In this article you will learn, how to prepare a presentation for the board, which will not only attract attention, but most importantly will help you make strategic business decisions.
How is a presentation to the board of directors different from a regular corporate presentation?
Presentation for executives is not the place for telling the company's story, lengthy introductions or detailed descriptions of processes. Management expects:
- Concretes - numbers, data, facts
- Recommendations - clearly defined next steps
- Business context - impact on performance, ROI, risk
- Concise - maximum 10-15 slides
In practice, this means that executive presentation should be as focused as possible on what is key to decision-making.
Key principles of presentation design for management
1. start with an executive summary
Presentation to the board should begin with a slide summarizing the most important findings and recommendations. Don't hide key information at the end - management often doesn't have time to review the entire presentation.
What an executive summary should contain:
- The main purpose of the presentation (e.g., „Recommendation to enter the German market”).
- Key findings in 3-5 points
- Clear recommendation or expected decision
With this approach, decision makers immediately know what is at stake and can ask specific questions.
2. use data, not generalities
Slides for decision makers must be based on specific data. Instead of writing „significant growth,” state „23% year-on-year growth.” Instead of „high customer satisfaction,” state „NPS of 67, which puts us in the top 10% of the industry.”.
For business presentations to the board of directors Every statement should be supported:
- Financial data
- KPIs
- Market analysis
- Competitor Benchmarks
However, remember not to overdo the amount of data on one slide. One chart or table + key conclusion is the optimal formula.
3. apply the structure „Situation - Complication - Solution”.”
This is a classic structure used in consulting (McKinsey, among others). Strategic presentation should guide the board through a logical train of thought:
- First - outline the current situation (where are we?)
- Second - Identify the problem or challenge (what is blocking us?)
- Third - propose a solution (what should we do?)
In addition, it is worth adding a slide at the end with the next steps and implementation schedule.
4. limit the number of slides
How many slides should it have presentation to the board? The optimal number is 10-15 slides. Each slide should answer one specific question or present one key conclusion.
If you have more details that may be needed in the discussion, put them in an appendix (backup slides). This way, the main presentation remains concise, while you have additional details on hand for questions.
5. avoid unnecessary graphic embellishments
Executive presentation is not the place for colorful illustrations, unnecessary animations or decorative elements. In addition, the board evaluates the presentation through the prism of merit, not aesthetics.
What should dominate the slides for decision makers:
- Charts (bar, line, waterfall)
- Tables of key indicators
- Process diagrams
- Strategic maps
Graphics are supposed to support the message, not replace it. Therefore, choose a minimalist, professional design without distractions.
6. clearly define recommendations and next steps
Each presentation to the board should end with a clear call to action. Don't leave decision makers asking „and now what?”.
Examples of endings:
- „We recommend approval of a PLN 500K budget for Q2 2025″.
- „We are proposing a pilot in three branches - starting in March 2025″.
- „Next step: meeting with CFO to finalize financial model.”
What's more, it's a good idea to add an implementation schedule slide that shows key milestones.
7. be prepared for questions
Strategic presentation is often just a starting point for discussion. Therefore, it is worth preparing backup slides with additional analysis:
- Detailed financial calculations
- Risk analysis
- Alternative scenarios
- Benchmark data
This way you will be ready to answer the board's difficult questions without a long search for information.
The most common mistakes in presentations to management
Mistake 1: Too much text
Management doesn't have time to read paragraphs. Use bullet points, slogans and data visualizations.
Mistake 2: Lack of business context
Don't just say „what,” but also „why it's important to the business.” Each slide should have a clear connection to the company's strategic goals.
Mistake 3: Hiding key information
Don't bury the recommendation at the end. Management wants to know right away what you are asking for and why.
Mistake 4: Lack of specific numbers
Generalities like „high potential” or „growing market” will not convince the board. Provide data.
Error 5: Operational information too detailed
Presentation for executives should focus on strategy and results, not operational details.
Structure of a sample presentation to the board of directors
1. Executive Summary - key findings and recommendation
2 Business context - why the topic is important now
3. situation analysis - current status (data, indicators)
4 Challenges/problems - what's blocking us
5. proposed solution - concrete action plan
6. financial analysis - costs, ROI, return on investment
7 Risks - What can go wrong and how do we protect ourselves
8 Schedule - key milestones
9 Next steps - what we need from the board
10 Annex - additional data (backup slides)
Presentation to the board requires a different approach than a standard corporate presentation. First and foremost, it must be concise, data-driven and lead to clear recommendations. In practice, this means focusing on what is most important to decision-makers - strategy, numbers and next steps.
If you apply the above rules, your executive presentation will not only be professional, but also effective in convincing the board of your ideas.
Need a professional presentation for your board of directors? Contact us - we can help you create slides that will convince decision makers.
