The Science of Persuasive Presentations with Terri Sjodin
Aug 20, 2024
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Terri Sjodin, Principal and Founder of Sjodin Communications, is an esteemed public speaking and sales training expert and author of 'Small Message, Big Impact.' In this discussion, she reveals the secrets to captivating presentations that close deals. Terri shares insights from her research on common pitfalls in presentations and emphasizes the importance of a persuasive mindset. Learn the difference between concluding and closing a deal, the significance of clear calls to action, and the evolution of presentation styles in the digital age.
A clear closing strategy is essential in presentations to effectively prompt audience action, enhancing opportunities for engagement and conversion.
To maintain audience engagement, it’s crucial to craft persuasive narratives instead of inundating listeners with excessive information during presentations.
Deep dives
The Importance of Closing in Presentations
One of the most significant mistakes identified in presentations is the lack of a clear closing strategy. Many presenters tend to conclude their talks without making a specific call to action, leaving their audience unsure about the next steps. The difference between concluding and closing lies in the ability to clearly ask the audience to take action, such as scheduling a follow-up or making a purchase decision. This mistake reflects a broader issue of missed opportunities, as individuals often exit presentations without capitalizing on the potential for engagement and conversion.
Shifting Focus from Information to Persuasion
Presenters frequently err by being overly informative rather than focusing on persuasion. A data dump of information can lead to disengagement, as audiences find it less compelling and may even feel bored. To counteract this, it’s essential to craft persuasive presentations that actively engage the audience and prompt decision-making. By shifting the emphasis from mere information sharing to creating a persuasive narrative, presenters can significantly enhance their effectiveness.
Navigating Virtual and Hybrid Presentations
Virtual and hybrid presentations introduce unique challenges, particularly the tendency for speakers to neglect online participants. With tighter time constraints and the potential for technology failure, effective communication requires an understanding of how to engage both in-person and virtual audiences simultaneously. Speakers must ensure they balance their attention to all participants and avoid the mistake of ignoring those off-camera. Developing strategies to maintain engagement across platforms is crucial for success in today's increasingly digital communication landscape.
Have you ever wondered about the secret sauce behind those presentations that close deals and grow businesses? In today’s episode, we sit down with Terri Sjodin to uncover the science behind creating content that captivates audiences as a personal brand. Terri serves as the Principal and Founder of Sjodin Communications, a company specializing in public speaking, sales training, and consulting services. And is one of the country’s most sought-after sales, communications, and speaking consultants. Terri is also the author of the hit book Small Message, Big Impact; a guide to crafting concise and compelling messages, particularly for business professionals. In our conversation, we delve into the art of communication through the lens of her new book, Presentation Ready. Discover the top presentation pitfalls, insightful results from the research conducted for her book, and the power of speaking to people directly. Gain insights into the difference between concluding and closing a deal, why the hardest product to sell is the one you don’t believe in, the role of a persuasive mindset, technology and demonstration failures, and much more. Tune in as we learn to unlock the hidden potential of persuasive presentations with Terri Sjodin!
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