can use hues in your own slides to guide your audience’s emotions. Green gives peace; grey adds a sense of calm; blue breeds trust. See more here .

Tip: You can grab free photos from Creative Commons and then set them to black & white and add a colored filter on top using a (also free) tool like Canva . Here’s the sizing for your image:

Caveat: Check with your marketing team first to see if you have a specific color palette or brand guidelines to follow.

Here are some other takeaways from LinkedIn’s sales presentation:

Tactic #1: Include a CTA on Final Slide

Include one clear call-to-action on your final slide.

Example: Slide 9 has a “Learn More” CTA button.

Why It Works:  According to the Paradox of Choice , the more options you give, the less likely they are to act.

Step One : Ask marketing for your company’s style guide (color, logo, and font style).

Step Two: Answer these questions to outline the “Before → After → Bridge” formula for your sales pitch :

• What are your ICP’s pain points?
• What end picture resonates with them?
• How does your company come into play?

Step Three: Ask account management/marketing which customers you can mention in your slides (plus where to access any case studies for pull quotes).

Step Four:  Download photos from Creative Commons . Remember: Graphics > Text. Use Canva to edit on your own — free and fast.

What are the sales presentation strategies that work best for your industry and customers? Tweet us:  @Yesware .

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The Most Persuasive Sales Presentation Structure of All

Updated: January 28, 2020

Published: April 13, 2017

If you’ve ever sat through a presentation that went around the block a few times before finally arriving at its destination, you understand the need for a clear, comprehensible structure for your message.

Structure isn’t just for keeping you, the presenter, from getting lost in the weeds. As a salesperson, you need to organize your message in a way that has the greatest impact on your audience and ultimately encourages them to take action.

Almost any structure will help you get your arms around information, prioritize, and organize it. However, the right structure can set you up for success and increase your odds of winning the business.

The Basic Three-Act Presentation Structure

Breaking content into an opening , a body , and a conclusion is the basis of most presentations, movies, TV shows, and speeches. This basic three-act structure was invented by Aristotle and has stood the test of time. It’s familiar to audiences, digestible, and easy to follow. In fact, if you’ve ever felt uncomfortable or confused watching a movie, it’s often because the writer has broken the three-act structure ( Memento and Inception are two examples).

A three-act structure is a great place to start for just about any presentation. But within this framework there are several variations. For instance, you could sort information chronologically, by process, or priority, and so on.

If your goal is to educate or inform, these variations are fine -- but they're not optimal for persuasion. To do use, that the  Situation , Complication , Resolution  framework.

SCR: The Best Sales Presentation Structure of All

Situation, Complication, Resolution is really just a way of identifying:

• Our present state
• The problem
• What should we do about it

First identified in Barbara Minto’s book The Pyramid Principle , the SCR structure is an effective way of establishing a persuasive case and will be familiar to anyone who consumes movies, TV, or books.

Here’s an example of the SCR structure in a story:

Situation : A girl is kidnapped. If a steep ransom is not paid by midnight, a bomb will explode.

Complication : The girl's family can’t get the money together. No one knows where the bomb is except the hero. The hero is stuck on a remote island.

Resolution : The hero jumps on a plane, finds the girl, detonates the bomb, and saves the world.

If that sounds like the framework of most movies you’ve seen, there’s a good reason. The SCR structure organizes content in a way that takes people on a journey that leads to a natural conclusion. It builds up tension in the audience which increases their attention and their desire for a resolution.

By following this proven structure in sales, you can produce the same effect on your business audience. Let’s look at how you can leverage each act in your sales presentation.

To take someone on a journey, you must first know where that journey begins. In this first act, define the status quo. What is the critical business issue or challenge your prospect is experiencing, how is he addressing it, and what is the impact?

This act lays the groundwork for why your prospect needs to change and assures him you have a clear understanding of his situation. Ending this first act by painting a brief picture of where this journey can lead (i.e., current state versus potential future state) creates an uncomfortable but necessary disparity between where your prospect is and where he wants to be.

Complication

In this act, introduce complications or consequences that are likely to arise as a result of your prospect not taking action, or choosing an inadequate solution to his problem. Create tension which will make sticking with the status quo or putting off a decision less desirable.

