How can you present solutions to stakeholders?

2 Choose the best format

Depending on the nature of the problem, the number and type of solutions, and the level of detail required, you may choose different formats to present your solutions to stakeholders. Reports are written documents that provide a comprehensive and structured overview of the problem, the solutions, and the supporting evidence and analysis. They can be useful for complex or technical problems that require a lot of data and explanation, as well as serve as a reference for future decisions or actions. Slides offer visual aids to highlight the key points and benefits of the solutions in a clear and concise way. They are useful for engaging and persuading stakeholders who may have limited time or attention span. Prototypes are tangible or interactive models that demonstrate how the solutions work or look in practice. They can be useful for testing and validating the feasibility and usability of the solutions with stakeholders who may have direct experience or feedback on the problem. Additionally, prototypes can spark curiosity and interest among potential users or customers.

3 Structure your presentation

Regardless of the format you choose, you need to structure your presentation in a logical and coherent way that guides your stakeholders through your problem-solving process and convinces them of the value of your solutions. A common structure involves introducing the problem, providing background and context, analyzing the problem in detail, generating solutions, recommending the best solution, and concluding with a summary of the main points and a call for action. In the introduction, you can preview the main points of your presentation. During problem analysis, tools such as problem statements, root cause analysis, or impact analysis can be used to illustrate the problem and its causes and consequences. When it comes to solution generation, brainstorming, ideation, or criteria matrix can be used to show how you generated and evaluated your solutions. To support your recommendation for the best solution or a combination of solutions, cost-benefit analysis, risk analysis, or SWOT analysis can be employed. Finally, in the conclusion you can summarize the main points of your presentation and provide some next steps or follow-up actions to implement or monitor the solution.

4 Use clear and persuasive language

The way you communicate your solutions can have a great effect on how your stakeholders perceive and respond to them. To make sure your language is clear and persuasive, use simple words that avoid any jargon, ambiguity, or confusion. Also, make sure to define any technical terms or acronyms that are not familiar to your stakeholders. Additionally, use positive and confident words that express enthusiasm, optimism, and credibility, instead of words that show doubt, uncertainty, or negativity. Furthermore, emphasize the actions and outcomes of your solutions with active and direct words rather than passive, indirect, or vague ones. Moreover, use stories and examples to illustrate the problem and the solutions in a relatable and memorable way; avoid abstract or generic statements that lack context or evidence. Finally, invite your stakeholders to participate by asking questions and gathering feedback; avoid assumptions or statements that disregard or dismiss their input or perspective.

5 Practice and prepare

Finally, you need to practice and prepare for your presentation to ensure that you deliver it smoothly and confidently. To do so, review the content and format of your presentation to make sure it is clear, concise, and consistent. Rehearse your presentation aloud and time yourself to meet the expected duration and pace. Anticipate questions, objections, or feedback that stakeholders may have and prepare solutions or evidence. Arrange the logistics and equipment needed for the presentation and test them beforehand. By following these tips and strategies, you can present solutions in a way that engages, persuades, and satisfies stakeholders, leading to positive outcomes. Practicing and preparing for your presentation is a key skill for problem solvers as it can influence the success of your problem-solving efforts.