Getting Your Story Started

In a series of videos, I will discuss the different components of a presentation, using case-solving as our main focus. We will begin by exploring how to engage your audience and create a strong first impression.

One crucial part of this is the title slide, which should aim to define and engage your audience. This includes having an engaging title that introduces both you and your audience, helping them understand your perspective on the solution you are presenting. Additionally, including the date and location can add depth to your narrative and help build your story throughout the presentation.

It's also important to establish a connection to the organisation, product, service, or situation you are discussing. This can be achieved through personal or emotional connections, or by addressing a key question that resonates with the audience. Often, case team presentations begin with a story that may seem disconnected; your goal is to ensure that your story connects on a personal or emotional level or ties back to the key question you've identified. Be sure to circle back to this connection at the end of your presentation, completing the narrative.

We will start with the idea of using an executive summary. This summary should demonstrate your understanding of the issues the company is facing, helping to build context for the analysis that follows. Present a high-level recommendation and explain your solution, capturing the audience’s curiosity. It's essential to tell them what you'll discuss, highlighting the benefits of your solution and providing supporting data when possible.

To ground your presentation in the audience's perspective, consider using an Issues, Effects, and Solutions (IES) framework to develop your problem statement. This structured analysis enhances focus and efficiency, allowing you to translate the issues into a clear, compelling statement. You can include this statement in your executive summary or as a separate slide, depending on your personal style and how you wish to brand your presentation.