Because most people are uncomfortable with indecision, tension taps into our innate human desire to solve the problem. Widening the gap between pain and relief increases your prospect’s urgency to take action.

Finally, when tension is at its peak, relieve that tension by providing a clear solution to the problem and making it easy for your prospect to act upon. While many structures require the presenter to deliver a heavy handed close at this point, in the SCR structure, the resolution comes as a natural conclusion to the journey.

The SCR Presentation in Action

Let’s look at how you might use the three-act SCR structure in a business example.

Situation : An HR department is doing most of their reports manually. This currently takes 1.5 days per week of each HR person’s time.

Complication : The company is growing at a rate of 20% per year. Projected HR workload will escalate to two days per week if nothing changes and the chances for errors will increase. Employee satisfaction will decline and turnover rates will go up.

Resolution : Deploy an HR workforce application that will reduce time spent on current processes from 1.5 days per week to .25 days per week, resulting in greater efficiency, fewer errors, increased satisfaction, and a lower turnover rate.

In sales, you need every advantage you can get. Following the Situation, Complication, Resolution structure gives you a jumpstart on presenting a persuasive case for why your prospect should choose your solution and make the desired change.

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Sales presentation definition

• Written by: Joby Blume
• Categories: Sales presentations , Sales messaging
• Comments: 3

A presentation is a talk in which a ‘product, idea, or piece of work is shown and explained to the audience’ (Oxford English Dictionary), often including a ‘verbal report presented with illustrative material such as slides, graphs, etc.’ (Collins Dictionary). So, how can we define the related term ‘sales presentation’?

There are a few popular definitions (in virtue of where they are) out there that I think we can quickly reject. Wikipedia (and so Google) defines a sales presentation as:

A line of talk that attempts to persuade someone or something, with a planned sales presentation strategy of a product or service designed to initiate and close a sale of the product or service.

I’m fairly sure the first rule of definitions is that they can’t be tautologies (circular), so the use of ‘sales presentation’ in the definition is a problem. Does a sales presentation need to be planned? Maybe not. Does it need to be designed to ‘initiate and close a sale’ – maybe not – it could sit in the middle of a sales process, and be designed simply to advance the sale to the next stage. Would a telephone call count? By this definition, it might.

The Business Dictionary gives its definition of sales presentation as:

Formal and pre-arranged meeting, usually at a customer’s place (or at a neutral premises, such as a hotel) where a salesperson or a sales team presents detailed information (often including live demonstration) about a product or product-line.

I think there’s plenty to dislike here. ‘Formal and pre-arranged’ – maybe, but not necessarily. Location is probably irrelevant for the definition – a sales presentation could happen anywhere. Even ‘about a product or product-line’ unnecessarily excludes presentations about services or service-lines.

The best definition of sales presentation I could find online was from the Cambridge Dictionary :

A talk giving information about a product or service that you are trying to sell, intended to persuade people to buy it.

There is one small issue with this definition – but I think it’s closer to the mark. As per the Collins dictionary above, a presentation contains illustrative material – otherwise it’s just a speech or a talk or simply a conversation. As a minor point, it could be that the phrase ‘giving information’ is superfluous – the definition works just as well without it.

I think the narrow focus in the Cambridge Dictionary definition on a commercial transaction – ‘trying to sell’ … ‘persuade people to buy it’ – is probably correct. Many presentations attempt to persuade people about ideas, or how to vote, or religion. These presentations are similar to sales presentations, but my sense is that they aren’t sales presentations. A TED Talk may well want to persuade the audience to change the world, change themselves – but I don’t think that makes it a sales presentation in the way that people typically understand the term, because we aren’t selling in the commercial sense.

It’s worth noting that the Cambridge Dictionary definition doesn’t specify that the people you are persuading to buy your product or service are actually those you are presenting to. This is important because often sales presentations are mediated through the press – consider gadget launches for the most obvious example. I think these launches are a type of sales presentation, although the people being persuaded to buy aren’t in the audience, but at home.

