5 Brutal Truths: Why Your Model Presentation Isn’t Landing with Business Leaders

Read time: 2.5 minutes

Steps to Make Your Model Drive Decisions

1. Start with the Decision
Don't build up to it; make it stronger at the start.
• Begin with your proposed solution and the reasoning behind it.
• Then present supporting information using the model.

2. Highlight the Key Insights
The more slides you use, the less clarity you give your audience.
• Stick to one key recommendation.
• Support your recommendation with three key insights.

3. Show the Impact of Your Recommendation
Business people do not think of your accuracy; they think of revenue, expenses, and risk.
• Convert your model into an estimate of revenue, expenses, or total cost, then explain how much the different areas of the business would look if you made the change.

4. Simplify Your Message
The more technical details you have, the harder it is for people to connect to you.
• Remove technical jargon and concentrate on what the outcome of your recommendation will be.
• Explain how your recommendation will enable them to do what they are asking you to do, not how you are going to do it.

5. Take a Position
If you do not take a position, nothing will change.
• State your position at the end of your presentation: "It is our recommendation that you make a change in 30 days."

💡Key Takeaway: 

If your presentation doesn't lead to a decision, then it didn't provide any true value.