What are the best enterprise software presentation practices for C-level executives?

1 Know your audience

Before you start creating your presentation, you need to research and understand your audience. Who are the C-level executives you are presenting to? What are their roles, responsibilities, goals, and challenges? What are their expectations and preferences for the presentation? How familiar are they with your software and the industry? How much time do they have and how do they like to interact? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your presentation to their needs, interests, and pain points. It will also help you avoid unnecessary details, jargon, or technicalities that might confuse or bore them.

2 Focus on the benefits

C-level executives are not interested in the features or functionalities of your software. They want to know how your software can help them achieve their objectives, improve their performance, and increase their competitive advantage. Therefore, you need to focus on the benefits and outcomes of your software, not the features and processes. For example, instead of saying "Our software has a cloud-based architecture that enables seamless integration and scalability", say "Our software can help you reduce costs, increase efficiency, and adapt to changing customer demands". Use relevant examples, case studies, and testimonials to demonstrate the value and impact of your software.

3 Use a simple and clear structure

C-level executives are busy and have limited attention spans. They don't want to sit through a long and complex presentation that makes them lose track of the main points. You need to use a simple and clear structure that guides them through your presentation and highlights the key messages. A good structure consists of three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you should briefly introduce yourself, your company, and your software, and state the purpose and agenda of your presentation. In the body, you should present the main benefits and outcomes of your software, supported by evidence and examples. In the conclusion, you should summarize the main points, restate the value proposition, and provide a clear call to action.

4 Use visuals and stories

C-level executives are more likely to remember and engage with your presentation if you use visuals and stories. Visuals can help you illustrate your points, simplify complex concepts, and capture attention. You can use charts, graphs, diagrams, images, icons, or videos to enhance your presentation. However, you should avoid using too many or too cluttered visuals that might distract or confuse your audience. Stories can help you connect with your audience emotionally, create interest, and persuade them. You can use stories to show how your software has helped other customers, how it can solve a specific problem, or how it can create a positive future scenario. However, you should avoid using stories that are irrelevant, unrealistic, or too long.

5 Prepare for questions and objections

C-level executives are likely to have questions and objections about your software. They might want to know more about the costs, risks, implementation, or support of your software. They might also have doubts, concerns, or alternatives in mind. You need to prepare for these questions and objections and answer them confidently and respectfully. You should anticipate the most common or likely questions and objections and prepare your responses in advance. You should also do some research on your competitors and their offerings and be ready to explain why your software is better or different. You should also have some backup materials or data to support your claims.

6 Practice and polish

The final and most important step of preparing your presentation is to practice and polish it. You need to practice your presentation several times, preferably in front of someone who can give you feedback. You need to check your timing, your tone, your body language, and your delivery. You need to make sure your presentation is clear, concise, and compelling. You need to polish your presentation by eliminating any errors, inconsistencies, or distractions. You need to rehearse your presentation until you feel confident and comfortable with it.

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?