Trying to refine our definition becomes more difficult when we consider investor presentations. Are we selling something? Yes – a stake in a company or other investment vehicle. Do we typically consider an investor presentation to be a sales presentation? Your sense may be different, but I think not. It’s something else – because we aren’t selling a product or service, but an investment opportunity.

So, based on all of the above, I think our sales presentation definition should be as follows:

A talk promoting to an audience a product or service that you are trying to sell, including illustrative material such as slides, graphs, etc.

I originally had the phrase ‘intended to persuade people to buy the product or service’ in the middle of the definition, but removed it because it was superfluous, as ‘promoting’ and ‘trying to sell’ already said the same thing. What do you think?

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9 sales pitch lessons from exhibitions and tradeshows

We exhibited at a large trade exhibition a couple of weeks ago, and I went along to see what other vendors are up to. A lot of exhibitions are a desolate wasteland for exhibitors with nothing but tumbleweed and other vendors to stop the boredom. This show was actually pretty busy though, and by walking around l think I managed to notice things companies were doing (right and wrong). Some of these observations are surprisingly apt for sales presentations too...

Hi, Very interesting Post. We are a translation company and we are eager to find anything new. Thank you.

Good meaning of sales presentation I want more definitions

Sales presentations are a structured communication tool used to influence a purchase decision. They contain two main components: a spoken narrative, given by the presenter or presentation team, and the supporting visuals.

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How to Create a Winning Sales Presentation?

Discover essential elements for a powerful sales presentation. Learn what to include to win clients over. Read our expert tips now!

Welcome to the world of persuasive communication! Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just stepping into the realm of selling, mastering the art of a compelling sales presentation is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the key elements of a successful sales presentation that can help you win over clients and close deals effectively.

What is a Sales Presentation?

A sales presentation is a structured communication process used to showcase a product, service, or idea to potential clients or stakeholders. It’s your opportunity to make a strong impression, convey your message clearly, and persuade your audience to take action. Sales presentations can be used in various settings, including:

Sales Pitches: When you’re selling a product or service to potential customers.

Investor Meetings: When seeking funding or investments for your business.

Board Meetings: To update key stakeholders on company performance and strategy.

Product Launches: To introduce a new offering to the market.

A sales presentation is your chance to shine and demonstrate why your offering is the best solution for your audience’s needs.

What Slides Should Be Included in a Sales Presentation?

Introduction slide.

The introduction slide sets the stage for your sales presentation. It’s your first opportunity to engage your audience, so make it count. Here’s how to craft an effective introduction:

Importance: ‍

• This slide grabs your audience’s attention right from the start.
• It introduces yourself and your company, establishing credibility.
• It provides a brief overview of what to expect in your presentation.
• A few sentences are enough to introduce yourself and your company.
• Include your company logo or a relevant image to make the slide visually appealing.
• Begin with a welcoming and friendly message to create a connection with your audience.

Problem Slide

The problem slide is where you acknowledge the challenges or pain points your audience faces. It’s crucial for building empathy and demonstrating that you understand their needs.

• It establishes a common ground with your audience.
• It shows that you’ve done your homework and understand their pain points.
• It creates a sense of relevance and urgency for your solution.
• Phrase the problems in a way that resonates with your audience.
• If available, use data to quantify the issue’s severity.
• Explain how these problems affect your audience personally or professionally.

Solution Slide

The solution slide is where you introduce your product or service as the answer to the problems you’ve identified. This is where you transition from issues to solutions.

Importance:

• It showcases the main benefit of your presentation — your solution.
• It demonstrates how your offering directly addresses the pain points discussed earlier.
• It piques the audience’s interest and curiosity.
• Clearly outline how your solution solves the problems.
• Incorporate images or graphics to represent your offering visually.
• Mention unique features or advantages that set your solution apart.

Product Slide

The product slide is where you provide a deeper dive into your offering. You should elaborate on your product or service’s features, specifications, and advantages.

Importance :

• It gives your audience a comprehensive understanding of what you’re offering.
• It helps potential customers visualize how your product works or what they’ll experience.
• It builds confidence in the quality and effectiveness of your solution.
• Visual aids make complex concepts easier to grasp.
• If applicable, include case studies or testimonials.
• Explain how your product benefits the end user.

