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Whichever industry you work in, you’ll likely need management approval before launching a project that requires significant resource investment – whether this means financial spend, staff time or allocation of other resources.
Proposals to get internal buy-in almost always involve a PowerPoint presentation at some stage, and Manchester-based PowerPoint design agency Buffalo7 has put together an step-by-step guide to presenting your vision to decision-makers in a relevant and persuasive way.
Buffalo7’s tips on how to Design Presentations That Get Buy-In features the following advice:
Being Clear at the Start
Want your audience to be in the proper frame of mind to consider your proposal? Then dedicate a few slides at the start of your presentation to clearly communicating what you’re going to say. This avoids surprises and confusion, and helps to set an agenda.
Keeping Content Lean
Simple, minimalist slides are the way to go when you design presentations to get buy-in. Stick to one point per slide to move through a linear, focused story with momentum. You don’t have to get bogged down trying to say everything: instead, talk around slides in detail.
Speaking Stakeholders’ Language
Your stakeholders might not care about the operational detail of your project – especially if from another business function – but what they will care about are the bottom-line business results. Sell the benefits and speak to your audience’s priorities with tailored messaging.
Using Data to Support Claims
Data is one of the most powerful tools as your disposal when it comes to persuasion: use it to reinforce your messaging and eliminate opinion from the equation. As with core content, don’t be exhaustive – pick out the data that matters and visualise it in an interesting way.
Involving Your Audience
Nobody likes being talked at – people are more likely to be engaged and to buy in to your proposal if involved. Ask questions and empower stakeholders to voice their opinions – some debate can often go in your favour and enables you to build layers of messaging.
Making Time to Listen
If asking for support and investment in your idea, it’s important you listen to any concerns carefully. Stop your presentation turning into a one-way conversation by devoting time to stakeholders and making sure they have the information they need to make a decision.
Read the full piece on on how to design presentations that get buy-in: http://buffalo7.co.uk/design-presentation
