Executive Level Presentations and How to Deliver them
Shelley Fishel Fishel 
Executives are expected to be excellent communicators, but many of them appear to struggle with or shy away from giving presentations.
Don't you think people are fascinating?
Executives are expected to be excellent communicators, but many of them appear to struggle with or shy away from giving presentations.
A while back, a survey produced results that the savvy assistant would do well to note:
Nearly 90% of CEOs claimed that being clear in their communication has a direct impact on their income and career.
Only 25%, however, spent more than two hours practicing and rehearsing for a presentation with "high stakes." One in four executives spent 30 minutes or less.
Is it any wonder so many key C-suite and board meetings are filled with tension and pressure?
The Presentation Challenge
The survey, conducted by consultants Distinction Communication, also identified the aspect of presentation design that executives found the most difficult.
More than a third mentioned crafting a compelling message. Setting up good presentations was mentioned by one in ten. One in eight people felt the most pressure when speaking confidently.
It's interesting to note that 41% of CEOs claimed they found all three of the aforementioned difficult.
Since this survey was conducted a few years ago, the results might be different if conducted today.
But I think a lot of it still holds true now.
Closing the Gap
According to the poll results, there is a performance and presentation skill gap.
In this situation, the EA and PA can help their executive even more.
Executives may present to other executives, from the top down, or to management. A good place to start is to treat each one as distinct and intended for a certain audience.
An obvious way you might be asked for assistance as an assistant is to make a slide presentation using the talk notes as a guide.
Ditch the Dull
Despite the jokes about "Death by PowerPoint," this Microsoft product is still a potent tool for communication.
PowerPoint itself is not boring. It’s how people are using it that can be as dull as dishwater.
A poor presenter places the blame on their equipment. Likewise, a bad communicator.
Once you know how PowerPoint works and what it can do, you will be able to ditch the dull and create presentations that deliver the message like a Sydney Harbour New Year’s firework display. Full of punch, colour and clarity.
If you’re a little unsure about this tool, it is time to do something about it. Take a look at my Essential PowerPoint for The Savvy Assistant course. It gives you everything you need to know.
Once you've learned the fundamentals, you'll be able to impress your executive and colleagues while saving yourself countless hours of aggravation.
Did you know, for instance, that a Word presentation outline may be used to build slides? It’s one of the things covered in my course.
As the expert in the application, you will be able to educate and guide people. You will be able to show them the best way to share their notes with you (to help them create clear communication and to help make your life easier).
Be the savvy leader.
More open communication can occur when you are serving people and show that you can be trusted.
In a constructive way, you can offer suggestions and advice to improve a presentation.
You will respectfully call out anything that is inaccurate or that could potentially make the presenter look bad. Like you would if your best friend had a bit of the green stuff stuck in their teeth, a lipstick smudge or was wearing odd socks.
You do it in service, to be helpful.
If a client or the boss is new to the board - or has been asked to present to the C-suite - they may not realise the presentation takes
When your executive is requested to present to the C-suite or is new to the board, they might not be aware that the presentation takes on a different dimension and personality.
Delivering an update or a briefing is no longer the only option. They have evolved into a strategist, concept seller, and pitcher. As the primary narrator and problem-solver, they take on these roles.
Simple suggestions and words of support can help them.
Having conversations with the C-Suite
If sharing a roadmap with a timeline, the presenter may want to put themselves in the shoes of the C-suite.
What do they prioritize? Which inquiries are they most likely to make? What obstacles stand in the way of delivery and how may they be removed? Where are the easy victories?
Many proposals could be proposed to the board. They might query, "What is the difference if we don't take your proposal - and just do nothing? " As one example.
How are the preparation and presentation going to combat that? How will queries regarding possible outcomes of the competition (in response to a suggestion) be addressed? How will a concept benefit the client?
Leaders might also enquire about the presenter's preferences or ideas. Clearer communication results from the offering of opinions or alternatives together with explanations of why they are not as promising.
Additionally, a presentation may need to address the presumptions made in any argument and what to say if the decision-makers respond with "Great. What are you expecting from us?
The Assistant is capable of much more than simply connecting a few slides. Naturally, a serious presentation won't ever do that. It must be assembled with care. If that's the part you're having trouble with then it is time to head over and take Essential PowerPoint for The Savvy Assistant
The more productive you are, the more time you can set aside for the online learning. And the more you learn the ‘know-how’, the more efficient you will become. It’s like receiving compound interest month after month after month.
If the gap is in more than your PowerPoint skills, explore other courses to help you with the rest of your Microsoft mastery.
I came across this article recently which will help you when thinking about how to make your presentations stand out. It is from Presentation Geeks and I found it explains what Presentation Aids are and how to use them plus the pros and cons – you can read it here 10 Presentation Aids to Enhance Your Presentation.
Categories: : Microsoft PowerPoint