State of Sales Presentations Research Study
New Research Study Explores Common Presentation Mistakes Sales Professionals Make in Today’s Market
This national study builds on our previous work in the area of sales presentation and has been released in three phases (research project installments). The goal is to further examine the art and science of crafting an effective message to move a transaction forward. Our findings are already helping people avoid critical presentation pitfalls and improve their results. We are pleased to present this important research for your review.
In these reports, you will find:
Insights into the habits of today's working professionals
Phase One
Published March 2020
The first phase of the study, released on March 4, 2020, examined the habits of more than 2,500 sales professionals whose livelihoods depend on their ability to build and deliver persuasive presentations. This research helped clarify the different types of presentation mistakes made and their relevance in today’s professional sales environment. The findings of this report provide empirical support for twelve common presentation mistakes professionals make and their implications for buyers and sellers. The findings reflect an entirely pre-pandemic work environment.
Self Reported Data
Phase Two
Published August 2022
Shortly after the release of the Phase One report, due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, we observed that video conferencing platforms were emerging as the dominant presentation tool, and we could begin to see additional data that deserved exploration. We designed a second phase of the study, and the objective was to gain a greater understanding of the impact of the most common presentation mistakes made within a predominantly virtual work environment. This installment also looks at comparisons between the Phase One and Phase Two results.
Key Research Findings
Phase Three
Published September 2023
Phase Three of the research is a crucial continuation of the preceding two phases, forming a comprehensive examination of sales presentation mistakes and their consequences. Phase Three investigated the twelve sales presentation mistakes most often committed by sales professionals and the efficacy of sales presentations across in-person, video conference and hybrid (in-person and virtual) environments. The longitudinal approach of this three-part study provides greater understanding of how sales professionals are adapting to a continually changing work environment.
This research was born from a simple yet significant question:
Does making a sales presentation mistake in person, or via a video conferencing platform impact the outcome or the ability to move a transaction forward?
Our research says yes.
What Makes This Research Unique?
- Participants
The research survey solely targeted business professionals whose livelihoods depend on their ability to build and deliver persuasive presentations whether they promote a product, service, or cause. - Transparency and Narrow Focus
The entirety of the data on sales presentation mistakes was self-reported by sales professionals. The survey questioned participants about the practice of delivering and observing sales presentations.
IN the report(s) you will find:
- Overviews of Key Research Findings from each phase, which includes the study data and methodology
- Interesting insights including the list of 12 common sales presentation mistakes that professionals identified as significantly impacting the ability to move a transaction forward or achieving their goal.
- The “Big 3” – There are three mistakes’ participants self-reported committing above all others in each research project installment.
- The #1 mistake sales professionals reported seeing “others” make.
- And much more!
The entirety of this data on sales presentations mistakes was self-reported by sales professionals for sales professionals.
Download the
State of Sales Presentations
Research Study Reports
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