how to create a presentation for a board meeting

Board Meeting Presentation Template

Preparing for your next board meeting? Make an impression by putting together an impactful presentation with Beautiful.ai’s customizable board meeting presentation template. Our template will help you host a productive, efficient board meeting that reflects on company progress, refines goals, and celebrates company wins.

Use a board meeting presentation to:

• Align on key company initiatives
• Share updates with the board
• Evaluate campaigns or goals

Board Meeting Presentation Sample

Customize your board meeting presentation. Make an impact with your presentation by using graphs, charts, timelines, diagrams, and sales funnels. Each of these graphics can easily be added to your board meeting presentation template with just one click. Some potential slides to include are:

Pro Tips for Your Board Meeting Slides

Consider these tips when building your board meeting slides.

You need an agenda to outline your presentation, but you also need objectives. Explain what you want to get out of the board meeting by stating your objectives up front.

Include brief summaries for each department or section in your presentation. Summaries ensure that your info sticks with the board.

Acknowledge your team members’ hard work. It reminds your board that the people in the company are the most valuable asset in the business.

Your board is busy, and no one likes to have their time wasted. Keep your presentation as concise as possible.

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Board of directors presentation: The all-in-one guide

Learn how to craft a persuasive pitch, deliver your presentation with confidence.

Raja Bothra

Building presentations

Table of contents

When it comes to presenting to your board of directors, it's not just another run-of-the-mill presentation. You're facing a unique audience with high expectations and critical decisions to make.

In this guide, we'll delve deep into the art of creating impactful board of directors presentations. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or just starting out, these insights will help you shine in front of your board members.

Art of presenting to your board of directors

Presenting to your board of directors is a skill that can significantly impact your organization's success. It's a chance to convey your ideas, strategies, and achievements in a way that aligns with the company's goals and values.

Board of directors: The pillars of governance

The board of directors, often referred to as the "board," plays a crucial role in steering the company. They are responsible for major decisions, overseeing company performance, and ensuring it stays on course. Understanding the dynamics of the board is key to a successful presentation.

Board members: Your audience

Your board members are a diverse group with varying backgrounds and expertise. They bring their unique perspectives to the table. Addressing their specific needs and concerns is essential to a successful presentation.

Slide design: Crafting visual impact

In board presentations, slides are your canvas. Use them to create a visual narrative that complements your verbal communication. Avoid overcrowding slides with text. Instead, focus on concise, visually appealing slides that enhance your message.

Board meeting dynamics

Board meetings are structured events where presentations are made, decisions are taken, and strategies are discussed. Understanding the flow and purpose of a board meeting is crucial to your presentation's success.

Purpose of a board of directors presentation: Why do we need one?

Why present to the board.

Every board of directors presentation serves a distinct purpose. Whether it's a quarterly performance update or a strategic proposal, your presentation should align with the board's needs and expectations.

The long-term value proposition

Remember, your presentation should not just be about the here and now. It should convey the long-term value your strategies and initiatives bring to the company.

How to structure an effective board of directors presentation

A well-structured presentation is like a well-organized roadmap. It guides your board members through your ideas, helping them understand and appreciate your perspective.

1. Title slide :

• Start with a compelling title that summarizes the purpose of the presentation.
• Include your company logo and the date of the presentation.

2. Agenda :

• Create a slide that outlines the agenda for the presentation.
• This helps set expectations for what will be covered.

3. Introduction :

• Begin by introducing yourself and your role within the company.
• Provide a brief overview of the presentation's purpose and goals.

4. Company overview :

• Present a concise overview of your company, including its history, mission, and key achievements.

5. Financial highlights :

• Share key financial metrics and performance indicators.
• Use charts and graphs to visualize data for easy comprehension.

6. Operational updates :

• Discuss recent operational developments, such as product launches, market expansion, or cost-saving initiatives.

7. Market analysis :

• Provide insights into the industry landscape, market trends, and competitive positioning.

8. Strategic initiatives :

• Detail any strategic initiatives, projects, or goals your company is pursuing.

