Simply grabbing a marker and running up to the whiteboard isn’t going to produce fantastic results. Here are 5 little-known pro tips to boost your skills in whiteboard presenting.

If you want to give successful whiteboard presentations, you must learn how to plan, prepare and perform. In short, you must make it easy for your audience to understand what you have to offer.

A good whiteboard presentation is built with the audience in mind. As in other types of presenting, relying on one generic presentation is a risky approach. When it comes to presenting, a ‘one size fits all’ is not only dangerous, it is a surefire way to kill your success.

Make it easy for people to see what you mean. Show them the distinct advantage of going with your company, your recommendations and your solutions. Whether you are presenting to external clients, your boss, or an internal team, make whiteboard interaction part of your success strategy.

Tip 1. Adapt For Every Audience

Plan your whiteboard presentation—for each audience. Do not rely on a generic plan. Avoid doing ‘what you’ve always done.’

Naturally, to adapt correctly to every audience, you must do your homework. Research trends, news and emerging issues. Find out what problems and situations are top of mind. Then, adapt your whiteboard presentation to match these needs.

Tip 2. Prepare Your Plan

As in every successful project, planning is critical. Plan your whiteboard presentation with care and attention to detail. Decide which parts of your presentation are best done at the whiteboard. Choose what to show, when to show it, and how to engage your audience.

Tip 3. Go Visual

Just about any complex problem, project or process can be made clearer with a picture. But don’t worry if you don’t know what to draw. If you feel uncertain or uncomfortable with visual thinking, ask for help.

Visual learning experts are available to help you simplify complex data into easy-to-understand diagrams. In addition, experts will show you the quick and easy ways to show these diagrams, even if you swear you can’t draw.

Tip 4. Rehearse In A Safe Environment

Many professionals find that rehearsals and practice sessions are critical for success. One of the favorite ways to rehearse is to create what many people term, ‘a safe environment.’

A few examples:

• Practice in front of your kids

• Whiteboard with a presentation coach

• Sketch your ideas in a journal, then on the whiteboard

By structuring your practice sessions, you will gain confidence and boost results for your big day.

Tip 5. Timing Works Wonders

While it’s easy to get excited about interactive presenting at a whiteboard, it’s important to pay attention to the clock. Ask a friend or colleague to time your practice session. If no one is available, set a digital timer.

Experiment with making ‘on-the-spot’ choices in case your time slot is cut short. Once you know what to shorten, you can expect to feel more relaxed should this occur when you’re in front of an audience.

Giving successful whiteboard presentations enables you to take advantage of new opportunities. The next time your client says, "show me what you mean!" you will know exactly what to do.