Presenting to Executives

Traditional Classroom: 1-day
Virtual Instructor-led: Two 4-hour sessions

Presenting to senior executives can be challenging; this audience is extremely busy and must make high-stakes decisions, often with little time to weigh options. To be successful, presenters need to quickly and clearly present information that is important to them, ask for questions, and then be done. From years of presenting to top executives in many fields, the formula that we have found that works best is:

Summarize up front.
Set expectations.
Create summary PowerPoint slides.
Answer specific requests directly and quickly.
Practice with colleagues who will serve as honest coaches.

This intensive workshop, delivered in two half-day sessions, gives participants the opportunity to develop compelling messages to meet audience needs, enhance individual executive presence, and practice high-impact delivery.

Target Audience

Individuals who will benefit from this course include senior leaders in director and vice president and senior vice president roles.

Learning Objectives

Enhance executive presence and confidence in delivery.
Develop and structure compelling messages.
Design PowerPoint and visual aids that enhance your message.
Connect with and meet the needs of the audience.
Handle challenging questions and behaviors effectively.
Receive peer and instructor coaching for ongoing development.

Key Takeaways

Verbal and nonverbal delivery skills
Key factors for projecting executive presence
Quick preparation techniques
Templates and tools for structuring compelling messages
Strategies and skills to handle questions and maintain audience control
Ability to use visual aids that support the message and engage the audience
Delivery skills that capture and keep the audience’s attention

Pre-Course Work (Optional)

Participants are sent a pre-work guide to accelerate their learning experience in the classroom. The guide includes quick and practical preparation techniques, encourages participants to focus on a specific presentation that they will be delivering in the near future, and provides resources to access for presentations to senior executives.

Post-Course Work (Optional)

1:1 virtual coaching session with instructor
1:1 peer in-person coaching
Learning circles with peers
CEG-recommended online sites for continued advancement (TED talks, blogs, etc.)

Course Outline

Session One (4 hours)

Module 1: Introduction

Great Presenters — Characteristics and Skills
Ten Terrible Turnoffs — What to Watch out For
Techniques for Projecting Executive Presence

Module 2: Preparation Keys

Crafting a Compelling Message to Engage the Audience Through Storytelling
Think “PREP”: Point, Reason, Evidence, Point
The Drill for Preparation
Determine Your Purpose
Analyze Your Audience
Match Your Message to the Audience
Structure Your Content
Open — Body — Close
Prepare for Questions/Objections
Deicide on and Design Visual Aids That Will Enhance Your Presentation
Storyboarding PowerPoint Slides

Module 3: Videotaped Five-Minute Presentations

Practicing Verbal/Nonverbal Delivery Skills
Recorded Feedback from Peers and Instructor

Homework

Watch Video-Recorded Presentation
Design PowerPoint Slides for Presentation Enhancement for Session Two Exercises

Session Two (4 hours)

Module 4: Visual Aids

Homework Check-in — Self-Feedback from Watching Presentation
Utilizing Visuals to Develop Compelling Storylines and Talking Points

Module 5: Connecting with the Audience

Partnering with the Key Stakeholders Before the Presentation
Dealing with Difficult Questions and Behaviors
Respecting the Audience
Audience Control
Coaching and Practice

Module 6: Videotaped 10-Minute Presentations

Practicing Verbal/Nonverbal Delivery Skills
Audience Control — Dealing with Questions and Behaviors
Recorded Feedback from Instructor and Peers
Summary and Next Actions

MDI1070 Course Code

For more information on this topic, as well as how Corporate Education Group can help power your organization’s performance, contact us via email or call 1.800.288.7246 (US only) or +1.978.649.8200. You can also use our Information Request Form!

Practice Area

Management and Leadership