Jeremiah 36:2, 6, 18 “’Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you … go to the house of the LORD … and read to the people from the scroll the words of the LORD that you wrote as I dictated  … he dictated all these words to me, and I wrote them in ink on the scroll.’”

The message of Jeremiah was “turn or burn” and the purpose was to convince his audience to repent and receive forgiveness.

Principle: Be specific and clear in presentations. Write down your words, keep them brief and present them with confidence.

To leave a lasting impression on a product, idea or brand these days requires a frontal assault on the senses. Prepare like a military engagement:

• Plan with confidence in your subject matter and equipment. Practice the presentation. Rehearse in front of a mirror. Be sure your ideas fit on-screen or on the printed page.
• Reinforce the message. Using color helps to make a lasting impression because we live in a color world. A brochure, a printout of the slides or a list of key points made during the presentation helps.
• Keep it simple and direct. Do not overwhelm the audience. If using a screen, use text sparingly so the audience devotes attention to the speaker.
• Include a “call to action.” Do not be vague on this one. The purpose of the presentation is to result in a decision. Notice what happens and adjust.

In our Biblical example, the message was God’s plan, which is as good as it gets. There was no color because ink in Jeremiah’s day was soot mixed with vegetable oil and papyrus was white to tan. The reinforcement was the speaker along with the written words. It got attention and went all the way to the top, but the call to action was refused. The results are history.

Discussion:

1. What is the purpose of your sales call, presentations, or customer contacts?

2. What materials and methods do you use to communicate the benefits of your company?

3. Are the results measurable and do you review or write them down? Give an example.