You've done all the content preparation, but how do you get yourself ready to deliver the presentation? That's this week's Bid and Proposal Tip of the Week.
Chapters
You've done all the content preparation, but how do you get yourself ready to deliver the presentation? That's this week's Bid and Proposal Tip of the Week.
What is Bid and Proposal Tip of the Week?
The Bid and Proposal Tip of the Week provides short and insightful tips, guidance, and advice on navigating the complex world of bid development. Each week, our President and CEO, Kevin Switaj, shares his thoughts and ideas on how to improve proposal processes and deliverables.
Introductory Voice:
Welcome to the bid and proposal tip of the week brought to you by BZ Opportunity Management. Each week, we provide you with advice and keys to being successful in the complex world of bid and proposal development. Now here's BZ president and CEO, Kevin Switaj, with this week's tip.
Kevin Switaj:
Hello. It's Kevin Switaj with your bid and proposal tip of the week. What do you need to do to be personally prepared to deliver a winning presentation? That's at the heart of this week's tip.
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Kevin Switaj:
This week, we're providing the 5th of a 6 part series focused on oral presentations to your clients. I've already discussed key evaluation criteria, the value of a coach, how to make sure your benefit statements are heard by your audience, and what to wear during an oral presentation. Today, let's discuss how you should prepare yourself in the run up to the presentation. Now, we are not going to focus on the presentation itself or preparing the content, but rather how you can optimize your personal chances for success. I always coach my teen to take care of their body and mind in the days leading up to the presentation.
Kevin Switaj:
The reason for this is any change to what your body is used to can have a negative impact on your mental state. When you are giving a presentation, you want to put yourself in the most positive mindset possible. So how do we do that? 1st, you want to minimize the potential disruption to your routines and habits. Do not all of a sudden start smoking, or stop drinking caffeine, or try the super spicy wings from the restaurant down the street that you've never tried before, but have always wanted to.
Kevin Switaj:
If you know a certain type of food can make you feel uncomfortable, don't have that in the days before your presentation. Make sure you keep your normal nighttime and sleep routines. I know this can be difficult, especially if you are on travel to some place in a different time zone. However, do your best to keep your internal clock as close to normal as possible. 2nd, make sure you prepare everything you need the evening before your presentation.
Kevin Switaj:
Lay out the clothes to make sure that everything is ready and ironed and good to go. If you are presenting in person, make sure your bag is packed with everything that you need on the day of the presentation. If it's a virtual presentation you are conducting from your office, either at home or your company site, make sure you have everything there that you need laid out, including any technical needs. This will help you relax and maximize your chances of being successful. Finally, I tell my team to do something non work related the night before the presentation.
Kevin Switaj:
You've already done all the preparation you need. In fact, you run the risk of being over prepared and tight instead of loose and ready. Watch your favorite TV show, go see a movie, go to a ball game, anything that will keep your mind off the actual presentation. Such an approach will put you in a calm mindset and make you ready to tackle the challenges of the day. Making sure you are physically and mentally ready for your oral presentation is your Bid and Proposal Tip of the Week.
Introductory Voice:
This tip has been brought to you by BZ Opportunity Management, a family owned provider of comprehensive bid and proposal consulting services to Government contractors of all sizes. For more information, please visit bzopportunity.com or email us at info@bzopportunity.com.