As our careers progress we need to adapt to audiences that are more senior and generalist

As scientists we get a lot of practice presenting and communicating data and facts, most often to other scientists. But as we move up the corporate ladder the audiences shift to non-science professionals e.g., business leaders, marketers, sales teams and strategists. These stakeholders are each looking for you to address their specific interests in a manner that suits them. And if you can’t engage and influence them, you won’t garner support for your ideas and plans, resulting in frustration and reduced impact.

Present with confidence

  • STEP 1: Know your Audience

    The purpose of your presentation is engage your audience - address their concerns, stimulate their curiosity and excitement and gain their approval. The only truly effective way to do that is direct interviews. These interviews should be conducted 1:1 with all key stakeholders.

  • STEP 2: Create engaging slides

    It doesn’t take long to learn how to make slides that engage and its worth the effort. Each slide must be simple and clear. Follow these best practices, find videos and podcasts, find a friend to coach you or ask me.

  • STEP 3: Write a compelling story

    Your story needs to engage from the start and lead the audience to your conclusion with zero confusion and sidetracking. Follow these best practices, watch storytelling Ted Talks, join Toastmasters and, if you are really serious read the McKinsey Red Book.

  • STEP 4: Practice and Iterate

    Feedback is the most powerful tool you can use to be a great presenter. Get feecback early and often and practice, practice, practice. Don’t just show your slides but deliver them with the talk track. The more you iterate practice the more rough edges you will remove and the more confident you will be on the day.