There are 3 strategic phases to a persuasive presentation in business.
They are:
1. Analysis
2. Design and
3. Delivery
5-Step Analysis
Before you design or deliver any presentation, it’s vital to get crystal clear on what you’re trying to achieve as well as what your audience wants from you in this meeting.
Topic – is the subject about which you will speak.
What are you talking about?
💡 Example: “New client retention strategy” or “Safety leadership.”
Goal – to convince who to do what?
3. Purpose – the sexy title of your message – goes on the first slide.
4. Leading statement is your key message, often contentious and must be reasonable.
5. Think/Feel/Do – what is your audience thinking, feeling and doing before you talk? What do you want them to think, feel and do when they leave?
The 4MAT Model – for structuring presentations
The 4MAT Model, developed by Bernice McCarthy, is a simple system that helps you appeal to all learning styles and keep your audience engaged.
It answers four key questions in order:
1. WHY? – Why should I listen?
– Hook the audience and explain the relevance, benefit, or reason they should care.
2. WHAT? – What is it about?
– Present the key concepts, facts, or information.
3. HOW? – How does it work?
– Demonstrate, give examples, or let them try it so you turn theory into practical application.
4. WHAT IF? – What if I apply this? What if I don’t?
– Explore implications, consequences, and next steps and inspire them to take action or apply the learning.
How do you start?
An icebreaker is one way to start a presentation.
The formula is:
1. Hook
2. Intro
3. Link to your content
Then you pace, with statements that your audience knows to be true – and you lead, with your leading statement.
How do you end?
Step 8. Other Information. This is the place to add any of those extra little bits of content that don’t fit anywhere else! This section often starts with, “By the way….”
Step 9. The Summary. Remind your audience of the 3 key messages from this meeting.
Step 10. Call to Action. A call to action is clear, direct and explicit and encourages a yes/no response for example, “I respectfully request that you endorse this recommendation.”
Step 11 Q&A. If you are an interactive presenter and like to ask questions throughout then by all means do that. If you prefer to have a more formal slot for your Q&A then I recommend you do it at step 11 of The Persuasion Blueprint.
Step 12. Negative & Positive Consequences.In this step you remind your audience what happens if they don’t do what you’ve asked, and then what happens when they do. Use the words “if” and “when” so you are as persuasive as possible.
Step 13. Closing Statement. A Closing statement is short, and punchy and sells the sizzle of your message. It doesn’t call your audience to action.
Why book this Lunch & Learn with your team?
Your ideas matter — but ideas alone don’t create change. You need to present them clearly, confidently, and persuasively so people listen and take action.
In this fast, practical Lunch & Learn with Michelle Bowden CSP (Australia’s #1 expert in persuasive presenting), you’ll discover how to:
– Structure your message so it lands the first time.
– Speak with confidence and presence (without waffle or nerves).
– Use slides as a support, not a script.
– Engage your audience so they’re motivated to act.
You’ll leave with simple, proven tools you can apply straight away — whether you’re pitching an idea, sharing an update, or influencing stakeholders.
Bring your lunch, bring your curiosity, and walk away with skills that will make every presentation easier and more impactful.
