If it’s your job to gather and analyse data, it can be challenging. Getting the correct figures is already a significant obstacle. Even if you get them right, your analysis might be inaccurate. Add time pressure into the picture.
When you eventually have to present the results to people in the management team, your goal is to convey the right message. Here are some tips to help you in your presentation.
Make a summary page
Dealing with too many numbers, charts, and tables can be confusing. Even if you did the analysis yourself, you would also feel confused. Hence, it helps to have a summary page. It aids in your presentation. You will remember the critical aspects of your presentation since everything is there. If you receive questions, you can also refer to the document.
Simplify the information
Leaders make up the management team. These people are excellent at handling different employees. They're also brilliant in decision-making. They won’t be where they are now if not for their exceptional qualities.
However, remember that they’re not experts in numbers like you. It’s your job to simplify the figures to them for quick analysis. Make them understand your point. Try not to use too many words since they can be confusing.
Practice what to say
If you have sufficient time to prepare for your presentation, make the most of it. You don’t want to be wrong in your presentation. If the people in the room misinterpreted your words, it could lead to confusion. They might make terrible decisions with massive consequences. Take your time to practice what to say.
Check the venue where you will do the presentation. Make sure all the equipment you need, like a projector, are available. Request your office to procure a projector ceiling bracket if you don’t have one yet, to secure the projector in place. That way, you don’t need to worry each time you are asked to present to the management team.
Stay calm
It’s understandable if you worry before the presentation. You have to present to people who make all the big decisions. You don’t want to humiliate yourself in front of them. When you get nervous, you might mix things up.
Instead of explaining the numbers, you get confused. Practice different methods to help you calm down before speaking. Try to rerun the numbers and double-check your analysis. Don't hesitate to ask for help from other people in your team. When you feel confident about what you're going to present, it helps you calm down.
Don’t take anything personally
Your role is to gather the numbers and interpret them. It’s not your job to boost the figures or make more money for the company. If you see frustrated faces in the room, it’s not your fault. Don’t take anything personally. These leaders are also under pressure to do well.
Hopefully, you succeed in presenting the data. Don’t feel intimidated even if you’re talking to the bosses. You will get used to the process as you keep doing it.
