How best to use handouts for your presentation?

Based on past practice it appears that materials given out in advance of a presentation are seldom read. You also don’t want to distract your audience by giving them a pile of documentation just before your presentation. In most cases it is much better to make the handouts (documentation, summary of key points, goodies, helpful checklist, etc.) available after your presentation. You can refer to the handout during your presentation and tell the audience that they can get a copy after your presentation.

If you want to build your network, you can also use a handout as a tool to engage into a direct interaction with individual members of your audience after your presentation. You can create a “goodie” for your audience as for example a brochure with the Top five tips from your presentation and a related implementation guide. During your presentation you can tell the audience about this handout and tell them that if they want to get a copy they can get in touch with you after the presentation. This may be a good opportunity for you to build your network and get into touch with individual members of your audience.