Designing and organizing your presentation has a big impact in attaining success. It is very important to understand every element of your setup so that all things will go smoothly. That is why planning must be done first before launching your proposal. There are some effective techniques and strategies to maintain a high quality presentation. With this, you’ll be able to gain enough confidence in your proposal.

Always keep in mind that you have made a lot of effort to come up with a good business plan. It surely takes a lot of time, money and effort in order to research and finish everything. You just can’t afford to let your plan become insignificant in front of several customers, investors, suppliers, managers and other guests. To make it more appealing and convincing to the listeners, you have to identify your style ahead of time and study it. Always consider the interest of the audience. It must create a huge impact on their side and always ensure that you’ll be able to satisfy their queries.

It is advisable to start a presentation by determining your valuable guest first. With this, you will be able to know that your audiences are interested to the topic that you are going to discuss. These identified guests could also make your presentation better by giving positive feedback that will definitely encourage the management teams, investors and other significant listeners. Just be spontaneous all the time. Know your topics very well and never leave a dead air as the conversation is ongoing. You can do some rehearsals if necessary. This would also help you in mastering the flow of the presentation as well as releasing the tension and nervousness. Better familiarization will truly add to your confidence as you present.

Be organized. You should be able to point out the main topics with emphasis. Discuss them in a brief and concise manner. If further explanation is necessary, then go for it as long as you won’t be able to consume a lot of time while explaining. Remember, your audience are business minded persons. Therefore, every minute counts. Speech is actually more important than your outline so never overlook your speech. There are some who just entirely rely on the outline which should not be done. The effectiveness and success of your presentation must rely on both aspects which are the organization of speech and outline. To facilitate this, it is best to use appropriate pauses. Observe proper application of periods, commas, and so on. Make clear transitions between paragraphs and never confuse your listeners by speaking too fast.

If emphasis is necessary in a very important statement, do not hesitate to take a pause. You can also repeat the statement twice. Maximize the use of bullets and numbering to make your enumerations clearer. Do not be monotonous. Give different expressions and voice tones to your speech. This will help you in catching the attention of the audience. Throwing some questions is also a good idea to make them more attentive. There are times that you’ll be answering your own question so be prepared about it.

“The patient fussed with her fur coat as she sauntered up to the doctor’s receptionist. “I have an appointment in 15 minutes with the doctor. Is she on time to see her special patients today?” The receptionist replied with a taunt to her tone, “The doctor’s patients are all special to her. She’ll see you soon.” With that, the receptionist left her station and engaged in other activities.

Are you aware that you can be perceived as more powerful by the way you present yourself? Do you know how to be more powerful as a negotiator? Continue reading and you’ll discover how to enhance your power in your negotiations.

Display of Empathy:

In the story above, the patient ‘sauntered’ into the doctor’s office, fussing with her fur coat and positioned herself as the doctor’s special patient. She projected an image of someone that was self-absorbed. Had she taken the time to observe the receptionist’s activities, commented about them and conveyed a pleasantry, the patient would have been displaying empathy. In doing so, she would have enhanced her power. Instead, she diluted it.

The display of empathy towards another’s plight is one way to bond with that individual. It also says subliminally that you’re not just concerned about yourself. You recognize the other person for what they’re dealing with.

Never discount the value or role that empathy plays in any interaction. It humanizes you while strengthening the emotional ties between people. And that enhances power.

Your Persona:

I’m the king. Bow down to me – Not! When you project an image of self-aggrandizement, some people will rebuff you. They’ll be appalled at the perception you have of yourself, which will cause them to become rigid to your request. While such a persona may work favorably with some people, over time, they too will become tired of it. Then, they will seek ways to avoid or demean you.

Your persona changes over the course of your life. Always attempt to align it with how you’d like to be perceived. During a negotiation, you can dilute a powerful position simply because your persona rubs someone the wrong way.

Demeanor When Rebuffed:

When you’re rebuffed, how do you feel? I’m sure your answer is dependent on who the person is, what the subject matter was, and where it occurred. Just as your answer depends on those variables, so it does with those you engage with.

To possess more power, limit its display to environments where it’s less likely challenged (e.g. boss vs. subordinate, etc.). In addition, if you know you’ll be in an unfriendly environment, have retorts ready that will subdue the subject of the rebuff. Just make sure you don’t escalate the situation and cause yourself distress.

Some of the reasons people are perceived as more or less powerful are mentioned above. There are more reasons but let those be a starting point. To enhance your negotiation efforts and outcomes, always be mindful of how you’re perceived. To the degree it fits the negotiation, align your perceived power based on the person you’re negotiating with. If it’s not perceived as being threatening or overbearing and that’s what you’re striving to achieve, you will have aligned the perception of your power successfully. That will make you appear to be more powerful… and everything will be right with the world.

Remember, you’re always negotiating!

Life has become so busy. Long hours at work, rushing home to make dinner, spending time with the family and then opening up the laptop to finish off the days work. Finally, dropping into bed totally exhausted knowing that we have to do it all again tomorrow. When did we stop being present in the moment? Not looking to the past and regretting the mistakes we have made, and not looking to the future striving for something that always seems just out of reach.

One way to stay present is to practice gratitude. Gratitude will open doors for us that we didn’t even know were possible. If we are genuine in our thanks, and happy with what we have we will be rewarded. It is said that the action of being grateful is the most powerful action there is. It is so important more now than ever with the recent events of hurricane Sandy to count our blessings. There are so many people without the necessities of life, things that we take for granted on a daily basis.

To me, being grateful means knowing that I will be provided for, given exactly what I need and being thankful for just that. I walk into work each day, and most days earlier than I need to be just to sit at the desk and take in everything that has been given to me over the past year. I give thanks for a work space to call my own, a husband and a partner to share it with as well as the clients that I see regularly that are the reason why I have a roof over my head and food on my table.

Letting go of past anger and fear will also keep us present, but how can we even begin to find joy if we are always focused on what was or what will be. Joy is found by being present in the moment. Embracing what life has presented us, instead of worrying about tomorrow. Joy can come in all forms, like a song that has meaning, a breath of fresh air, or even an activity that you enjoy doing. Our joy is as individual as we are.

So I have a challenge for you; find a park bench and eat your lunch outside today, go for a walk with the family, pick a flower and put it on your desk at work, listen to your favorite song, but whatever you decide to do today, remain present.