1 Know your audience

Before you prepare your presentation or proposal, you need to understand who you are talking to, what their needs and goals are, and how they make decisions. Do some research on their industry, company, and role, and ask them relevant questions to uncover their pain points, expectations, and preferences. This will help you tailor your message, tone, and style to suit your audience and show that you care about their situation.

2 Define your objectives

Next, you need to define what you want to achieve with your presentation or proposal, and how you will measure your success. Do you want to inform, persuade, or inspire your clients? Do you want to showcase your expertise, demonstrate your value, or propose a solution? Do you want to generate leads, close a deal, or get feedback? Having clear objectives will help you structure your content, focus on the key points, and include a clear call to action.

3 Use a clear and simple format

Your presentation or proposal should have a clear and simple format that guides your clients through your main arguments and benefits. A common format is the problem-solution-benefit approach, where you start by identifying the problem or opportunity that your clients face, then present your solution or offer, and then explain how it will benefit them. You can also use stories, testimonials, or case studies to illustrate your points and make them more memorable.

4 Choose the right medium and tools

Depending on your objectives, audience, and context, you may choose to present or propose to your clients in different ways. You may use a slide deck, a video, a document, or a combination of these. You may deliver your presentation or proposal in person, online, or via email. Whatever medium and tools you choose, make sure they are appropriate, professional, and easy to use. Test them beforehand, and have a backup plan in case of technical issues.

5 Practice and refine

One of the most important steps to prepare for your presentation or proposal is to practice and refine it. Practice your delivery, timing, and tone, and get feedback from a colleague or a friend. Refine your content, design, and language, and eliminate any errors, jargon, or ambiguity. Make sure your presentation or proposal is concise, coherent, and consistent. The more you practice and refine, the more confident and convincing you will be.