Emotion Factor Slide

The emotion factor slide aims to create an emotional connection with your audience. It’s where you share stories, testimonials, or experiences that evoke emotions related to your product or service.

• It humanizes your presentation, making it relatable and memorable.
• It taps into the emotional aspect of decision-making, influencing your audience’s feelings.
• It reinforces the idea that your solution can genuinely improve lives or situations.
• Narrate a real-life scenario that highlights the emotional impact of your solution.
• Share quotes or anecdotes from satisfied customers.
• Paint a picture of the positive future your solution can bring.

The cost slide is where you address pricing and any associated expenses. Being transparent about costs helps build trust and manage expectations.

• It prevents surprises and potential objections related to pricing.
• It allows you to highlight the value your solution offers in relation to its cost.
• It shows respect for your audience’s budget considerations.
• Use straightforward language and visuals to outline pricing structures.
• If applicable, provide different packages or payment plans.
• Explain how the benefits outweigh the costs.

Closing Slide

The closing slide is your final opportunity to persuade your audience to take action. Summarize your key points and encourage your audience to engage or make a decision.

• It reinforces the main takeaways from your presentation.
• It guides your audience toward the desired action, whether it’s making a purchase, scheduling a follow-up, or requesting more information.
• It leaves a lasting impression, ensuring your message lingers in your audience’s minds.
• Tell your audience precisely with CTA what you want them to do next.
• Remind them of the value they’ll receive by taking the desired action.
• Conclude with a motivational message encouraging action.

8 Sales Presentation Tips

Tip 1: know your audience.

Understanding your audience is paramount. Research their demographics, preferences, and challenges. Creating audience personas will guide your content creation. Use relatable language and examples that resonate with your audience.

Tip 2: Practice

Rehearse your presentation multiple times to build confidence and perfect your delivery. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself for self-assessment. Conduct mock presentations with colleagues for valuable feedback. Memorize key points while maintaining a natural, conversational tone.

Tip 3: Engage with Visuals

Incorporate visuals like images, charts, and graphs to enhance clarity and engagement. High-quality visuals simplify complex information, making your presentation more appealing and memorable. Strike a balance between text and visuals to avoid overwhelming your audience.

Tip 4: Tell a Compelling Story

Weave a captivating narrative throughout your presentation. Start with an engaging opening story or anecdote. Utilize storytelling techniques like conflict, resolution, and character development. Conclude with a memorable takeaway that reinforces your narrative.

Tip 5: Address Objections

Anticipate and proactively address potential objections during your presentation. List common objections related to your offering and prepare persuasive responses. Address objections at relevant points in your presentation to build trust and reduce skepticism.

Tip 6: Use Concise Language

Keep your language concise and avoid jargon. Simplify complex concepts to enhance comprehension. Use straightforward, easy-to-understand language to ensure your message is clear and accessible.

Tip 7: Engage Your Audience

Encourage audience engagement throughout your presentation. Ask questions, seek opinions, or conduct interactive polls. Engaging your audience maintains their interest and involvement in the discussion.