9. Risk assessment :

• Identify and assess potential risks and challenges your company may face.
• Explain your mitigation strategies.

10. Financial projections :

• Present future financial projections, including revenue forecasts and expense estimates.

11. Recommendations :

• Offer recommendations or decisions that require the board's input or approval.
• Clearly state the desired outcomes.

12. Q&A session :

• Dedicate a slide to transition into a question-and-answer session.
• Encourage board members to ask questions and seek clarifications.

13. Conclusion :

• Summarize the key points of your presentation.
• Express gratitude for their time and input.

14. Next steps :

• Outline the next steps or actions expected from the board following the presentation.

15. Closing remarks :

• End with closing remarks and thank the board for their attention.
• Reiterate your commitment to the company's success.

16. Appendix (Optional):

• Include any additional data, charts, or supporting documents in the appendix.

Do's and don'ts on a board of directors presentation

Presenting to a board of directors is both an art and a science. Knowing what to do and what to avoid can make or break your presentation.

• Rehearse : Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth delivery.
• Keep it concise : Avoid lengthy, meandering explanations. Keep your presentation concise and to the point.
• Engage your audience : An engaging presentation can help board members understand complex topics better.

Don'ts:

• Overload the slides : Avoid overcrowding slides with too much information.
• Copy-paste content : Your presentation should never be a copy of existing documents.
• Lack of preparation : Don't go into a presentation without thorough preparation.

Summarizing key takeaways

• Unique audience expectations: Board presentations are distinct, requiring understanding of the board's unique audience with high expectations and decision-making authority.
• Impactful communication: Craft presentations that effectively convey ideas, strategies, and achievements aligned with the company's values for maximum impact.
• Board governance insights: Recognize the vital role of the board in steering the company, making significant decisions, and maintaining its course.
• Diverse board members: Acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and expertise of board members; cater to their specific needs and perspectives for success.
• Effective presentation structure: Structure presentations thoughtfully, including key elements like agenda, company overview, financial highlights, strategic insights, and a focus on engagement while avoiding common pitfalls.

1. How should I approach discussions and decision-making in the boardroom after my presentation?

After your presentation, discussions in the boardroom are crucial for reaching a consensus and fine-tuning the decision. It's not uncommon that the discussion starts immediately without formal presentations. Be ready to engage with board members, answer questions, and provide additional information if needed. Keep the long-term value and risks in mind during these discussions, as board members generally watch over the long-term value of the company. Your role in the boardroom is not only to present but also to actively participate in the decision-making process.

2. What are some tips for engaging board members during a presentation?

Engaging board members during a presentation is essential for a successful outcome. Here are some tips:

• Craft visually appealing slides that support your content.
• Use bullet points to present key arguments or take-aways.
• Encourage questions and open discussions to foster engagement.
• Keep the presentation concise and focused on what really matters.
• Avoid going into the details of things beside the point.
• Make sure your presentation is based on selected details and numbers that are relevant to your proposal.

3. How should I handle questions and answers (Q&A) during a board presentation?

Handling Q&A during a board presentation requires finesse. Be prepared to answer questions, even if you don't know the answer, but be honest if you don't have the information at hand. Don't take questions lightly, as they can influence the board's decision. Additionally, don't make up information. If necessary, offer to follow up with a detailed response after the presentation. Q&A is an opportunity to provide clarity and ensure the board members understand your proposal.

4. What should I include in the slides of my board of directors presentation?

The content of your presentation slides is crucial. Each slide should contribute to the narrative of your presentation. Use visuals, bullet points, and concise text to convey your message effectively. Your slide deck should be more than a mere copy of the presentation. It should be a visual aid that supports your spoken words. Ensure that your slides align with the purpose of your presentation and the key arguments you want to present. Don't overload the slides with unnecessary information; instead, focus on elements that you want the board to remember.

