When you’re planning an upcoming board meeting, it’s crucial to know what the audience is expecting. Typically, a presentation to the board’s members is intended to data rooms either) keep them informed on a vital area of business; or b) provide information and context that will allow them to dig further into a particular topic to aid in making strategic decisions.
Board members have a lot on their plate, from juggling their individual roles and responsibilities, to helping to ensure the success of the company. They shouldn’t be expected to hash out the fine details of every report or initiative, and that’s okay! Board meetings are for big picture discussions that impact the organization’s goals and impact in the long term.
This knowledge can help you move beyond sloppy or repetitive reporting to strong storytelling, which inspires helpful discussions and critical decisions. It’s also important to ensure that your audience understands the language that you employ. For instance If they have little or no knowledge of a specific industry or method, it is best not to use any jargon.
Before you present, think about if it’s appropriate for you to include humour in your slides. It’s important to read the audience and not spit out any jokes that may not be a hit, particularly if you’re presenting on a topic like budget cuts or redundancies. Pay attention to the non-verbal communication in the room. 70% to 90% of it is non-verbal.