Whether you are a veteran financial leader or you are still building an experience in the board of directors, presenting it to the board is a high interest. Board members seek insight from CFOs and look forward to an impactful presentation that combines clarity, focus and confidence. Below are 10 recommendations to help you successfully deliver a lasting impression board presentation.
1. Know your audience
Understanding your audience is one of the first steps in an effective board presentation. Board members come from a variety of professional backgrounds, with some having deep financial knowledge, while others are industry experts and business leaders unfamiliar with detailed financial data.
Pro tips: Adjust content to accommodate a wide range of groups. It breaks down complex financial concepts into simple terms for those who are not financially leaning, providing enough technical depth to satisfy financially savvy members.
2. Focus on the big picture
Your job is to direct your financial data to the board in a way that connects you to the broader organizational goals. Board members focus on the company's long-term strategy, so the presentation should highlight how numbers will affect these future ambitions.
Pro tips: Link financial metrics to business goals and highlight trends, risks and opportunities that may affect strategic decisions. Don't get caught up in small details that don't drive a bigger story.
3. Concise and point
Board members are packing the agenda. They value presenters who can distill complex information into concise and meaningful insights. Being transparent and direct is essential to maintaining their attention and respect.
Pro tips: Keep your presentation focused. Use bullet points and clear summary to advance the key points and set expectations for the next discussion.
4. Use the visual
Financial reporting alone does not inspire or inspire. Visuals (graphs, charts, infographics) make complex data more accessible and help the board get a quick grasp of key insights.
Pro tips: Use visuals strategically to spotlight key data points and trends, but avoid overloading your viewers with the charts. Each visual should support the entire message and add clarity.
5. Predict the question
Board members will ask questions, particularly about assumptions, forecasts and unusual numbers. Preparing for difficult questions shows the role of commanding data and as a strategic advisor.
Pro tips: Predict possible questions and prepare your answers. Keep supplemental data out of reach to provide deeper context or support and to comfortably address areas of potential concern.
6. Use your data to tell us your story
A successful presentation is more about the story than just numbers. Board members need to understand the “why” behind the numbers, whether it's a surge in revenue or an unexpected expense.
Pro tips: Frame the presentation as a story. Start with context, address important findings and finish with a practical next step. Data creates cohesive, compelling narratives that resonate with the audience.
7. Keep it simple
While you can deal with complex financial details, your goal is to simplify things for the board of directors. Board members do not require all granular data points. You need high levels of viable insights.
Pro tips: Focus on the most important numbers and avoid getting lost in weeds. Unless the director explicitly asks for details, he sticks to the highlights. Easily follow and understand important insights.
8. Rehearse until you feel comfortable
No matter how many board presentations you give, practice is essential. A well-eared presentation is sophisticated, professional and confident. Practice also helps to cover all the key points.
Pro tips: Ideally, practice your presentation aloud in front of a colleague who provides constructive feedback. Adjust the timing and flow as needed.
9. Focus on recommendations
The board seeks expert opinion on what the company should do next. My role as a CFO is to analyze and interpret data and provide strategic recommendations.
Pro tips: Always close your presentation with clear and practical recommendations. What does the data mean? What decisions should you make as a result? Please do not hesitate to provide strong guidance to the board.
10. Confidence is important
The way you present the material is just as important as what you present. A confident, confident delivery signal that you control and can lead you to a lesser good time.
Pro tips: Maintain strong posture, make eye contact and speak clearly. Even if you're nervous, project confidence into yourself and the message you're offering. A confident attitude stimulates trust and reliability.
Your purpose is to provide informational and influential presentations. Furthermore, thorough preparation and confident presentation will strengthen your position as a trusted financial leader.
