Presenting Correctly: Making the Most of Your Bid Interview
Some bids don’t end when you hit “submit.” Instead, they lead to a presentation or interview, a final hurdle that can make or break your chances. Sometimes you’ll know it’s coming well in advance. Other times, you’ll get 48 hours’ notice. Either way, it’s your moment to shine, and it counts, especially if it’s part of the formal evaluation scoring.
What a Bidder Presentation or Interview Really Means
Every bid and evaluation process is different, but if you’ve been invited to present, it usually means one of two things (usually):
You’re in the top few contenders.
You’re within a few percentage points of another bidder.
In short, you’re close, but not quite there. This is your opportunity to tip the scales in your favour.
Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
Let’s be clear: don’t wing it. Don’t even think about winging it.
Know your team: Confirm who will be presenting and block out their time early.
Choose wisely: Pick people who are confident speakers, subject matter experts, and those who will resonate with the evaluation panel.
Do your homework: Read the bid, the specification, and any related documents, then read them again.
Rehearse: Whether it’s a formal presentation or an open Q&A, practise. Get someone to throw curveball questions at you. Be ready for anything.
Make It Look Good
If you’re presenting, make it visually engaging. Don’t throw together slides at the last minute. Consider involving a graphic designer, or at least someone who knows their way around Canva or PowerPoint. Your visuals should be:
Clean and professional
Relevant to the bid
Easy to follow
A well-designed presentation shows care, attention to detail, and respect for the panel’s time.
Execution Matters
On the day:
Get a good night’s sleep.
Eat properly.
Breathe.
Speak clearly and confidently.
It sounds simple, but these basics are often overlooked, and they make a huge difference.
Summary: Don’t Drop the Ball
Too often, organisations treat the presentation as an afterthought, and then stumble at the final hurdle. There’s no excuse. If you’re going to do it, do it right. Prepare thoroughly, present professionally, and make sure your team is ready to deliver.
A strong presentation can be the deciding factor in a competitive bid. Make it count.