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John Kim

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:

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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

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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.
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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

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Consulting Presentations and Storytelling with these activities:
Review Storytelling Techniques
Refresh your storytelling skills to enhance the impact and persuasiveness of your consulting recommendations.
Browse courses on Storytelling
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos on storytelling techniques.
  • Practice telling stories in different settings.
Customized Consulting Proposal
Develop a persuasive and tailored consulting proposal that effectively outlines the project scope, objectives, and potential value to enhance your client engagement skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific business problem or opportunity.
  • Research the client, industry, and market to understand their needs.
  • Develop a clear project scope and deliverables.
  • Outline the consulting approach, methodology, and timeline.
  • Craft a proposal that highlights the value proposition and potential benefits.
Review Management Consulting Frameworks
Enhance your problem-solving abilities and prepare for the challenges of consulting by reviewing different management consulting frameworks.
Browse courses on Consulting
Show steps
  • Go through the frameworks covered in the course
  • Research additional frameworks that are commonly used in consulting
  • Practice applying the frameworks to real-world business scenarios
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Review: PowerPoint Presentation Tips
Get a simple walkthrough of how to create engaging and informative PowerPoint presentations that are tailored to your clients.
Browse courses on Management Consulting
Show steps
  • Find a YouTube tutorial on creating PowerPoint presentations.
  • Take notes on key tips and best practices.
  • Create a practice presentation using the tips you learned.
Read Book: The Pyramid Principle
Familiarize yourself with the Pyramid Principle, a structured approach to writing clear, logical, and persuasive arguments. This will enhance your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively in consulting presentations and deliverables.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Practice applying the Pyramid Principle to your own writing, such as emails or reports.
  • Attend an online workshop or webinar on the Pyramid Principle.
Practice Role-Playing Consulting Scenarios
Develop your consulting and communication skills by participating in role-playing exercises with peers.
Browse courses on Consulting
Show steps
  • Organize a group of peers
  • Create different consulting scenarios that involve typical challenges and situations
  • Take turns playing the roles of consultants and clients
  • Provide constructive feedback and insights to each other
Attend Live Webinar on Data Visualization
Participate in a live webinar on data visualization best practices. This will enhance your ability to create clear and impactful data visualizations that effectively communicate insights to clients.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Register for a live webinar on data visualization.
  • Attend the webinar and take notes.
  • Apply the techniques learned in the webinar to your own data analysis projects.
Practice Storytelling Techniques
Develop your storytelling abilities by studying and practicing proven storytelling techniques.
Browse courses on Storytelling
Show steps
  • Review the principles of storytelling, such as the Hero's Journey or the Freytag Pyramid
  • Practice telling stories by starting with personal anecdotes or case studies
  • Ask feedback from peers or mentors to refine your techniques
Develop a Consulting Proposal
Create a comprehensive consulting proposal that outlines the scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and budget for a sample client project. This will enhance your understanding of the planning and proposal process in consulting.
Show steps
  • Identify a potential consulting project and define the problem statement.
  • Research the client, industry, and competitors.
  • Develop a proposed solution and deliverables.
  • Create a project plan and budget.
  • Write and submit the consulting proposal.
Review the Pyramid Principle
Develop stronger presentations by reviewing the principles of the Pyramid Principle to improve communication skills.
Show steps
  • Go over the Pyramid Principle with a partner or in a study group.
  • Work on clarifying your thoughts, ideas, and concepts
  • Link your points together logically
  • Summarize the key points effectively
Create a Slide Deck for a Consulting Presentation
Develop your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating a slide deck for a consulting presentation.
Browse courses on Presentation Skills
Show steps
  • Identify the key message and audience for the presentation
  • Research and gather relevant data and insights
  • Develop a storyboard and outline for the slide deck
  • Design visually engaging slides using appropriate graphics and visuals
  • Practice presenting the slide deck and gather feedback
Read 'Made to Stick'
Learn effective communication strategies by reading 'Made to Stick' to enhance your ability to craft memorable and persuasive messages.
Show steps
  • Read the book carefully and take notes
  • Identify the key principles and techniques discussed in the book
  • Apply these techniques in your communication
Learn Advanced PowerPoint Presentation Techniques
Enhance your PowerPoint presentation skills by following online tutorials and practicing advanced techniques.
Browse courses on Presentation Skills
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on advanced PowerPoint techniques
  • Practice creating visually appealing and engaging slides
  • Incorporate interactive elements and multimedia to enhance audience engagement
Data Visualization Exercise
Refine your data visualization skills and practice creating compelling visuals that effectively convey insights and support your recommendations.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Gather a dataset related to a business problem.
  • Create multiple visualizations using different chart types.
  • Analyze and interpret the results.
  • Write a brief report explaining the insights gained from the visualizations.
Practice PowerPoint Presentation Skills
Improve your PowerPoint presentation skills by practicing in front of a small group or using video recording. This will build your confidence and ensure effective communication during client presentations.
Browse courses on PowerPoint Presentations
Show steps
  • Choose a topic and create a PowerPoint presentation.
  • Practice delivering the presentation multiple times.
  • Get feedback from peers or colleagues.
  • Record yourself delivering the presentation and review the recording to identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Consulting Proposal
Gain practical experience in the consulting process by creating a comprehensive consulting proposal that outlines your approach and solution to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Proposal Writing
Show steps
  • Define the problem and scope of the project
  • Conduct research and analysis to gather relevant data
  • Develop a solution and outline the benefits and expected outcomes
  • Create a visually appealing and persuasive proposal document
Tutor a Junior Student in Management Consulting
Reinforce your understanding of the course material and help others by mentoring a junior student in management consulting.
Browse courses on Consulting
Show steps
  • Reach out to a junior student who is interested in consulting
  • Offer to provide guidance and support on coursework, case studies, and other aspects of consulting
  • Share your own experiences and insights from the field
Consulting Case Study Discussion
Engage in discussions with peers to analyze and solve real-world consulting case studies, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Case Study Analysis
Show steps
  • Form a study group with 2-3 peers.
  • Select a consulting case study relevant to the course material.
  • Analyze the case, identify key issues, and develop recommendations.
  • Present your findings to the group and discuss alternative solutions.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Consulting Presentations and Storytelling.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of data visualization. It valuable resource for both new and experienced consultants.
Provides practical advice on how to manage consulting engagements successfully. It valuable resource for both new and experienced consultants.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the McKinsey & Company consulting firm. It offers insights into the firm's culture, values, and approach to problem-solving.
Provides practical advice on how to use storytelling to connect with clients and effectively communicate your ideas.
Offers a more holistic approach to consulting, emphasizing the importance of relationships, trust, and collaboration. It valuable resource for consultants who want to build long-term, successful client relationships.
Provides insights into the science of charisma. It valuable resource for both new and experienced consultants who want to develop their personal brand and build strong relationships.

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