How do you simplify consulting presentations to engage your audience?

1 Focus on the main message

The first step to simplify your consulting presentations is to define the main message that you want to convey. What is the problem that you are solving, the solution that you are proposing, and the value that you are delivering? Your main message should be specific, relevant, and compelling, and it should answer the question "so what?" for your audience. You should also craft a catchy headline that summarizes your main message and captures the attention of your audience.

2 Structure your story

The second step to simplify your consulting presentations is to structure your story in a logical and coherent way. You should follow a clear storyline that guides your audience through the context, the analysis, the recommendation, and the next steps. You should also use a simple and consistent framework to organize your slides, such as the situation-complication-resolution (SCR) or the problem-solution-benefit (PSB) models. These frameworks help you to present your information in a clear and concise way, and to highlight the key takeaways and actions.

3 Visualize your data

The third step to simplify your consulting presentations is to visualize your data in a meaningful and attractive way. You should avoid using too much text, numbers, or jargon on your slides, and instead use charts, graphs, diagrams, or icons to illustrate your data and insights. You should also use colors, fonts, and shapes to emphasize the most important points and to create contrast and harmony. Visualizing your data helps you to make your presentations more engaging, memorable, and persuasive.

4 Adapt to your audience

The fourth step to simplify your consulting presentations is to adapt to your audience and their needs and expectations. You should consider who your audience is, what they already know, what they want to know, and what they care about. You should also tailor your content, style, and tone to suit their level of expertise, interest, and decision-making power. Adapting to your audience helps you to connect with them, to address their concerns and objections, and to influence their behavior.

5 Practice and refine

The fifth step to simplify your consulting presentations is to practice and refine your delivery and performance. You should rehearse your presentation several times, preferably with feedback from others, and make sure that you are confident, clear, and concise. You should also check your slides for errors, inconsistencies, or redundancies, and make sure that they are aligned with your main message and story. Practicing and refining your presentation helps you to avoid mistakes, to improve your skills, and to impress your audience.

6 Engage and interact

The sixth and final step to simplify your consulting presentations is to engage and interact with your audience during and after your presentation. You should use techniques such as asking questions, telling stories, using humor, or showing enthusiasm to capture and maintain their attention and interest. You should also invite feedback, questions, or comments from your audience, and respond to them in a respectful and constructive way. Engaging and interacting with your audience helps you to build rapport, to demonstrate your credibility, and to foster collaboration and action.

7 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?