Navigating the Challenges of Presentations: Lessons from 9 Years in a Global Enterprise

Hey there, friends! As someone who spent almost a decade working at a global oil and gas enterprise as a change management and communication specialist, I can tell you that presenting about IT projects can be a real drag. But here’s the thing – I actually loved it!

Now, you might be thinking, “Is he crazy? Who enjoys presenting?” But hear me out. While it’s true that most of the time, presentations about timelines, communication strategies, and schedules can be pretty boring, there are ways to make them more engaging and interesting.

Taking a much-needed coffee break during a conference presentation – fueling up for my next session ☕️👨‍💼 #ConferenceLife #CoffeeLover

For me, the key was always in the design. Even when I didn’t have many updates to share, a well-designed presentation could leave a lasting impression on the audience. And believe it or not, it’s not just me – people really do appreciate a good-looking presentation.

But it’s not just about the aesthetics. You also have to consider the content. Too much information on the screen can be overwhelming, so it’s important to strike a balance between providing enough information and presenting it in a visually appealing way.

Another trick I’ve found to be effective is storytelling. People love stories, and when you can connect the information to a narrative, it makes it much more engaging and memorable.

Of course, presenting can still be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re presenting to important stakeholders. But the trick is to stay confident and remember that you’re the expert. You know this material inside and out, and the audience is looking to you for guidance.

Presenting doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little creativity and a lot of confidence, you can make it an enjoyable experience for both you and your audience. And who knows, you might even start to love it like I did!

I hope my experience at the global oil and gas enterprise has given you some helpful insights on how to make your presentations more interesting and engaging.

Mike Macasero

Mike Macasero

He is the Founder and Head of Design at Slideckly, which offers PowerPoint presentation design services. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, singing karaoke, reading non-fiction, and learning new skills.