It’s important to understand what your audience expects when you create a presentation for an upcoming board meeting. A typical presentation for the board’s meeting is designed to: a) keep them informed about a key area of business; or b) provide information and context that will allow them to dig deeper on a specific topic to assist in making strategic decisions.
Board members have a lot of work on their plates, from juggling their personal roles and responsibilities to helping to ensure the success of the company. They aren’t expected to discuss the nitty-gritty details of each report or project – and that’s fine! Board meetings are meant for big-picture discussions that will affect the organization’s goals and value in the long run.
Integrating this knowledge into your presentation could help you move past shallow or repetitive reporting into effective storytelling that stimulates useful conversations and critical decisions. It’s also helpful to ensure that your audience is comfortable with the language you’re using. For instance, if the Board has no Go Here experience in specific industries or strategies It is best not to use any jargon that could cause confusion for them.
Before you present, think about if it’s appropriate for you to include any humor in your slides. It is crucial to consider the audience and avoid making jokes that could not be well received, particularly when your presentation is about budget cuts or redundancies. Remember to be aware of the body language that you see in the room, since 70% to 90 percent of communication is non-verbal.