If you're preparing your presentation for the board meeting, it is essential to understand what the audience expects. A presentation for the board should: a. keep them informed about a crucial area of business, or b. provide information and context to allow them to go deeper into a particular topic to aid in making strategic decisions.
Board members have a lot of work on their plates, from juggling their individual roles and responsibilities, to ensuring the success of the business. They shouldn't be expected to hash out the fine details of each report or initiative, and that's fine! Board meetings are for big-picture discussions that impact the goals of the organization and its value over the long-term.
Incorporating this information into your presentation will help you transform your presentation from dull or repetitive reporting into effective storytelling that stimulates useful conversations and crucial decisions. It is also essential to ensure that your audience understands the language you employ. For instance when they have no knowledge of a particular field or strategy, then it is recommended to not use any jargon.
You might consider incorporating humor into your slides prior to the presentation. It is crucial to consider the audience and avoid making jokes that could not be well received, particularly in the case of budget cuts or redundancies. Remember to be aware of the body language you see in the room, as 70% to 90 percent of communication is non-verbal.