Episode 8: The First Presentation

Presenting in front of a group had always been a nerve-wracking thought for me. I wasn’t shy, but the idea of standing in front of the Data Governance team and explaining my work felt like stepping into the spotlight for the first time.

Tola, my manager, had assigned me to update the data glossary for our department; a document that defined key terms, concepts, and processes to ensure everyone was on the same page. After weeks of researching and refining, it was time to present my updates to the team.

“Don’t overthink it,” Tola said, offering a reassuring smile. “This is an informal session. Focus on sharing what you’ve learned and why it matters.”

Preparing for the Presentation

To prepare, I broke the glossary updates into clear sections:

Purpose of the Glossary: I wanted to remind the team why we needed the glossary: to foster consistency and understanding across all departments.

New Additions: Terms like “Data Lineage,” “Data Stewardship,” and “Metadata” had been added or updated based on recent projects. For each term, I included a definition, examples, and its relevance to our governance efforts.

Feedback Mechanism: I proposed a structured approach for team members to suggest updates or corrections to the glossary, ensuring it remained a living document.

To make the session engaging, I created a simple slide deck and included examples to demonstrate how the glossary supported their work.

The Big Day

The day of the presentation, I arrived early to set up. Tola was already there, setting a relaxed tone by chatting with colleagues as they filtered into the room.

As I stood at the front, I could feel the familiar pangs of nervousness creeping in. But as I began to speak, I focused on the content rather than my nerves.

Explaining the Updates

I started by revisiting the purpose of the glossary, emphasizing its role in reducing misunderstandings and fostering alignment across the organization.

Next, I walked through the new terms and their definitions:

• Data Lineage: “This tracks the origin, transformation, and flow of data across systems. It’s critical for tracing errors and ensuring accountability.”
• Data Stewardship: “A role focused on managing data quality, security, and usage policies.”
• Metadata: “Data about data. Think of it as a roadmap that helps us understand and manage our data assets.”

For each term, I connected it to real scenarios, like how documenting metadata had helped identify data quality issues in the Customer Transactions Report.

Engaging the Team

To keep the discussion interactive, I paused after each section to ask for feedback or questions.

Ngozi, the compliance lead, raised her hand. “The definition for Data Stewardship is good, but could we clarify the difference between a steward and a data owner?”

Her comment started a valuable discussion, and I made a note to update the glossary accordingly.

Chike, the metadata analyst, added, “I love the example for metadata, but let’s include a note about how it supports regulatory compliance.”

Their input made the session feel more collaborative than intimidating.

Reflections on My First Presentation

As I wrapped up and thanked everyone for their time, I felt a wave of relief and pride.

Tola approached me afterward, giving me a thumbs-up. “Great job, Ada. You kept it clear, concise, and engaging. Presenting is a skill you’ll refine over time, but this was an excellent start.”

That evening, I reflected on what I had learned:

• Preparation Builds Confidence: Breaking the content into clear sections and using real-world examples made it easier to present.
• Engage the Audience: Inviting feedback and questions turned the session into a collaborative effort.
• Growth Happens in Steps: It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress. The more I stepped out of my comfort zone, the more I grew.

It was a great day in all and I couldn't be more proud of myself. See you next week!