What are effective ways to present cybersecurity risks to a global audience?

1 Know your audience

Before you design your presentation, you need to understand who you are talking to, what they care about, and what they already know. Do some research on their background, industry, location, and preferences. For example, some audiences may be more interested in the business impact of cybersecurity risks, while others may want more technical details. Some may prefer visual aids, while others may favor verbal explanations. Some may have different cultural norms and expectations, such as how to address authority, how to handle questions, and how to express opinions. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message, tone, and style to suit their needs and interests.

2 Define the problem

One of the main goals of your presentation is to convince your audience that cybersecurity risks are real, relevant, and urgent. To do that, you need to define the problem clearly and concisely. Explain what cybersecurity risks are, how they affect your audience's organization, and what the potential consequences are. Use concrete examples, case studies, and scenarios that illustrate the severity and likelihood of the risks. Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. Instead, use simple and familiar language that they can relate to and understand.

3 Provide solutions

After you have defined the problem, you need to provide solutions that can help your audience mitigate or prevent the cybersecurity risks. Explain what actions they can take, what tools or resources they can use, and what benefits they can expect. Provide clear and actionable recommendations that are realistic, feasible, and measurable. For example, you can suggest specific steps to improve security policies, procedures, or systems, or recommend best practices, standards, or frameworks to follow. You can also provide examples of how other organizations have successfully implemented similar solutions and achieved positive results.

4 Use visuals

Visuals can be a powerful way to present cybersecurity risks to a global audience. They can help you capture attention, simplify complex information, and convey emotions. However, you need to use visuals wisely and appropriately. Choose visuals that support your main points, not distract from them. Use charts, graphs, diagrams, or images that are easy to read, interpret, and compare. Avoid using too many colors, fonts, or animations that may clutter or confuse your visuals. Also, be mindful of the cultural implications of your visuals. For example, some colors, symbols, or gestures may have different meanings or associations in different cultures. Make sure your visuals are respectful, relevant, and consistent with your message.

5 Engage your audience

Another way to present cybersecurity risks effectively is to engage your audience throughout your presentation. You want to keep them interested, curious, and involved. You can do that by asking questions, soliciting feedback, conducting polls, or using interactive tools. You can also use stories, anecdotes, or humor to make your presentation more personal and memorable. However, you need to be careful not to offend or bore your audience with inappropriate or irrelevant content. You also need to be prepared to handle different types of questions, comments, or objections that may arise from your audience. Be respectful, confident, and flexible, and try to address their concerns or clarify their doubts.

6 Follow up

Finally, you need to follow up with your audience after your presentation. You want to reinforce your message, maintain your relationship, and encourage action. You can do that by sending a summary, a thank-you note, or a feedback survey to your audience. You can also provide additional resources, such as reports, guides, or links, that can help them learn more or implement your solutions. You can also follow up with specific individuals or groups that may have expressed interest or questions during your presentation. By following up, you can show your professionalism, credibility, and commitment, and increase the chances of achieving your desired outcomes.

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?