Present a new project idea

Why should you use this method?

• Present your idea effectively to the customer/ client or management

What is an effective way to present a new project idea?

Although the tips and tricks are similar for any presentation, the structure stated below primarily refers to presenting a new project idea. In this case, the solution you offer is not a ready product or and you don’t have a finished business model. Instead, your solution is a project plan: what will you do within the project, and why is this valuable? What will the outcomes be?

If you are already further into your innovation project and you want to present an actual product, service, or business model, go to the method card Present a New Business Idea.

Tips and tricks:

1. Keep it short – max. 10 slides

Part 1: Set the stage and explain why your idea should be considered

• Why this presentation
• A summary statement of the idea
• A Problem, need, or challenge to be solved, validated by some data
• The solution you offer
• The value this solution creates for the user and the company

Part 2: Showcase why your idea will succeed

• What makes your solution better than others?
• Present the team working on the project and why they are the best possible team
• Key metrics and financial projections.
• Key unknowns and risks and how will you handle them?
• Ask/ Call to action towards your audience.

2. Make it personal and as a story. Refer to storytelling method card.

3. Use authentic images to tell the story and not have more than 20 words per slide

4. Keep more than half the time for feedback and discussions

How can you apply this method?

1. Invite your team

Invite your team members for a short activity to prepare the presentation. Ideally, start with a storyboard using the template provided and use that as a guideline for the final presentation.

2. Prepare your story

Develop an engaging storyline that touches your audience. If you haven’t developed one yet, refer to the method card “Storytelling”.

3. Part 1

Fill the slides in the template or draw the slides on paper to make an effective storyboard for the presentation. Use words and use placeholders for images. Part 1 sets the tone for the presentation and covers summary, problem statement, solution, and value proposition.

4. Part 2

This part of the presentation needs to cover all the metrics, data, and analysis to convince the client/ management about your project.

5. Feedback and discussion

Set sufficient time to have a discussion and feedback on the presentation and idea. This is where the maximum learning is going to take place.

Reference:

• Action Plan method card
• Storytelling method card
• Elevator pitch method card