Jan D'Arcy's Blog

The Most Important 5 Minutes of your Presentation September 24, 2009

I have often told my clients they can judge the success of their presentation if the audience comes forward at the end and crowds around, asking questions. Obviously the speaker has connected with the audience and they want to hear more. It’s a perfect opportunity to make personal contact by shaking hands, exchanging business cards or making an appointment for a future phone call or email. But in our busy world, the audience may have liked your speech but almost trample others in their rush to the exit.
I was working with a client who spoke on an important panel earlier this week. I suggested she put website and contact numbers on a colored sheet and hold it up to show the listeners it would be available later. I just received an email from her. “I took your advice about printing the contact handout on a bright color and it was the “orange” sheet that people were looking for after the session.” I’ll find out how many people she was able to talk to when they came up for the information sheet. Give away the single colored sheet so that your audience can easily follow up and make the few minutes after your talk a valuable part of your presentation.