Learn how to make presentations that grab your boss's attention and demonstrate their relevance to company goals with practical tips for success.

I try to always tailor my talks, both for my boss when I had a day job and now for the audience of whoever hires me to come talk. I can honestly say that not one of my talks has been exactly the same. I have even changed my talks after attending the social the night before my talk because people at the social brought up an issue or concern.

Last updated on Jul 19, 2024

Here's how you can make sure your boss recognizes the significance and relevance of your presentation.

Crafting an impactful presentation can be a daunting task, especially when you aim to impress your boss. To ensure your boss acknowledges the significance and relevance of your presentation, it's essential to understand their expectations and tailor your content accordingly. Your presentation should not only convey your message effectively but also resonate with your boss's priorities and the company's objectives. By doing so, you'll demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization's goals.

Key takeaways from this article

Align with goals:

Start by understanding your boss's objectives. Craft your presentation to address these directly, showcasing how your insights contribute to the company's success.
Develop a key message:

Engage in conversation with your boss to co-create the core message of your presentation. Use active listening to ensure you fully grasp their vision and can effectively communicate it.

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1 Know Goals

Before you start creating slides, take time to understand your boss's goals and how your presentation can align with them. This means engaging in a preliminary discussion or reviewing past meetings to grasp what your boss deems important. Your presentation should address these goals directly, showing that you're not just presenting information, but providing solutions and insights that will help achieve the broader objectives. By making this connection clear, you ensure that your boss sees your presentation as relevant and significant.

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Nora Zihn

Boost your influence and motivate others to action with your PowerPoint presentation âŽœSparring partner âŽœTexter âŽœDesigner âŽœEx-McKinsey
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Here are a few briefing questions that will help you to develop a key message together with your boss. Asking directly for the key message can sometimes work. Sometimes you have to approach this together by reverse engineering the key message from the core statements (â€œWhich core statements should the audience receive?â€) or by first asking what he definitely does not want and then formulating the opposite (â€œWhat impression should the audience not get under any circumstances?â€). Use active listening, i.e. formulate in your own words what you have understood and have this confirmed or corrected ("Do I understand you correctly ...? Is that what the message is about?")

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2 Tailor Content

Your presentation's content should be tailored to speak directly to your boss's interests and the needs of the business. This involves selecting data, case studies, or examples that are most likely to resonate with them. Use language and terminology that reflects the company's culture and your boss's communication style. By customizing your content in this way, you're more likely to capture your boss's attention and make a lasting impact.

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Oakland McCulloch

Lieutenant Colonel (US Army Retired), is an internationally recognized keynote speaker and author; hire me to speak at your conference or event today.
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I try to always tailor my talks, both for my boss when I had a day job and now for the audience of whoever hires me to come talk. I can honestly say that not one of my talks has been exactly the same. I have even changed my talks after attending the social the night before my talk because people at the social brought up an issue or concern.

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3 Visual Impact

Visuals can make or break a presentation. They should enhance your message, not distract from it. Use charts, graphs, and images strategically to clarify complex points and emphasize key takeaways. Ensure that your visuals are professional, on-brand, and support the narrative of your presentation. When your visuals align with your verbal message, they reinforce the significance of what you're saying and help your boss remember the key points.

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4 Rehearse Well

Rehearsing your presentation is crucial to ensure a smooth delivery. Practice in front of a mirror or with a colleague to get feedback on your pacing, tone, and body language. Familiarity with your material will allow you to present with confidence and handle any unexpected questions or technical issues. A well-rehearsed presentation shows your boss that you value their time and are committed to delivering a polished and professional performance.

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5 Engage Actively

During the presentation, actively engage with your boss by asking for their input and addressing any questions they may have. This demonstrates that you value their perspective and are open to collaboration. Make eye contact and use open body language to build rapport. By fostering an interactive environment, you not only keep your boss invested in the presentation but also show that you're attentive to their reactions and feedback.

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6 Follow Up

After your presentation, follow up with your boss to gauge their thoughts and discuss next steps. This could be through a formal meeting or a simple email summarizing the key points and asking for input on the proposed actions. Following up shows that you're proactive and committed to seeing your ideas implemented. It also provides an opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings and reinforce the significance of your presentation in achieving the company's goals.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Directory

Here's how you can make sure your boss recognizes the significance and relevance of your presentation.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know Goals

2 Tailor Content

3 Visual Impact

4 Rehearse Well

5 Engage Actively

6 Follow Up

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Presentations

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Directory

Here's how you can make sure your boss recognizes the significance and relevance of your presentation.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know Goals

2 Tailor Content

3 Visual Impact

4 Rehearse Well

5 Engage Actively

6 Follow Up

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Presentations

Rate this article

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