How do you present program results to senior management and clients?

1 Know your audience

Before you start creating your presentation, you need to understand who your audience is and what they expect from you. Senior management and clients may have different perspectives, priorities, and questions about your program. For example, senior management may be more interested in the strategic alignment, financial performance, and risk management of your program, while clients may focus on the outcomes, benefits, and satisfaction of the participants. You should tailor your presentation to address the specific needs and interests of your audience, and avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that they may not understand.

2 Define your objectives

Next, you need to define the objectives of your presentation. What are the main messages you want to convey? What are the key questions you want to answer? What are the actions or decisions you want your audience to take or make? Your objectives should be clear, concise, and relevant to your audience. They should also be aligned with the goals and indicators of your program. You should state your objectives at the beginning of your presentation, and use them as a guide to structure your content and arguments.

3 Use data and stories

One of the most effective ways to present program results is to use a combination of data and stories. Data can provide evidence, facts, and figures that support your claims and demonstrate your program's performance and impact. Stories can illustrate how your program has made a difference in the lives of the participants, the community, or the organization. You should use data and stories that are relevant, accurate, and credible, and that highlight the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned of your program. You should also use visual aids, such as charts, graphs, tables, or photos, to make your data and stories more engaging and memorable.

4 Anticipate feedback

Another important aspect of presenting program results is to anticipate the feedback you may receive from your audience. Feedback can be positive or negative, and it can help you improve your program, learn from your experience, and build trust and rapport with your stakeholders. You should prepare for feedback by identifying the potential questions, comments, or concerns that your audience may have, and by having ready answers, explanations, or solutions. You should also invite feedback by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and acknowledging and addressing the feedback respectfully and constructively.

5 Follow up

Finally, you should follow up with your audience after your presentation. Following up can help you reinforce your messages, clarify any doubts or misunderstandings, and maintain the communication and collaboration with your stakeholders. You should follow up by sending a thank-you note, a summary of your presentation, or any additional information or resources that your audience may have requested. You should also track and measure the outcomes and impact of your presentation, and report any changes or updates to your program results as needed.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?