I have to do a 15 - 20 min presentation on two sales success I have had. I was thinking of starting with an overview of selling and then linking this to my two stories. Is this a good idea. Also I have been told that I should never give handouts out before the end of the presentation as people just read through them and then turn off, is that true

Andrew

Yes telling these stories in an excellent idea. Stories and anecdotes are great ways of illustrating a point.

As regards handouts it is just a matter of taste. People do tend to browse through them rather than listening to you. Generally for a job interview then I would recommend some for of handout. Around 25% ofthe population are kinesthetic and like to take in information by touch. Make sure that you use a high quaility paper (I use 130g 4CC paper) and use nice printing.

If it is to a small audience give out the handouts one at a time. In an interview the best handouts are customer endorsements. These should be given out individually and brought in during the middle of the presentation. If you leave a handout it acts as a memory jogger for later.

On Thursday I have to conduct a three minute presentation on "why i want a job in Sales". The restricted time limit has worried me and I know that I need to leave them with something memorable. I was told that one girl took a Kit Kat out at the end, opened it, broke it in half and said, "come on guys, give me a break". This got her the job. I would be grateful for any tips or ideas especially quirky ones.