Tip 8: Rehearse Timing and Pacing

Pay attention to timing and pacing. Ensure your presentation flows smoothly within the allotted time. Practice transitions between slides and sections to maintain a seamless and engaging experience for your audience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading Slides with Text: One of the most common mistakes in sales presentations is the excessive use of text-heavy slides. Use concise bullet points, compelling visuals, and minimal text to convey your message effectively. Emphasize key points, and let your spoken words complement, rather than duplicate, what’s on the slides.
• Neglecting to Rehearse: Failing to practice your presentation can lead to performance anxiety and a lack of confidence when presenting. Rehearsing is essential for refining your delivery, timing, and overall presentation skills.
• Ignoring Audience Engagement: A sales presentation shouldn’t be a one-way conversation. Neglecting to engage with your audience can result in disinterest and detachment. To keep your audience actively involved, encourage questions, ask for opinions, and incorporate interactive elements.
• Not Personalizing the Presentation: Generic, one-size-fits-all presentations rarely resonate with diverse audiences. Personalize your content to address your audience’s specific needs, pain points, and interests to make a lasting impact. Tailor your examples and solutions to their industry or situation, showing that you’ve done your homework and genuinely care about their concerns.
• Being Overly Salesy: A common turn-off in sales presentations comes across as overly aggressive or solely focused on closing a deal. Instead of relentlessly pushing your product or service, prioritize providing value and solving problems for your audience.
• Lacking Clarity and Structure: Presentations that lack a clear structure and logical flow can confuse your audience. Start with a well-defined structure that includes an introduction, main points, and a conclusion.
• Neglecting Visual Appeal: Visual appeal matters in a presentation. Poorly designed slides, inconsistent visuals, or an absence of images can diminish your audience’s interest. Visual aids, when used effectively, enhance understanding and engagement.
• Not Addressing Objections: Ignoring objections until the end of your presentation can leave your audience skeptical. Proactively anticipate common concerns or objections related to your offering and address them as they arise during your presentation.
• Overwhelming with Data: While data can be persuasive, an overload of statistics, charts, and figures can overwhelm or bore your audience. Use data strategically, focusing on the most relevant and compelling points that support your message.
• Exceeding Time Limits: Going over your allotted presentation time can frustrate your audience and disrupt your overall message. Pay attention to pacing and transitions to maintain a smooth flow while staying within the time limits.

How PitchBob Can Help

PitchBob offers a range of tools and services designed to empower entrepreneurs in their sales endeavors:

• AI Pitch Deck Creator: ‍

Use our AI-powered tool to quickly create compelling pitch decks with professional visuals and impactful content. Elevate your presentations, impress potential investors, and increase your chances of securing funding.

• Improve Your Current Pitch Deck: ‍

Receive expert feedback and recommendations to enhance your existing pitch deck , making it more persuasive and engaging. Our expert insights will help you transform your current pitch into a winning one.

• Pitch Deck Evaluation & Feedback Tool: ‍

Get detailed insights into your presentation’s strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring it resonates with your audience. Our tool gives you a clear roadmap for enhancing your pitch’s effectiveness .

• AI VC Coach:

‍ Access personalized coaching to refine your pitch delivery, boost confidence, and convey your message effectively. Our AI VC Coach provides valuable guidance tailored to your unique presentation style.

• AI Business Plan Generator:

Effortlessly generate comprehensive business plans , saving time and ensuring a professional structure. Create strategic business plans that impress stakeholders and guide your company’s growth.

• Investor Outreach:

Connect with potential investors and partners through our extensive network, facilitating introductions and connections. Our platform opens doors to valuable opportunities for your business.

• Sales Outreach:

Streamline sales outreach with our automation solutions, simplifying lead generation and email marketing. Our automation tools empower you to focus on building relationships and closing deals more effectively.

PitchBob’s tools and services are designed to save you time and increase your chances of success. We’re continually innovating to provide even more support to entrepreneurs like you.

In conclusion, a winning sales presentation requires careful planning, a deep understanding of your audience, and the right tools and techniques. By following the structure outlined here and incorporating our tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating presentations that captivate, persuade, and ultimately lead to successful outcomes.

Remember, a great sales presentation isn’t just about showcasing your product; it’s about creating a memorable experience for your audience. Practice, refine, and adapt your approach to improve your presentation skills continually. Now, armed with this knowledge, go out and confidently conquer your next sales presentation!

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PitchBob, Inc 2261 Market Street #10281 San Francisco, CA 94114

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Sales Presentation - Definition, Importance & Steps

What is sales presentation.

Sales presentation is the concerned talk which attempts to persuade a stakeholder or a customer to initiate and close a sale of the service or product through a showcase of capabilities, features, price etc. Sales presentation is usually designed to be either an introduction of a service or product to some particular audience who generally knows nothing about it, or a descriptive expansion of a service or product which that particular audience has expressed interest in it, already.

Advance planning can make all the difference for a sales presentation. The sales presentation should be in line with the needs of the clients and for that, it is very important to know who the audience is before making the sales presentation.

Importance of Sales Presentation

Sales presentations are mostly the first step in the selling process or the sales cycle, hence become extremely important. A successful sales presentation is followed by a proposal, quote or an order stage which leads to revenue and profit for a business.

