You know how to talk to your peers. They understand the terminology. They know the history. And they’re interested in the details.

Then you’re asked to present the same information to senior leaders—and suddenly, what worked before doesn't.

The information may be the same. Your approach shouldn't be.

Executives typically want to understand the big picture, business impact, risks, and what you recommend. They don't necessarily need to hear everything you know.

Before your presentation, ask yourself:

What does this audience already know?
What matters most to them?
What decision or action might they need to make?
What do I recommend?

Then adjust your presentation accordingly.

Instead of starting with the technical details, start with the bottom line.

Instead of explaining everything you did, focus on what you learned and why it matters.

Instead of ending with information, end with a recommendation or clear next step.

And be prepared for questions. Executives may interrupt or jump directly to the issue they care about. That's not necessarily a sign that they're not listening—it may mean they're ready to discuss the business implications.

The key is to remember:

Don't give every audience the same presentation. Give each audience what they need.

Your expertise is what got you in the room. Your ability to communicate what matters to your audience is what makes you effective in the room.

At Applause, we help technical experts adapt their message and presentation style to different audiences—from peers and colleagues to senior leaders and decision-makers. Talk to us today about a hands-on workshop for your technical experts!