How To Be a Whiteboard Wizard and Win More Sales

Whether you give sales presentations, client pitches, or internal strategy sessions, working at a whiteboard can be remarkably effective. If you know what you're doing!

In my training seminars, we spend a lot of time with a marker in hand. It's the fastest way to get comfortable with the tools – so you can look like a pro in front of a group.

Most of my clients admit to me that before the training, they thought they were hopeless at drawing. They are delighted to find out that even without any artistic talent, it's easy to be effective – if you know the key steps.

But, just like learning any skill, you do need to practice. In each class, I share the ins-and-outs for professional level mastery of whiteboard skills. There are specialized tips and tricks for interaction, facilitating discussion, as well as problem solving with a marker.

No matter how many tips and tricks you learn, you must practice if you are serious about using this valuable tool for professional presentations. After all, you want to win sales – not have clients squinting their eyes and wondering what the heck you're doing up at the board.

What's the best way to practice for whiteboard wizardry? This is a question I get over and over in my classes and workshops. Here are my top 3 tips so you can get the most out of practice and rehearsals.

Key thing to keep in mind: the more you practice, the better you're going to look.

Tip 1: Practice In A Realistic Setting

The more realistic your setting is, the easier time you'll have. If you're going to be working in an office setting, practice in a similar one. If you are going to use a flipchart, whiteboard and PowerPoint, practice in a room set up just like the one you'll be presenting in.

By creating an environment similar to your final presentation, you'll work out the kinks and quirks in advance.

Tip 2: Practice In The Same Size

"Does it help to sketch out my whiteboard in my journal?" Many participants ask about this. The answer is "yes" and "no."

Yes, it helps to have a whiteboard storyboard or blueprint plan for what you will do when you have a marker in your hand. Thumbnail sketches of what you will do at the board are a quick and easy way to plan for flow, sequence and maximum impact.

But, there's a "no" answer too.

No, working in your journal is not so helpful for complete confidence and poise.  It's better to practice in the same size you're going to be using in front of your audience. This is where you'll refine your skills and master the details.

Tip 3: Practice Drawing and Talking

When you sketch at a flipchart or whiteboard, you are going to draw and talk. Practice doing this too! Persuasive sales presentations are two-directional, interactive conversations with clients and prospects. Don't limit your practice to only drawing on the board. Also rehearse what you will say, ask, and do. By rehearsing your complete performance, you'll be ready to go.

Practice. Practice. Practice. It's the best way to get to where you want to go: looking great, interacting with your audience, and getting the most value out of using a whiteboard in your sales presentations.

Discover the power of whiteboard presentations to win more sales. As you learn the tips and tricks for guiding interaction and drawing out ideas, you can expect dramatic sales results. For instant video access to learn how this works, visit www.presentationstoryboarding.com