Not all sales presentations are meant to make an immediate sale. The objective might be to create interest in the involved parties. Establishing the overall message that one wants the presentation to get across is very crucial. The structure and time consumed for presentation is also very important.

It is always advisable to make the sales presentation flexible in case a particular point doesn’t work out or one runs out of time. The sales presentations are meant to be interactive and not one way delivery. For people with lower attention span, it is important for the sales presentation to be effective to grab and retain their interest. For that, the sales presentation need to be catchy in the beginning only.

• Sales Quota
• Sales Management
• Sales Potential
• Sales Control
• Sales Concept

10 Steps to make a good Sales Presentation

1. Keep the sales presentation to the point.

2. Start well with the agenda

3. Good Sales Presentation clearly defines the problem statement or the customer's ask

4. Give the solution and recommendations after defining the problem statement

5. A well made sales presentation is not open ended but talks about the plan with timelines and value

6. Provide key contacts for future

7. Make sure that business, technology and management teams in your target audience understand the offering

8. Provide past references and similar work which was done in form of case studies

9. Showcase your capabilities in the sales presentation

10. Make sure you have understood the storyline well and practice well before the presentation

Hence, this concludes the definition of Sales Presentation along with its overview.

This article has been researched & authored by the Business Concepts Team . It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.

Browse the definition and meaning of more similar terms. The Management Dictionary covers over 1800 business concepts from 5 categories.

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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Search form, you are here, final rule: definition of “engaged in the business” as a dealer in firearms.

On April 10 , 2024, the Attorney General signed ATF’s final rule, Definition of “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms, amending ATF’s regulations in title 27, Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”), part 478. The final rule implements the provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (“BSCA,” effective June 25, 2022), which broadened the definition of when a person is considered “engaged in the business” as a dealer in firearms (other than a gunsmith or pawnbroker). The Final Rule clarifies that definition. It will be published in the Federal Register and will be effective 30-days from publication.

This final rule incorporates BSCA’s definitions of “predominantly earn a profit” and “terrorism,” and amends the regulatory definitions of “engaged in the business as a dealer other than a gunsmith or pawnbroker” and “principal objective of livelihood and profit” to ensure each conforms with the BSCA’s statutory changes and can be relied upon by the public. 

The final rule clarifies when a person is “engaged in the business” as a dealer in firearms at wholesale or retail by:

• clarifying the definition of “dealer,” and defining the terms “purchase,” “sale,” and “something of value” as they apply to dealers;
• adding definitions for the term “personal collection (or personal collection of firearms, or personal firearms collection),” and for “responsible person”;
• setting forth conduct that is presumed to constitute “engaging in the business” of dealing in firearms, and presumed to demonstrate the intent to “predominantly earn a profit” from the sale or disposition of firearms, absent reliable evidence to the contrary, in civil and administrative proceedings;
• clarifying that the intent to “predominantly earn a profit” does not require the person to have received pecuniary gain, and that intent does not have to be shown when a person purchases or sells a firearm for criminal or terrorism purposes;
• clarifying the circumstances when a person would not be presumed to engaged in the business of dealing in firearms, including as an auctioneer, or when purchasing firearms for, and selling firearms from, a personal collection;
• addressing the procedures former licensees, and responsible persons acting on behalf of such licensees, must follow when they liquidate business inventory upon revocation or other termination of their license; and
• clarifying that licensees must follow the verification and recordkeeping procedures in 27 CFR 478.94 and Subpart H , rather than using an ATF Form 4473 when firearms are transferred to other licensees, including transfers by a licensed sole proprietor to that person’s personal collection.

Please note that this is the text of the final rule as signed by the Attorney General, but the official version of the final rule will be as it is published in the Federal Register. The rule will go into effect once it is published in the Federal Register. 

Read a copy of the rule.

