EXCO-level presentations are often extremely intimidating for presenters. Sadly, many presenters miss the mark by misunderstanding the needs of these senior stakeholders, overcompensating with long presentations that are convoluted and poorly executed.
As presentation coaches who empower corporate executives, we would like to share some tips for anxious presenters who are presenting at this level.
Let’s begin with our target audience. Who are we typically presenting to when we engage an EXCO Committee? Being clear about who our audience is should always be the first question we answer before crafting our message, as this informs how to package and deliver our content.
An EXCO team will definitely consist of a data-driven audience, and considering the role an EXCO fulfils, this invariably means our audience will also be future-oriented and strategic.
What else can we assume?
Any EXCO will consist of stakeholders who have multiple layers of responsibility and are likely to be juggling many tasks. We would be safe to assume we are communicating to busy multi-taskers who carry huge amounts of responsibility.
In addition, what do we know about the format of an EXCO meeting?
Pre-reading material and often presentation content are required to be submitted prior to your engagement in the form of a “board pack”. Even if you are not presenting in a regular EXCO meeting, chances are your audience is expecting to see a clearly defined agenda and to receive all necessary documentation to review before you engage.
So what can we do with this information and how can presenters not only communicate better in EXCO forums but also present with confidence?
It may feel that you have already given the game away by submitting your presentation upfront, or perhaps you are feeling huge amounts of anxiety communicating to these senior stakeholders?
Based on what we know of our audience, we can conclude that time is a big concern for busy EXCO members. You do not want to waste it. You also want to make sure you get to the point as quickly as possible, considering how much data they have to review and how many decisions they have to make as a feature of their function. For this reason, ensure your content is impactful and relevant. This is not the forum for a dramatic presentation. Lengthy presentations are unlikely to impress.
Be upfront about why you are presenting and do not be afraid to speak to problems. Sugar-coating material is not going to be appreciated by these seasoned decision-makers. If you are presenting bad news, be ready to present possible solutions, and if you do not have them, be willing to be honest and ask for help. If you are presenting a proposal, be upfront about the opportunities.
How can you prepare? Can you conduct a SWOT analysis of your content or proposal? And can you roleplay your presentation to a trusted peer who can interrogate your content and provide you with feedback as to the quality of your delivery before you engage?
By predicting possible questions and objections before they are raised in a real-life scenario, you can feel more confident and assured that you are ready for your meeting.
EXCO members will definitely ask you questions, so be prepared to substantiate your data and answer “why”. Preparation is critical, and do your best to think ahead. What does your data mean and what can we do with it?
And lastly, time yourself. Remember that a shorter and concise presentation will be far more appreciated, and be sure to stick to the timeframe allocated. Anticipate time for interruptions and strategise when they are likely to occur and how to manage these.
Do not make the mistake of arriving with a presentation that goes over time, as this not only disrespects other presenters and meeting attendees but will not gain you any favour with this particularly time-strapped audience.
So practice, prepare, and have empathy for your audience to ensure a successful presentation and showcase your credibility and hard work to maximum potential!
Ready to master your next EXCO presentation?
If you’re looking to refine your presentation skills, conquer nerves, and deliver impactful messages to senior leadership, The Presentation Clinic is here to help. We offer tailored training and coaching programmes designed to empower corporate executives like you. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you excel in your next high-stakes presentation!
