Final Step: Following Up After Your Presentation
The work doesn’t end when your presentation is over! Following up is a crucial step to reinforce your message, build relationships, and gather feedback for improvement. This step ensures your presentation has a lasting impact and helps you grow as a presenter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Following Up
1. Share Your Presentation Materials
Send Slides: Email a copy of your slides or handouts to your audience (if appropriate).
Tip: Use a file-sharing service like Google Drive or Dropbox for large files.
Provide Additional Resources: Share links to articles, tools, or references mentioned in your presentation.
Example: "Thank you for attending my presentation on time management! Attached are the slides and a list of productivity apps I recommended."
2. Gather Feedback
Ask for Constructive Feedback: Send a follow-up email or survey to your audience to gather their thoughts.
Example Questions:
What did you find most valuable about the presentation?
What could be improved?
Was the content clear and engaging?
Review Feedback: Use the feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement in your future presentations.
3. Reflect on Your Performance
Self-Evaluation: Take a few minutes to reflect on how you felt during the presentation.
What went well?
What challenges did you face?
How did the audience respond?
Compare to Goals: Did you achieve your purpose and desired outcome?
4. Follow Up on Action Items
Address Questions: If there were questions you couldn’t answer during the presentation, follow up with the answers.
Support Your Call to Action: If your presentation included a call to action (e.g., signing up for a service or trying a tool), check in with your audience to see if they took the next step.
Example: "Did you get a chance to try the time-blocking technique we discussed? I’d love to hear how it’s working for you!"
5. Build Relationships
Connect with Attendees: Send personalized thank-you emails or LinkedIn connection requests to key attendees.
Offer Further Assistance: Let your audience know you’re available for follow-up questions or discussions.
Example: "If you’d like to dive deeper into any of the topics we covered, feel free to reach out!"
6. Document Lessons Learned
Keep a Presentation Journal: Record what worked well, what didn’t, and any new ideas for future presentations.
Update Your Materials: Incorporate feedback and lessons learned into your slides and notes for next time.
Example Follow-Up Email Template
Subject: Thank You for Attending [Presentation Title]
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
Thank you for attending my presentation on [Topic] at [Event Name]. I hope you found the session informative and valuable.
As promised, I’ve attached a copy of the slides and a list of additional resources for your reference. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the topic further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’d also love to hear your feedback! If you have a moment, please take this short survey to help me improve future presentations: [Insert Survey Link].
Thank you again for your time and engagement. I look forward to staying in touch!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Why Follow-Up Matters
Reinforces Your Message: Sharing materials and resources keeps your presentation top of mind.
Builds Credibility: Following up shows professionalism and a commitment to your audience.
Improves Future Presentations: Feedback and reflection help you grow as a presenter.
Strengthens Relationships: Staying in touch can lead to future opportunities and collaborations.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your presentation has a lasting impact and sets the stage for future success.
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