How to Give a Presentation That Will Impress Your Boss

Giving a presentation to anyone can be nerve-wracking, but the stakes are even greater when you have to present to a higher-up. After all, a lot can be riding on this presentation such as a raise, a promotion, or simply status in the workplace. While it may be the most nerve-wracking experience, it’s also a crucial time to stand out as an employee. Here are a few tips for beating the anxiety and delivering a presentation that is sure to impress your boss. 

Clarify Your Goals

What is the purpose of your presentation? What kind of results does your boss expect to see? If you don’t know the answers to these basic questions, you need to find out. There is nothing as deflating as working tirelessly on a presentation that brings no value to anyone. Not only will you be wasting your own time, but you will be wasting your boss’s time as well. Therefore, find out and determine your main goals right away, as this will aid you in the planning process. 

Know Your Topic

This doesn’t mean skimming things over, but rather you have to really know your topic. If you are presenting to your boss, it’s safe to assume they will be pretty well versed on the topic themselves. Therefore, you need to be one step ahead by researching and learning as much as you can. Avoid presenting too much data, but present enough that your boss knows you are well-informed. Be prepared to back up any claims with evidence and quantifiable metrics. If you are proposing new ideas, be ready to have research and accurate data to back up these ideas. 

Go Beyond the PowerPoint

There’s certainly a time and place for PowerPoint and there’s nothing wrong with using one in your presentation. That said, don’t let this be your only channel of communication. Consider using other techniques and visual aids such as videos, props, polls, demonstrations, stories, and questions to engage your audience and make your presentation more interesting. As for your PowerPoint, try sprucing it up a bit with photographs, images, videos, charts, and graphics that reflect the theme of your presentation. These tips and tricks can make your PowerPoint stand out more than just a standard slideshow. 

Engage Your Audience

As with any presentation, you need to find ways to bring it to life for your audience…especially your boss! Tell an interesting story, include a demonstration, infuse some humor into your talk, or interact with your audience through questions or polls. Your presentation is more likely to make a lasting impression if you find ways to engage with your audience rather than just speaking to them. 

Keep it Concise

Your boss has a busy schedule so be respectful of their time by keeping your presentation concise. Don’t bore them with text-heavy slides, lengthy explanations, and graph after graph of information. Instead, know your goals and stick to your main points. Keep the content clear and straightforward and stay on track. 

Exude a Professional Presence

Now is your chance to stand out and get noticed. Command the room with an executive presence that sets you apart from the rest. Try to remain calm, comfortable, and relaxed, and present with poise and confidence. Dress professionally, maintain good eye contact, be mindful of your posture, and don’t forget to smile.