2nd Interview: Presentation. Eek!

Trying_really_hard

Hello All,

I have been reading the helpful advice on this board for a while now, and its finally time for me to ask my own question and beg for some advice, if only to calm my nerves and get myself to think straight.

I have an interview next week and have to prepare a 10 minute interview selling an object of my choice (just so long as its not mortgage or finance related as its what I do in my current job). I can't use powerpoint or any aids other than a flip chart.

Just out of curiosity, are they looking at what kind of object I pick (apparently someone did a presentation on a rat ) or how I identify key features and benefits? Or both?

Sorry if this seems a little obvious but I have never had to do a presentation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

aussielle

Personally, I don't think it really matters what the object is; the most important things will be:

that you explain the object clearly

can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of your 'object'

hold the audiences' interest

maintain eye contact

don't forget to ask if anyone has any questions at the end

Use the flip chart as a visual aid, don't be tempted to read from it

HTH

lethal_2

You may have already done this, but have a look on google for 'tips on selling' or 'how to sell'

BrunoM

If you've never done a presentation before, presumably this is not the sort of job where they expect applicants to have done presentations a lot. So what Aussielle says is dead right, they'll want to see you being calm, have done the planning, can master the basics outlined above, etc.

Good luck!

lynzpower

In one of my old interviews they gave me a biro and gave me 5 mins to "sell it" just pick up on the key features, why its different & better than other competitors in the market etc

Savvy_Sue

Although all of the above is right, if you can, pick an object which is memorable. A friend had to do a presentation for a health related post, and chose - headlice! That was memorable, and she got the job!

So if you have a passion - for gardening, music, art, craft, photography - use it! But if you can think of something out of the ordinary, all the better!

Shame you can't 'sell' the MSE site ... :rotfl:

There is no substitute for practising beforehand, in front of a mirror or a friend if you can. And take my mother's advice: remember the deaf old lady at the back - don't shout but do speak clearly, don't gabble, remember to breathe!

Trying_really_hard

lynzpower wrote: »

In one of my old interviews they gave me a biro and gave me 5 mins to "sell it" just pick up on the key features, why its different & better than other competitors in the market etc

Funnily enough, I was considering selling a pen.

Thanks for all the tips. Very useful to hear people's opinion on this. Hmmm, i shall shuffle off now and try to think of some interesting facts, features and benefits of the humble pen.

I do wish I could "sell" the features of this site. Then again, I think I'd go over 10 mins as its THAT good!! :rolleyes:

daphne_descends

Talk slowly. You will think you're talking too slowly, at which point it's probably just right

Watch repeats of recent episodes of The Apprentice for what not to do!

jobbingmusician

If they are asking you to sell, they will want you to be able to 'close' the sale, and overcome their objections. THe standard phrase for this in difficult to sell, expensive stuff, if 'I can see you like the product. What would I have to do in order to persuade you to sign up today?'

Trying_really_hard

fac73 wrote: »

Watch repeats of recent episodes of The Apprentice for what not to do!

:rotfl:

Thanks for the advice so far. I have spent the last two hours or so scurrying around on the internet for sales stuff so much so that I have overloaded myself with info.

I do "sell" in my current role but its kind of different to me in that I feel my knowledge and explanations sell the product. I suppose I should carry that over with me.

Also been thinking of a different "stands out" object too.

CFC

Trying_really_hard wrote: »

:rotfl:

Thanks for the advice so far. I have spent the last two hours or so scurrying around on the internet for sales stuff so much so that I have overloaded myself with info.

I do "sell" in my current role but its kind of different to me in that I feel my knowledge and explanations sell the product. I suppose I should carry that over with me.

Also been thinking of a different "stands out" object too.

In any sales role, at the end of the day your knowledge and explanation convince the customer that whatevere you have there is an item worth having. Just take the same approach to whatever you're doing the presentation on and you'll be fine. You can't learn to sell in a different style overnight, so stick with your own style and make sure that you know whatever item you take in with you like the back of your hand, if you can.