Getting up to speak in front of any audience can be daunting, especially when it comes to making a presentation to your board of directors or senior management. While it may seem challenging, there are several things you can do to ensure a successful presentation.
Be strategic. As with any new work project or proposal, find a way to tie your initiative to your company’s goals and objectives. Doing so can go a long way in getting board members behind your plan.
Be clear and minimize the visuals. Usually, you will only have a limited amount of time to make your presentation, so it is important that your message is concise, provides evidence that supports your initiative and makes good business sense. If you are using visuals, be sure that those visuals are also precise. With handouts, you should provide an overall summary that highlights your key points. Board members can refer to this summary during the presentation.
Practice makes perfect. No matter how well you know your material, it is important to practice your presentation. It can be extremely helpful to practice with a co-worker who can give suggestions or anticipate the questions that board members may ask.
Remember your audience. When giving a presentation to senior management, you will want to be sure to remain professional, yet conversational. You want to leave the board members impressed with your professionalism but also feeling that you are approachable and are willing to handle requests for details or additional information
Be ready for anything. No matter how much you research or practice, you might be asked questions that you can’t answer. Don’t let those questions throw you—thank the individuals for the questions and let them know that you will get the answers for them after the meeting. Don’t try to make something up; you can be called on it later, and this can damage your credibility with board members.
Following these simple steps can go a long way in getting your board of directors to appreciate the value of your presentation and/or approve your business proposal.
Please Note: This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice. Contact the Knowledge Center for more information.
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