How to Pitch Your Plan Overseas

Be sure you're clear on what your audience would find funny and what they would not -- if you're not sure, err on the side of caution. After all, it's difficult to win over a clientele that you've unintentionally offended.

3. Know Your Audience

Often it's a good idea to research the customs of the country you will be visiting in order to form a solid relationship with your potential customers.

For example, in many countries, audience members aren't expected to interact with the presenter, even when he or she poses a question to the listeners. Meanwhile, other countries welcome such interactive presentations.

Know your audience and its participation habits before you develop your presentation ideas. This will help avoid uncomfortable points during your speech.

Also, understand that diverse cultures respond to presentations in different ways. In Japan, for example, it's not uncommon for audience members to close their eyes when listening to a presentation. In fact, this is a customary way for Japanese people to absorb the information being presented.

It might also bode well for you to learn a few words of your audience's primary language. Even if there is a translator at hand, prospective customers will likely appreciate your efforts to bond with them on a cultural level.

4. Keep It Visual

While it is important to keep your text to a minimum, feel free to add graphs, charts or even cartoons, as these can be effective supplements to text. If your technical capabilities are limited, consider using props to emphasize an idea. Just remember not to overdo it in either case.

Additionally, try not to give a presentation that is too stiff. Keep in mind that a smile goes a long way in any country.

Remember, your objective is to sell your business to a new customer and to stick out in their minds in a positive way. To maximize your message, it's essential to keep it pithy, absorb certain aspects of your target audience's culture (including language) and make it visually stimulating.

>To order reprints of this article, click here: Reprints