If you’re presenting to your manager, leadership team, or an executive trying to convince them to make a call, I have a presentation format for you to follow.

It's battle tested so you get to avoid my earlier mistakes.

Here's a short summary

(Short Thread 🧵)

(1/9) Start with the conclusion.

I used to think TED talk-like presentations that lead you to the conclusions are the way to go. Not in this case.

Be clear about why you’re there, what are you expecting from them, and what problem are you solving. That’s slide #1.

(2/9) What’s the problem you’re solving and why does it matter?

If you can't get people in the room on the same page about why this problem is critical to the company, it's going to be difficult for you to move forward.

You want agreement that this is a problem that matters.

(3/9) What are we currently doing about this problem?

Don't skip this part. There is likely *something* that the company is doing now to solve this issue. Even if you disagree with it, mention it.

Make it clear you understand what is our current approach.

(4/9) What are our competitors or industry leaders doing?

If other companies in your industry are solving this issue better, highlight that.

This is powerful. Nobody wants to fall behind and highlighting how others are doing better is a powerful motivation to do more.