What is the Executive Communication Canvas?
A two-page planning worksheet for people preparing to communicate with a board or senior executives. Use it before building your slides to focus the conversation on the decision, the recommendation and the support your audience needs.
How to use the Canvas
- Understand the audience and purpose. Identify who is in the room and whether the communication is for approval, discussion or noting. Consider what they feel, think and are likely to do before and after you speak.
- