You Need to Tell a Story

We've heard this mantra over and over again on you need to tell a story but I haven't seen this broken down in a business setting. Telling a story, in business, doesn't start with "Once upon a time...". I guarantee you will lose all trust and respect if you start your Board presentation with that. Every story, has a beginning, middle, and end. Your story is no different.

Instead, follow this rough framework:

• THE REPORT OUT (Beginning, the back story):
• Describe the current state of affairs in context to the environment. Be sure to frame the discussion to include where you have come from to get to this state. Remove jargon and technical speak. Keep it in terms the audience understands. Metrics might help here. Answer the inherent "WIIFM?" for them without them asking.
• Show where you are headed given the current direction, resources, and risk appetite. (Middle, the build up)
• THE ASK:
• Show where you can go given the ask, which is coming. This can be accomplished with a Pro Forma demonstration, again, using metrics to drive the point home. Give benefits, not features, of the results of the ask. Keeping in mind the "WIIFM?" and benefits to the business. (Middle, preparing for the end)
• Ask for what you need, Time x People x Money. Be ready with the justification, e.g., ROI of the ask. Remember, the person before and after you has an ask too. You want your ask to win. (End, the conclusion and climactic finish!)

Should you get the ask, be ready to work and deliver. The next presentation may only include THE REPORT OUT. However, I would advise always be ready with an ask, even if small compared to the initial ASK.