If you’re tasked with giving a presentation to your boss, you want to put your best foot forward. And if you’re able to impress your boss with your presentation, you may find yourself with even more opportunities in the future. But where do you start?

5 Keys to an Impressive Presentation

It doesn’t matter how logical and objective your boss is; they are still heavily influenced by emotions. While you’ll ultimately be judged by the facts you produce and the content you provide, a skillful presentation has the ability to influence your boss on an emotional level. And at the end of the day, your boss will always remember how you make them feel. 

Want to develop an impressive presentation that impresses your boss and moves them to favorable action? Here are some useful tips and tricks:

1.Know Your Boss

No two people are the same. So while we could sit here and give you many suggestions on how personalities and presentation affect psychology, it ultimately comes down to the individual. Your boss thinks differently than the boss at the company next door. The onus is on you to get to know your boss and learn what makes them tick.

If you’re fairly new to the company, pick the brains of people who have been in the organization for several years. Ask them to describe your boss in their own words. Every person will have their own unique experiences, but you should see a few common threads emerge. This commonality is typically where the truth lies. Leverage these insights to your advantage.

2.Be Clear

The best presenters are clear and intentional. They use clear and structured speech while avoiding vague generalizations. In doing so, they’re able to grab the attention of their boss and bring the right people in alignment with the message.

Being clear means:

1. Having a structured outline that’s both logical and easy to follow. This includes an introduction, hook, several clear points, and a conclusion. Theoretical concepts should be replaced with actionable takeaways.

1. Be specific with your word choices. Rather than saying “profitable opportunities,” say “new products worth $150,000 in annual revenue.”

If you focus on these two aspects, you’ll see a marked improvement in your capabilities as a presenter (whether you’re presenting to your boss or pitching a product to a prospect).

3.All Meat, No Filler

Consider the value of time. The fact that your boss is carving out 15, 30, or 60 minutes of the day to meet with you says a lot. Value that time by focusing your presentation on 100 percent meat and no filler.

While there’s something to be said for laying out the facts and logically explaining key points before getting to the major revelation, takeaway, or action item, maintain the right perspective. You aren’t directing a two-hour movie – deliver the punch-line as soon as possible. 

Slides should be powerful and concise. Don’t write out full paragraphs; use just a couple of words. When possible, show instead of tell. Graphs, charts, and visuals go a long way. 

4.Provide Complementary Handouts

You can complement your slides by providing a more detailed handout. Printed reports allow your boss to follow along and gain more clarity on what you’re discussing. They can also be referenced after the meeting ends. (Because, let’s be honest, your boss probably isn’t going to decide on the spot.)

For impressive handouts, consider using wire-o book printing. It provides a clean and professional look at a fraction of more extensive binding costs. 

5.Speak With Confidence

While you should let your personality shine through, prioritize persuasive language. Eliminate crutch words like and, umm, because, and like. When you feel like using filler language, pause and take a breath. Word choices that embody clarity and conviction will give your boss more confidence in your ideas. 

Adding it All Up

When it comes to persuasive presentations, practice makes perfect. By implementing these tips and remembering these principles, you can develop more effective presentations that influence your boss on both a logical and emotional level. It won’t always be flawless, but a dogged commitment to embracing these elements will eventually transform you into a powerful influencer within your company.