Consulting Presentations and Storytelling from Coursera

This is the #5 course in the specialization on management consulting. In the previous 4 courses, we’ve learned how consultants break down problems with tools and logical thinking. Now, it’s time to bring all the parts together into consulting-quality presentations and deliverables. Every consulting project is different, and yet, the final presentation will have many of the same elements:

• Clear alignment among the stakeholders on the project goals

• Understanding on the consulting approach, assumptions, and decisions

• Thoughtful progression of ideas that “brings the audience along”

• Well-constructed PowerPoint slides (or excel model) which tell a clear story

• Impactful use of graphs, tables, data visualization

• Persuasive and authoritative delivery style

What's inside

Syllabus

Consulting Proposals and Statements of Work

Management consultants are master storytellers because they understand their audience, don't over-promise, and know how to "sell without selling". If you want to see a great deliverable, start by looking at a project proposal; the consultants cautiously scope the problem without over-promising, but also demonstrating enough professional credibility to keep the client interested. They collaborate with clients to create a statement-of-work (SoW) that outlines a lot of benefits, but also sets accountability and expectations. Artwork.

Storytelling and Storyboarding

We are all biologically "wired" for storytelling because our ancestors told stories long before there was a written language. So it's no surprise that client executives (and their organizations) need to understand the "so what" of consulting recommendations. Real change management needs to satisfy the head, heart, and the hands: 1) Satisfy the client’s intellectual questions (head) 2) Reduce the client’s fears and give them courage (heart) 3) Provide a thoughtful plan and actionable steps (hands)

Pyramid Principle and Storytelling Frameworks

Business executives are pulled in multiple directions; they are busy, expensive, and often impatient. Final presentations need to start with the executive summary, where you provide the "answer first", then give supporting analyses.

Good (and Bad) Data Visualization

Effective data visualization is both an art and a science. An art because a seasoned data scientist, designer, or consultant can select the right chart form for the message. A science because there are many design principles to remember when making charts: a) keep it simple b) consider the audience c) reinforce the key message.

Effective PowerPoint Presentations

Management consultants are (in)famous for their PowerPoint presentations. Effective presentations are choreographed many weeks before "game day." The rough-draft storyboard started the first week of the project and was continually refined with new analysis and the client input. After multiple review-cycles with consulting senior managers / principals, the presentation tells a coherent, credible, and persuasive story. Done correctly, the consultants have socialized the final presentation with key decisions makers many days before the formal presentations. Using the political legislation terminology, "they know they have the votes."

Executive Presence and Consulting Success

Executive presence is both important and also annoying. It's important because people's perception of your work and professional brand matter for teamwork and promotions. It's annoying because this is often quite subjective and biased. In a perfect and clinical world, you would be measured by your work and nothing else. However, consulting is a people business, and therefore, we need to be ourselves (on our best day).

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores consulting approaches, assumptions, and decision-making processes, which are essential for effective consulting

Emphasizes clear and persuasive communication skills through PowerPoint presentations and data visualization, which are vital for successful consulting engagements

Builds on previous courses in the specialization, providing a comprehensive understanding of consulting practices

Suitable for aspiring and current management consultants looking to enhance their presentation and storytelling skills

Career center

Learners who complete Consulting Presentations and Storytelling will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Management Consultant

Management Consultants work within organizations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex business problems, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Consultant

Consultants analyze a company's operations and suggest ways to improve them. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex business problems, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants work with clients to develop and implement strategies for growth. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex business problems, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Consultant

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data. They then use this data to answer questions and make predictions. This course can help Data Analysts move beyond basic data analysis skills by helping you develop the skills necessary to make your findings understandable and actionable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex project requirements, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the daily operations of a business. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex business problems, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex systems, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex user needs, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

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Business Analyst

Evaluate a business's processes and make suggestions on how to improve them. Look for ways to improve efficiency and productivity. Understanding how to craft clear, persuasive presentations will help Business Analysts improve their ability to bring stakeholders along throughout the analysis process, making it easier to enact change based on your recommendations.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to companies and governments. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand complex financial issues, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers plan and execute public relations campaigns. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex public relations issues, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on investments. This course can help develop the skills necessary to make clear, persuasive presentations to clients and stakeholders, which is essential for the work of any Financial Analyst.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers oversee the sales team of a company. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex sales data, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

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Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts conduct research to understand consumer behavior and trends. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex data, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan, develop, and execute marketing campaigns. This course can help develop the skills necessary to understand and analyze complex data, develop effective solutions, and communicate your recommendations clearly and persuasively.

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Consulting Presentations and Storytelling

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