Presenting to senior executives

Senior executives are a tough crowd because they are short on time and attention spans. Yet they need the right information to make good, sometimes difficult, decisions. That’s why you should get right to the point. Here are some tips from the Harvard Business Review.

Set expectations upfront

For example, let them know that you will cover key points in a summary, then open the room for discussion. This may even help you get through your main points uninterrupted.

Summarize

Lead with the information that your audience needs to do their jobs. You can share your process or supporting data if they ask.

Use summary, not dense, slides

Simplify your slides, so they help the reader follow your presentation, not so they’re reading a PowerPoint and not listening to you. Follow the 10% rule – if your research report is 80 pages long, create 8 slides.

Address specific questions

Be direct in your responses, and straightforward. It helps to prepare for anticipated questions in advance. Avoid all the backstories that got you to your response.

Prepare & Rehearse

Find someone who has had success presenting to executive teams and practice your presentation on them. Ask for feedback on clarity, timing, and key insights to find out if anything is missing.

This may sound like a lot, but when you have the opportunity to present to decision-makers, it’s important to make the right impression. You want to be asked back.