6 Essential Elements of a Successful Sales Pitch or Presentation [Infographic]

Calling a sales presentation a "pitch" is a little misleading.

In baseball, good pitchers strike batters out. But in sales, a successful pitch is one that connects -- and gets hit out of the park.

As a pitch, however, good selling is something of an art form. People want to be told a story, to understand how your value proposition is going to mesh with their business and enhance it. How you accomplish that is up to you.

But along with the art of sales is a bit of science. The types of information most likely to convince a person to buy, or help them understand what you're talking about, can be broken down to zeroes and ones.

For example, did you know 40% of people respond better to information in visual form than when it's written? Or that the best presentations are two-thirds stories?

This infographic from PPTPOP breaks down the six essential elements of a successful sales presentation and includes examples from other companies' winning pitches.

From limiting the service offerings you recommend for a particular customer to ease their decision, to the types of proof you should include to demonstrate your product's worth, these helpful tips will help juice up any sales presentation.

Read on for tips on creating the perfect sales presentation, or skip to the infographic here.

1. A Stellar Cover Slide

Your cover slide should reflect your company stance and industry. Your audience needs to "get it" instantly. Since 40% of people respond better to visual information than plain text, Google, Flickr, Unsplash, and Fubiz can be great sources for images that immediately boost your pitch.

2. A Value Proposition

What do you do? Summarize the value of your promise to deliver to prospects, and explain why they should buy from you. To help hone your value proposition, try using the "VP" formula:

[Company name]

helps [target audience]

with [services]

so you can [benefits].

Still not quite breaking through? Check out these examples of great value propositions:

• Geekdom - "We're a new kind of collaborative workspace where entrepreneurs, technologists, developers, makers, and creatives help each other build businesses and other cool things together."
• Airbnb - "Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world."

3. A Powerful Story

The most successful presentations are 65% stories. Present your story and your team to humanize your company and increase likeability.

Make sure you include the reason why your company and product came to be. Tell your audience what motivates your team to wake up and work every day. And offer tips that are personal and will make your audience smile, like, "John eats fast and makes things work."

4. Enticing Solutions

First, focus on your client's problem. Here's how Airbnb did it:

Airbnb's first pitch extract: "Price is an important concern for customers booking travel online. Hotels leave you disconnected from the city and its culture. No easy way exists to book a room with a local or become a host."

• Problems - Price, convenience, access
• Aspirations - Have choice, unique experience, make money renting your place

Then, break down your value propositions into solutions tied to the benefits your clients want. Examples of benefits are, "Make more money and grow your business," "Look good and impress," and "Save time and money."

How to list your solutions:

1. Don't give too many choices
2. Communicate results customers will get
3. Make it easy and quick to understand
4. Give examples that demonstrate your product's value.

5. Proofs

The proofs you'll provide have to answer this question: "How do I believe you?" You should also:

• Add testimonials - They highlight what clients love about doing business with you. Use real client's pictures to enhance credibility impact.
• Share research data - Use expert quotes and findings that tie to the benefits of the product you're offering.
• Compare your products vs. competitors - Show your audience how you're better.
• Provide extra benefits - Offer a money-back guarantee, free trial, or free shipment to show and earn confidence.

6. A Clear Call-to-Action

A call to action is a simple command directing customers to take action (buy, start a free trial, sign up for our mailing list). To make your call-to-action even more enticing, include these sensory words to enhance your pitch.

So, you're ready to create a sales presentation? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Build rapport with your audience.

If you want to give a successful presentation, you need to connect with your audience. Start out the presentation by addressing the audience and by appealing to them. This can be done by asking about their business (e.g., a new product launch or announcement).

2. Lead with solutions.

What's the biggest pain point your product or service will address? Start your presentation by providing the solution right off the bat. Not only will this capture your prospect's attention, but it will also keep them engaged and hungry to learn more about what you and your company have to offer.

3. Include case studies.

How can you support the solution you provided? Show the prospect how that solution can be applied. Case studies allow you to highlight specific aspects of your product or service that will positively impact the prospect's company. This helps you build credibility and further develop trust.

4. Ask for feedback.

It's important to connect with your audience and make sure they're engaged in your presentation. For example, you could ask, "Does this make sense?" or "Do you see how this would work for you/your team/your company?" Asking for feedback ensures that you're on the same page.

5. Be open to questions.

Let your audience know that they can ask questions at any time. Be aware of your audience and their reactions throughout the presentation. Sales strategist, Marc Wayshak, recommends, "Whenever a prospect interrupts you -- either with a verbal remark or subtle shift in their facial expression or posture -- stop immediately. Acknowledge the interruption, and welcome the opportunity to explore it with the prospect." You'll provide even more value to the prospect by addressing their questions and concerns during the presentation.

Your pitch is the fastest and easiest way to set yourself apart from your competitors. Make sure it pops with these tips -- and see the difference in your quota results.

Looking for more? Check out these sales pitch examples next.