Product & Engineering's Ability: Presentation Skill

Communication is important. So much so that we have multiple skills associated with the different forms of communication.

The ability to present is critical for many of our roles.

Is it clear, engaging, fun, informative?

Does it leave you with unanswered questions... or with new clarity?
Does it have you nodding off... or excited, smiling, and ready to participate?
Does it seem long and drawn out... or is every slide, every word add to the story?
Does it meet the goal it has set out to meet... or do you feel more confused after?

• Audience: You are known to be able to present to those most similar to you and your experiences (your discipline)
• Content/Design: You can develop and build a presentation deck/presentation tool with help from others
• Delivery: Your presentations have a clear beginning, middle, and end to them

• Audience: You are known to be able to present to those with similar context, but not your specific specialty (your cross-functional squad)
• Content/Design: You can develop and build a presentation deck/presentation tool on your own and consult others when needed in building the presentation
• Delivery: When presenting, you set a clear objective and routinely stick to the time allotted per each presentation
• Amplify: On occasion, you mentor others on what it takes to make an effective presentation

• Audience: You are known to be able to present to those with slightly similar context, but (the P&E department as a whole… offsites, team shares, etc)
• Content/Design: You can not only build a presentation, but you ensure that it creates a great experience and brings the following:
  • Agenda/Goal of the presentation clearly defined and communicated
  • Has concise and simply organized slides/words
  • Consistent design and layout
• Delivery: When appropriate, you create opportunities to engage and involve the audience of your presentation. When presenting, those listening are engaged and leave the presentation excited and energized. The presentation is less about listing facts and is more about telling a story.
• Amplify: Often, folks will seek out your help to review their presentations or for guidance on how to make an effective presentation

• Audience: You are known to be able to present to the entire company, or to customers (such as the CAB)
• Content/Design: Everything from Milestones 1 - 3, and consistently gives the appropriate amount of guidance to the audience both before (pre-work to make the presentation more effective) and after (links to the slides or any material that will help the audience remember the value that was being delivered)
• Delivery: You actively create opportunities to engage and involve the audience of your presentation. When presenting, you tell a story that is inspiring, clear, and relatable to the audience
• Amplify: You likely have created templates that others use in their presentations

• You are consistently presenting inside and outside of Lessonly walls
• You are seen internally and externally as best-in-class when it comes to building a great presentation. Teammates and external stakeholders seek you out when it comes to building a great presentation
• You are viewed as a leader inside and outside of Lessonly with your knowledge and understanding of how to make a presentation. When called on, you can deliver a great presentation both internally and externally
• Speaking at events such as TedX, conferences, etc