How to Present Design So Clients Say YES

Summary

In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of effectively presenting and selling your work. Key points include the necessity of live presentations, providing context and background, demonstrating the creative process, and showing work in relevant applications. The speaker advises on handling objections, offering stretch ideas, and ensuring clear next steps. The goal is to achieve better results with fewer revisions by confidently and strategically presenting your work to clients or team members.

Takeaways

• 😀 Present your work live whenever possible, not just through email.
• 📝 Set the context by referring back to the brief and goals of the project.
• 💡 Give an insight into the creative process to build confidence in your work.
• ⚠️ Provide warnings that initial reactions to new designs may be uncertain.
• 🎨 Show your work in context and relevant applications to help clients visualize it.
• 🤝 Introduce stretch ideas to demonstrate creativity and potential future projects.
• 👂 Listen to client feedback and address objections by connecting back to the brief.
• 📋 Ensure clear written next steps with deadlines to keep the project on track.
• 🔍 Use relevant examples and prototypes to illustrate design solutions effectively.
• 🙏 Always end presentations with a thank you to show appreciation.

Q & A

What is the importance of justifying your work according to George Lewis?

Justifying your work is crucial because it helps you sell your ideas to clients, bosses, and teammates. It involves showing the reasoning behind your work, which is essential for gaining acceptance and support.

Why does the speaker recommend presenting work live rather than asynchronously?

Presenting live allows you to provide commentary and framing around your work, which helps in effectively communicating your ideas and receiving immediate feedback. It also enhances engagement and understanding.

What are some key elements to include in a presentation deck?

A presentation deck should include the client name, project name, section of the deck, and page numbers for easy reference. It should be well-presented and may include prototypes or physical products if relevant.

Why is it important to refer back to the project brief during a presentation?

Referring back to the brief helps bring everyone into focus, reminding them of the project goals and context. It ensures that everyone is aligned and understands the purpose of the work being presented.

How can showing the creative process benefit the presentation?

Showing the creative process helps clients understand the rigorous steps taken to develop the work, building confidence in the solution and demonstrating that it wasn't just quickly thrown together.

What is the significance of providing 'warnings' before showing work, according to Sage Have?

Providing warnings helps set expectations and prepares clients for their initial reaction, which might be stark or unfamiliar. It helps them understand that their appreciation of the work will grow over time.

How should the primary deliverable be presented during the presentation?

The primary deliverable should be shown in an ordered way, but more importantly, it should be demonstrated in context through relevant applications. This helps clients visualize how the work will function in the real world.

What are 'stretch ideas' and why should they be included in a presentation?

Stretch ideas are creative concepts that go beyond the brief. They demonstrate the presenter's creativity and provide additional value to the client. They also help establish a longer-term relationship and create talking points.

How should objections from clients be handled during the presentation?

Objections should be addressed by connecting responses back to the project goals and brief. It's important to listen, take notes, and avoid endless discussions by focusing on how the design solution addresses specific issues.

What should be included in the 'next steps' section of a presentation?

The next steps should be clear, written instructions with deadlines. This ensures the client knows exactly what they need to do next, what is expected from them, and what the presenter will do next and by when.