“You only have one chance to make a first impression”

You may have heard that about going out on a date, landing a job or getting your foot in the door in sales…but it is true for every presentation.

Research shows that you only have seven seconds and people have made up their mind. That is fast!

Often, that’s before you’ve opened your mouth. Started your session. All you have to do is show up!

So, you definitely want to make a great first impression so that people will be receptive to your presentation.

Check these five easy-to-remember tips to make sure your first seven seconds go right for you.

1. As soon as you leave your hotel room, you are on stage. You never know who is standing next to you in the elevator, at check out or in the restroom. It could be your future boss or the decision maker you’ll be presenting to.

2. Take a deep breath before you walk in the room. Be prepared and present when you enter the room so that you’re not fidgeting with your notes or papers or otherwise flustered.

3. Greet people who are your contacts. This is not the time to take one more call, check email or get distracted. Your sole focus now is to be present, shake hands and enter the room with relaxed confidence.

4. Do room set up prior to your session. Check the room, the lights, the tables and any special set up is to your specifications. Don’t wait until the last minute–that’s when you want to be completely relaxed and present for what you’re doing.

5. Focus on your audience, not on yourself. If you’ve taken the time to plan your clothes, polish your shoes or check makeup–you don’t have to do it in the room. Do any self-checks prior to walking in the room, so that you are ready for action when you walk in.

All these little tips add up into one big payoff: You are ready to make a great impression and deliver a powerful presentation

Tagged as: presentation skill