5. How can I make my board presentation more impactful and memorable?

To make your board presentation impactful and memorable, consider these strategies:

• Craft an inductive story that captures the board's attention from the start.
• Structure your presentation based on the three typical parts: introduction, key arguments, and conclusion.
• Prioritize information quality and unanimity in your presentation.
• Ensure your presentation revolves around what really matters to the board.
• Use connectors for your computer to ensure everything goes as you expected during the presentation.
• Finally, don't forget to express gratitude for their time and attention at the end.

Create your board of directors presentation with Prezent

In the world of board presentations, having the right tools can make all the difference. Prezent, an AI presentation software designed for enterprise teams, can help you create compelling board presentations that are on-brand, engaging, and effective.

With Prezent, you can:

• Craft visually appealing slides that resonate with your board members.
• Save time and effort in creating and sharing presentations.
• Ensure 100% compliance with brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with your team in real-time, even for overnight presentations.

Presenting to your board of directors is a skill that evolves with experience and preparation. Whether it's your first presentation or you're a seasoned presenter, following best practices and leveraging tools like Prezent can help you deliver presentations that leave a lasting impact on your board members. Remember, it's not just about the content; it's about the art of persuasion and engagement.

To further enhance your boardroom presentations, consider incorporating a well-structured Board of Directors meeting presentation template . This valuable tool can guide you in organizing your thoughts, ensuring clarity in your message, and maintaining a professional and polished appearance. So, next time you step into the boardroom, armed with your carefully crafted presentation and utilizing a Board of Directors meeting presentation template, keep in mind the insights and tips shared here. With the right approach and a touch of finesse, you can master the art of presenting to your board of directors.

Are you ready to make a real impact with your presentation to the board? Try our free trial or book a demo today with Prezent!

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Board Meeting Presentation Template

AI generated Pitch Deck 🤖

Our tips on how to run a board meeting will help any CEO or chairperson line up with all of the must-haves and must-knows to run a productive board meeting. We'll give you advice and answer some of the most common questions on board meetings around the web. We'll also give you a run through our free board meeting presentation template to help you craft your slides for a board meeting. So, stick with us so you can run board meetings like a pro in no time!

What is a board meeting?

A board meeting is an official gathering of the members of a company's Board of Directors (or equivalent) to discuss business matters. It usually takes place once per month.

The purpose of a board meeting is to allow directors to share their views about the company's performance and future plans. The meeting may be held at the office of the company, or it may take place via video conference.

Board meetings typically last between one hour and two hours. They are often chaired by the CEO or another senior executive.

How often do board meetings take place?

Often held twice a year or every quarter, the frequency of board meetings truly depends on an organization's stage. Given the necessary direction, board meetings can happen as frequently as weekly or scheduled as sparingly as once a year.

When should I hold my next board meeting?

If you're looking to start planning your next board meeting, we recommend starting now. You don't want to wait until the end of the fiscal year or even the beginning of the new fiscal year to set dates for your next board meeting.

Why is holding regular board meetings important?

Regular board meetings allow directors to share their thoughts and opinions regarding the company's performance and strategy. This gives them insight into what's going right and wrong within the company. It also allows them to provide feedback on the company's strategies.

Regular board meetings also ensure that everyone has equal access to information. All directors have the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the company's progress. In addition, they can offer suggestions and ideas to improve the company's performance. 

A primary goal of these meetings is to be as effective as possible, so bear in mind there's no sense in calling a board to gather for items that should be cleared otherwise.

What does a board chair do?

A board chair's role is to facilitate a board meeting following a company's mission, vision, and desired direction. To do so well, the board chair should keep an eye out for what's best for the company. Use leadership skills to allow that conversation to take place in a tone that goes hand in hand with the company's culture. Relevant to this role is the lack of right to vote, except when doing so will change the outcome of a decision. Another case is votes made by ballot.

A board chair will also work alongside a company's CEO or Executive Director to run a meeting that suits the board's priorities. Yet, a person in this role is also responsible for getting new board members and helping with their development.

In meetings, chairs will actively call upon each attendee to bring out their strengths for the best possible collective discussion. Once their role comes to an end, they'll also help find the next board chair to take their place.

