1 Know your audience

Before you start working on your presentation, you need to understand who your senior executives are, what they care about, and what they expect from you. Research their backgrounds, roles, and responsibilities, and try to anticipate their questions and objections. Tailor your presentation to their level of technical knowledge, their interests, and their priorities. Focus on the benefits and outcomes of your project, not just the features and details. Use language that resonates with them, and avoid jargon and acronyms that they may not understand.

2 Structure your presentation

A clear and logical structure is essential for a winning presentation. You need to have a strong opening, a coherent body, and a memorable closing. In your opening, you should grab your audience's attention, state your main message, and preview your main points. In your body, you should explain your main points with evidence, examples, and data, and link them back to your main message. In your closing, you should summarize your main points, restate your main message, and end with a call to action or a recommendation.

3 Design your slides

Your slides are not your presentation, they are your visual aids. They should support your verbal delivery, not distract from it. Use simple and consistent design elements, such as fonts, colors, and layouts. Use images, charts, and graphs to illustrate your points, but avoid clutter and unnecessary details. Use bullet points, not sentences, and limit the amount of text on each slide. Make sure your slides are readable, relevant, and engaging.

4 Practice your delivery

The way you deliver your presentation is as important as the content. You need to rehearse your presentation several times, preferably in front of a colleague or a friend who can give you feedback. Practice your timing, your tone, your pace, and your pauses. Use gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions to convey confidence and enthusiasm. Avoid filler words, such as "um", "uh", and "like". Prepare for possible questions and interruptions, and have a backup plan in case of technical issues.

5 Engage your audience

Your presentation is not a monologue, it is a dialogue. You need to interact with your senior executives, not just talk at them. Invite them to ask questions, share their opinions, and give feedback. Listen attentively to their responses, and acknowledge their perspectives. Use stories, anecdotes, and analogies to make your presentation more relatable and memorable. Show that you care about their needs and expectations, and that you value their input.

6 Follow up

Your presentation is not over when you finish speaking. You need to follow up with your senior executives, and make sure they take action on your project. Send them a thank-you note, a summary of your presentation, and any additional information they requested. Remind them of your main message, your recommendation, and your next steps. Ask them for their feedback, their approval, or their support. Keep them updated on your progress, and celebrate your achievements.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?