How to Make a Successful Presentation at the Conference Room Table

Most presentations we make are done at a conference room table. Many of them are done with everyone seated.  Here are a few guidelines for presenting under these circumstances. Follow them and you will be an infinitely stronger presenter than you were before you read this blog.

To the extent you can, it’s important to know who you are going to present to, rather than walking in cold.  If you can chat with the main folks on the phone or in person a day or two before the meeting, it will be a big help and make you less nervous.   Barring that, when you walk into the conference room make sure you walk over to the other side of the table to personally meet and greet. Try not to shake hands over the conference room table. Go for a more direct approach.

It is best if you and your people are on one side of the table, with the clients on the other. Don’t fall for the idea of mixing it up and having everyone sit everywhere.  You need to be facing the client when you present and they will be more comfortable in a group on their side.

Make sure that the main presenters on your side sit in the middle of the table, not at the end. The middle is a strong position where you can see everyone and they can see you. The end is awkward. It’s hard to hear and see in either direction.  You can work the room much easier from the middle seats than the end seats.

When it’s your turn to present, make sure your chair seat is raised as high as it will go. Sit on the end of the seat and lean into the table. It’s OK to put your forearms on the table. As you present, work hard to look across that table at everyone on the other side. Don’t just focus on the boss.  Stay in that position (leaning in) until your section is completed and Q&A for you is over. Don’t lean back until you are finished. Leaning back sends the signal you're done and have given up control.

When others from your team are presenting, look interested. Listen. Nod. Smile.

At the end of the meeting, after you’ve resolved what the next action step is, and after you’ve answered all of their questions, thank everyone and end the meeting. Don’t just let it linger.  Stand up, walk to the other side of the table again, shake hands and leave.

Next figure out how you will celebrate your newest win.