If you attend networking events, it is common to be asked to guest speak or present your business to the group. This can be a daunting challenge, especially if you have never presented in a formal environment before.

Presentation skills can be acquired and honed for best effect, so do not avoid networking events simply because you will be called upon to speak to the group. On the contrary, public speaking will raise the awareness of your company, increase interest in your products and services, and generate referrals. When considering your presentation, keeping a few key points in mind will help:

• Keep it lighthearted. Avoid being overloaded with facts, figures and statistics. The odd inclusion of specific detail can help but lots of facts and figures presented all at once can be confusing for your audience.

• Prepare your presentation thoroughly and practice what you are going to say. Ensure you have a start, middle and end so you don’t get lost when the spotlight is on you.

• Manage your audience. Ensure you guide your audience as to what is expected of them. If you would prefer questions at the end of your presentation, for example, tell them at the outset so as to avoid interruptions and enable the flow of your presentation.

• Make your presentation unique by completing a mini workshop-type exercise or by displaying props. If you’re demonstrating your products, pass them around the room so people can see them properly (this only works for small objects of course!).

• Most importantly, be yourself. The more relaxed, natural and composed you are, the better your presentation will be.

I hope you take advantage of the networking groups local to you and have fun when you’re there! Meeting other businesses face-to-face is a super way to increase brand awareness and drive referrals into your organisation.

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