Decide if a matter is best addressed in a committee. One of our tips on how to run a board meeting as a board chair is for you to freely designate a particular job as a task to a set group of people when most appropriate.

How do you conduct a board meeting?

A productive board meeting starts with a well-thought-out agenda that the board chair distributes ahead of time. This distribution should include any lengthy documents that the board needs to read in preparation for the meeting. As a tip, sometimes a quick phone call can keep many items from popping in a board meeting. If possible, call board members just to check in before a meeting. Doing so might clear an otherwise hectic air during a board meeting.

As to how to conduct a board meeting per se, start by setting an energetic and highly positive tone, and check if there's a quorum. If there is, call the meeting to order as we describe in detail below and go over the agenda. Ask for approval of the board to the items you just read. Make sure everyone agrees with what'll be covered exclusively during the session. Add, amend, or delete items as needed and then sign the minutes provided by the secretary.

Give room for reports from either the Executive Director or any committee, including the audited financial one. Move on to old, new, or other lines of business and do so orderly, keeping discussions within the scope of the company's best interest.

To close your board meeting, thank everyone present before you call the meeting to adjourn. Also, touch base with the Executive Director for any items before you work with the secretary on a final and closing record.

It's also great to send an email after the meeting to all board members with a summary of the most relevant aspects, including all action items that were discussed.

How do you call a board meeting to order?

Calling a board meeting to order is a matter of giving a quick statement with the precise start time and date of the meeting to literally let people know the session started. In case there are any new or retiring members, give them welcome or farewells where they are due, and acknowledge any visitors to the session.

How do you make a motion in a board meeting?

To include a motion for consideration, a board member simply needs to say they move a specific action. If seconded, which is mandatory and not tied to the affinity of content but to the motion taking place, then the motion can be discussed.

As a proposal for an action brought in front of a board, a motion allows the group to make decisions and give a company directions on particular areas. You should know there are different kinds of motions, including main, subsidiary, privileged, and incidental.

Now, let's move on to our set of tips on how to run a board meeting everyone will enjoy. How effective you make these is at the center of how pleased a board is to get their job done in a productive environment.

How to run an effective board meeting:

• Work alongside the company's CEO or Executive Director
• Create a meeting agenda and distribute it ahead of time
• Bring a board meeting presentation to keep items on track
• Be on top of your body language for the meeting
• Allow people to settle after they arrive
• Set a positive and engaging tone for the meeting
• To start, highlight the board meeting's purpose and its items for discussion
• Promote decision-making throughout the meeting
• Addresses confidentiality, conflicts of interest, or other policies when needed
• Close the session within the expected timeframe

How do you impress a board meeting?

It all starts with preparation. Before attending a board meeting, prepare thoroughly so that you will be able to answer questions and present your case effectively.

Prepare well by researching the company, its products and services, competitors, and industry trends. Know what information you want to share and how it will benefit the audience.

The more prepared you are, the better impression you'll leave with the board and others.

If you're presenting a report or another document, make sure it's written clearly and concisely to ensure the message gets across.

Don't forget to dress appropriately and look professional.  

Create a board meeting presentation

Bringing a board meeting presentation to a session will help keep the meeting on track, and the audience engaged. Our free board meeting presentation template is a perfect example of the necessary slides to make a board meeting the most effective use of everyone’s time. 

After a cover slide that follows a clear agenda, we give you room for: 

• meeting highlights
• graphs on revenue
• monthly user figures
• user churn data
• monthly revenue 
• the vital annual run

Yet, we also accommodate team updates in a slide, including KPI updates, a specific section for you to outline the roadmap, a slide for core acquisition channel updates, and business development. 

We also order business development notes visually unto a slide. And we made room for financial and operational updates followed by profit & loss charts and milestone displays. Our last slide concedes formalities.  

Give our template a try or let our team of professional designers exclusively polish your content and design. We’re here to help you any way you need! Best of luck running your next board meeting!

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