What do you do if your boss is forgetting the key points of your presentation?

1 Be prepared

Before the presentation, make sure you have a clear outline of the main messages, facts, and examples that you want to convey. Share this outline with your boss and ask for his or her feedback and approval. This way, you can align your expectations and avoid any confusion or contradiction during the presentation. You can also use the outline as a reference during the presentation, in case you need to remind your boss of something important.

2 Be supportive

During the presentation, don't interrupt your boss or correct him or her in front of the audience. This will only make your boss look bad and damage your relationship. Instead, be supportive and respectful of your boss's role and expertise. You can use phrases like "As you mentioned earlier..." or "To add to what you said..." to reinforce your boss's points and subtly remind him or her of what you discussed before. You can also use visual aids, such as slides, charts, or graphs, to highlight the key points and help your boss recall them.

3 Be flexible

Sometimes, your boss may forget a key point because he or she is distracted, nervous, or overwhelmed by the presentation. In this case, you need to be flexible and adapt to the situation. You can try to steer the conversation back to the point by asking a relevant question, making a comment, or sharing an anecdote. You can also use the Q&A session or the follow-up email to address any missing points or clarify any misunderstandings. The most important thing is to keep your composure and focus on the main goal of the presentation.

4 Be professional

After the presentation, don't criticize your boss or complain to your colleagues about his or her performance. This will only hurt your reputation and create a negative atmosphere. Instead, be professional and constructive. Give your boss some positive feedback and appreciation for his or her effort and contribution. You can also offer some suggestions for improvement and ask for his or her feedback on your performance. This way, you can show your respect and loyalty to your boss and demonstrate your value and skills as a presenter.

5 Be confident

Finally, don't let your boss's forgetfulness affect your confidence or enthusiasm for your presentation. Remember that you have done your best to prepare and deliver a high-quality presentation that showcases your knowledge and insights. You have also handled a difficult situation with grace and tact. You should be proud of yourself and your work. You should also use this experience as a learning opportunity to improve your communication and collaboration skills for future presentations.