Let’s face it: no one enjoys a presentation crammed with endless text, charts, and bullet points.
It’s overwhelming for your audience and frustrating for you as the presenter. That’s where ‘leave behinds’ come in. These handy printed documents or PDFs complement your presentation by offering the detailed information clients can review at their leisure.
Here’s why they’re a must-have for your next pitch or meeting and how they can elevate your presentation game.
1. They keep your presentation focused
When you know your audience will receive a detailed document afterward, you’re free to focus on delivering a streamlined, impactful presentation. No more cramming your slides with every fact, figure, and FAQ - you can keep it concise and engaging.
2. They let your audience absorb the details at their own pace
Not everyone processes information the same way. While some people are visual learners who thrive on your presentation slides, others prefer to take their time reading through the finer details later. A ‘leave behind’ gives them that opportunity without pressure or time constraints.
3. They reinforce your message after the meeting
Your presentation might be brilliant, but people forget things.. quickly. A well-designed ‘leave behind’ serves as a reminder of your pitch long after the meeting ends, keeping your ideas fresh in their minds.
4. They make your business look polished and professional
Let’s be honest—presentation is everything. A sleek, branded ‘leave behind’ shows that you’ve gone the extra mile. It says, “We’re prepared, we’re thoughtful, and we mean business.”
5. They’re perfect for decision-makers who weren’t in the room
Sometimes, the people you present to aren’t the ones making the final call. A ‘leave behind’ ensures your message reaches the key decision-makers, even if they couldn’t attend the presentation.
6. They help you stand out from the competition
Not every business uses ‘leave behinds,’ which means you have an easy way to gain an edge. By leaving something tangible (or a PDF that’s a joy to open), you position yourself as the business that goes above and beyond.
What should your ‘leave behind’ include?
To make your ‘leave behind’ effective, focus on these essentials:
- A clear summary: Recap the main points of your pitch.
- Supporting data or details: Include any facts, figures, or charts you didn’t want to overload your slides with.
- Contact information: Make it easy for clients to reach out with follow-up questions.
- A call to action: Let them know what to do next - whether it’s scheduling another meeting or reviewing a proposal.
Conclusion: Less clutter, more impact
‘Leave behinds’ let you do what you do best - present with clarity and confidence while providing the detailed information your clients need to make informed decisions. They’re professional, practical, and the perfect way to leave a lasting impression.
So, next time you’re tempted to jam your slides full of text, remember: keep it simple and let the ‘leave behind’ do the heavy lifting. Your audience (and your sanity) will thank you.