Related Resources 

• Overview of Final Rule 2022R-17F Definition of “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms (coming soon)
• Final Rule 2022R-17F – Questions & Answers
• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – Definition of “Engaged in the Business”
• Notice of Proposed Rule Making – Comments
• Press Release: Justice Department Publishes New Rule To Update Definition of "Engaged in the Business" as a Firearms Dealer
• Director Dettelbach’s Remarks on the “Engaged in the Business” Final Rule

Background Information

• Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Public Law 117-159 (June 25, 2022)
• Gun Control Act of 1968
• National Firearms Act
• Rules and Regulation
• Regulations.atf.gov

Contact Information

• For questions regarding the  application of the final rule , email the Firearms Industry Programs Branch .
• For media inquiries, email  ATF Public Affairs or call  202-648-8500 .
• For congressional inquiries, email ATF Legislative Affairs or call  202-648-8510 .
• For questions regarding the rulemaking process, email the Office of Regulatory Affairs .

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Justice Department Publishes New Rule to Update Definition of “Engaged in the Business” as a Firearms Dealer

The Justice Department today announced it has submitted to the Federal Register the “Engaged in the Business” Final Rule, which makes clear the circumstances in which a person is “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms and thus required to obtain a federal firearms license, in order to increase compliance with the federal background check requirement for firearm sales by federal firearms licensees.

“Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or at a brick-and-mortar store: if you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This regulation is a historic step in the Justice Department’s fight against gun violence. It will save lives.”

“The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act enhanced background checks and closed loopholes, including by redefining when a person is ‘engaged in the business’ of dealing in firearms. Today’s rule clarifying application of that definition will save lives by requiring all those in the business of selling guns to get a federal license and run background checks — thus keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “I applaud the hard work of ATF in drafting this rule and reviewing the hundreds of thousands of public comments, which overwhelmingly favored the rule announced today. Because of that work, our communities will be safer.”

“This is about protecting the lives of innocent, law-abiding Americans as well as the rule of law. There is a large and growing black market of guns that are being sold by people who are in the business of dealing and are doing it without a license; and therefore, they are not running background checks the way the law requires. And it is fueling violence,” said Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Today’s Final Rule is about ensuring compliance with an important area of the existing law where we all know, the data show, and we can clearly see that a whole group of folks are openly flouting that law. That leads to not just unfair but, in this case, dangerous consequences.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), enacted June 25, 2022, expanded the definition of engaging in the business of firearms dealing to cover all persons who devote time, attention, and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of trade or business to predominately earn a profit through the repetitive purchase and sale of firearms. On March 14, 2023, President Biden issued Executive Order 14092, which, among other things, directs the Attorney General to develop and implement a plan to clarify the definition of who is engaged in the business of dealing in firearms and thus required to obtain a federal firearms license. The Final Rule conforms the ATF regulations to the new BSCA definition and further clarifies the conduct that presumptively requires a license under that revised definition, among other things.

Federally licensed firearms dealers are critical to federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement in our shared goal of promoting public safety. Licensees submit background checks on potential purchasers to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which helps to keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited persons. Further, licensees keep records of sales transactions to help ensure that when a gun is used in a crime and recovered by law enforcement it can be traced back to the first retail purchaser; they help identify and prevent straw purchasers from buying firearms on behalf of prohibited persons and criminals; and they facilitate safe storage of firearms by providing child-safety locks with every transferred handgun and offer customers other secure gun storage options. Unlicensed dealing, however, undermines these public-safety features — which is why Congress has long prohibited engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without the required license. 

To increase compliance with the statutes Congress has enacted, the Final Rule identifies conduct that is presumed to require a federal firearms license. And, in addition to implementing the revised statutory definition discussed above, the Final Rule clarifies the circumstances in which a license is — or is not — required by, among other things, adding a definition of “personal firearms collection” to ensure that genuine hobbyists and collectors may enhance or liquidate their collections without fear of violating the law. The Final Rule also provides clarity as to what licensees must do with their inventory when they go out of business.  

The Final Rule goes into effect 30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.

On Sept. 8, 2023, the  Justice Department published a notice of proposed rulemaking , and during the 90-day open comment period, ATF received nearly 388,000 comments.

The final rule, as submitted to the Federal Register, can be viewed here .

Please note:  This is the text of the Engaged in the Business Final Rule as signed by the Attorney General, but the official version of the Final Rule will be as it is published in the Federal Register.

Learn more about the rulemaking process here .

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