Presentation Tips for Executives
5 minutes read
Do you have a big presentation to the C-Suite coming up? Use these executive presentation tips to deliver an attention-getting presentation.
Keep top executives engaged and interested.
It happens. You prep all night for an executive presentation, then it doesn’t go as smoothly as it did in your head. It’s not flowing, and you feel like your audience is kind of bored.
To prevent your audience from saying “thank you; next,” you’ll need to up your presentation game.
This tutorial will show you how to present a presentation to senior management so you can keep their attention. You’ll also see some of the best executive presentation formats and management presentation samples from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver.
Best PowerPoint Executive Presentation Templates
A good place to find executive PowerPoint presentation templates is Envato Elements. They’ve got a great offer to take advantage of today. Download as many management presentation templates as you want for one low price.
Business PowerPoint templates that are perfect for executive presentations on Envato Elements - with unlimited access.
For well-designed executive slide decks that grab and hold your audience’s attention, turn to Envato Elements.
Here are some of the PowerPoint templates for executive presentations:
- {.roundup-block__content-link} 32+ Top Professional PPT Templates and Business Presentation Examples (2024) Dacia Egurrola 24 May 2023
Envato Elements is great if you need a range of template designs for several executive presentations. But, if you need a single template for one-off use, then check out the affordable business PowerPoint templates on GraphicRiver. These popular templates for executive presentations will help you create eye-catching management presentations at a price that suits your budget.
If you’re preparing an executive presentation in PPT, you want it to be the best it can be. Read on for tips on presenting to senior management and other executives.
Tips for Better Executive Presentations
Are you planning on presenting recommendations to senior management? Use the following tips to create more effective executive presentations:
1. Research Your Audience
When preparing for a presentation to senior management, a little research goes a long way. A good place to start is LinkedIn. Because it’s business-oriented, LinkedIn can help you find the interests and background of the executives you’ll be presenting to. You may be presenting to a group, but they’re all individuals with different roles and focuses.
For example, when presenting recommendations to senior management, know that the data you’ll present to the CFO might not interest the CMO, and vice versa. Researching your audience as individuals helps you tailor your executive presentation to them.
Author and public speaker Pamela Hilliard Owens suggests:
“After you have been awarded the presentation opportunity, take the time to visit the company’s website and research the bios of each person who will be in your audience.”
2. Research the Niche
Understanding the niche in which you are presenting is also crucial. Mitch Mitchell, President and CEO of T.T. Mitchell Consulting, says:
“Audience research is important if you’re addressing people with certain skills that might be out of the norm.”
3. Prime the Audience
Andy Crestodina, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Orbit Media Studios, emphasizes the importance of prepping your audience in advance. He suggests:
“Make sure everyone knows the point of the presentation. State the goal of the meeting up front, in the meeting invite and on the first slide.”
4. Tailor Your Presentation to Your Audience
Research your audience and niche. Then use that information to create a stellar presentation that meets their needs. Author Amma Marfo states:
“The key for clear communication with senior management is speaking in a language that they understand.”
5. Project Confidence
When presenting data to executives, how you appear is almost as important as the data itself. Make sure to project the right body language. If you look confident and maintain eye contact, it makes your audience more interested in what you’ve got to say.
6. Lead With the Summary
The ideal executive presentation format is to lead with a summary of the key facts they need to know on the first slide. This helps focus their attention and create interest.
7. Make Your Presentation Flow
One of the best executive presentation tips is to make your presentation flow by arranging information in a logical order. Guide your audience to the key parts of your slides they should look at.
8. Keep Your Executive Presentation on Topic
For an executive presentation, stay focused on the topic at hand. Use your presentation speaker notes to help keep the presentation relevant.
9. Have a Single End Goal
Before you start, know what key recommendation you’re leading to. Mention this in the executive summary, then present the evidence to make a compelling rationale for your key takeaway.
10. Include Relevant Statistics
Using the right stats will make your executive presentations more compelling. Check and double-check your stats before your presentation.
11. Present Data So It Gets Attention
When presenting data, ensure clarity. Here are some tips to achieve that:
- Decide on the right chart type.
- Avoid clutter.
- Use color wisely.
- Ensure chart labeling is clear.
12. Pay Attention to Slide Design
Ensure that your presentation slides have a coherent visual identity. If you’re not confident about your graphic design skills, consider getting a premade management presentation sample or template.
13. Watch Your Language
Pay attention to the words you use in your presentation slides. Avoid unnecessary jargon and keep slide text short and focused on the essentials.
14. Get Your Timing Right
It pays to keep executive presentations short and focused. Plan for questions and interruptions.
15. Expect the Unexpected
Prepare for the unexpected and do some research around your presentation topic to be ready for any questions that come up.
16. Practice in Advance
Run through your executive slide deck as many times as it takes to know your material inside out.
17. Step Away From the Podium
Don’t be afraid to move away from the PowerPoint presentation and use a whiteboard to illustrate a key point.
Grab Some Professional Presentation Templates
Find more high-level presentation examples in the articles below:
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