A diagram is a visual way to explain information, structure, or process through arranged shapes, symbols, or connections. In technical presentations, it makes complex approaches easier for nontechnical audiences to follow. section 8.2.3
Use diagrams effectively by:
- Showing how components interact within a proposed solution. section 8.5.3
- Pairing visuals with simple language, relatable examples, and minimal jargon. section 8.2.3
- Connecting the visual to client requirements, benefits, risks, dependencies, or unknowns. section 8.5.3
Making a process tangible
Explain an e-commerce problem by comparing abandoned shopping carts with customers leaving a physical store because checkout queues are too long. A process diagram can then show the stages of the proposed improvement. section 8.2.3
Table 8.3 How to present your case (view table figure)
| Step |
Description |
Example |
|---|---|---|
| Understand your audience. |
What are their goals, concerns, and priorities? Tailor your presentation accordingly to ensure that your message resonates with them. |
If your client is primarily focused on cost efficiency, emphasize how your approach can optimize resources and reduce expenses. |
| Clearly define the problem. |
Explain the challenges and pain points your client is facing. Use relatable examples and analogies to help your client grasp the concept. |
Compare an e-commerce website to a physical store where customers abandon their shopping carts due to long queues at the checkout counter. |
| Outline your technical approach. |
Break down complex concepts into jargon-free explanations. Use visuals such as diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate the various stages of your approach. |
Visualize the process of optimizing page load times with a flowchart showing the before and after effects of each optimization step. |
| Highlight the benefits. |
Emphasize the positive effect the project will have on their operations, user experience, and overall bottom line. Quantify these benefits wherever possible, using metrics such as increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, or improved customer satisfaction scores. |
Explain how your proposed improvements in website load times can lead to a 25% decrease in bounce rates and a 15% increase in conversions. Explain how these improvements directly translate into higher revenue and a competitive advantage in the online market. |
| Address potential concerns. |
Anticipate questions about feasibility, scalability, or potential risks. Provide well-thought-out answers and solutions that instill confidence in your approach. |
Address concerns about code optimization by explaining your thorough testing and QA processes. Highlight successful implementations of similar approaches with other clients. |
| Use real-world examples. |
Support your presentation with real-world examples that showcase the effectiveness of your proposed technical approach. Share success stories from past projects or relevant industry case studies. |
Highlight the metrics and results achieved in a previous project where you improved website performance, such as reduced page load times, increased customer engagement, and improved search engine rankings. |
Use the presentation checklist to align the diagram with the audience, define the problem, and outline the technical approach with visuals. section 8.2.3
