Is your idea of a presentation handout a photocopy of your slides?

• That could leave your audience wondering, why bother?
• Not exactly the response you hope for

In the last of the series on presentations and handouts, this post offers tips for killer handouts.

Handouts you can be proud to put your name on.

Oops, we let a tip out of the bag – well, actually, two tips.

Tip #1 – Think about your handout.

We’re back to where we started.

Don’t copy your slides and call it a handout.

Hopefully, you spent time creating your presentation.

You should work on handouts at the same time you’re creating your stellar presentation.

• Should you have a handout?
• What should be in the presentation versus the handout?
• Does the handout enhance your presentation? Does it support your objective?

Deliver gold level value for both your presentation and your handout.

Tip #2 – Create professional-looking handouts.

Put yourself in the shoes (or eyes) of your audience.

• Do you want a handout that looks like a copy of a copy’s copy?
• Do you want text or images so small you need a magnifying glass?
• Do you want technical information that is not explained?

The following are a few ideas for creating a professional-looking handout.

1. Incorporate your branding
2. Make sure handouts are visually appealing
3. Review your handout for ease of understanding
4. Use the same editing process you would for your marketing

 Take pride in a professional handout that stands alone.

Tip #3 – Never leave them guessing.

So, you delivered a professional, nice-looking handout that is chock full of good information.

• Is your contact information on the handout?
• Where can readers go if they have questions?
• Have you provided additional resources?

Would you send out a marketing piece without contact information? I hope your answer was, No.

Think about your handout as a reflection on your business – because it is.

Need Examples?

Are you still wondering what kind of information makes a good handout?

The following are two examples.

Definitions or technical terms

During your presentation, you want your audience focused on what you’re saying – not on a text-filled slide.

Removing definitions and terms help focus your audience on you. Ah, feel the love.

*Bonus Tip* Let your audience know the techie stuff is in the handout. That way they can sit back and relax.

Checklist or next steps

I often work with clients on health care and employee benefits legislation.

If you have even a nodding relationship with U.S. health reform, you know simple is not in their vocabulary.

A checklist or next steps handout for complying with legislation is information clients appreciate.

If you’re like me, and like visuals, look at this checklist download I created for privacy legislation.

Unless you are a human resources representative, don’t worry about the content. Consider this your visual example.

Handy Handouts

The Slideshare presentation, Handouts or no handouts? Do you know the answer? offers tips on deciding if and when you need a handout.

If you decide you do, create a perfect marriage of your slides and handouts.

• Think about your handout
• Keep handouts professional
• Include contact and follow-up information

What presentation handout tips do you have?

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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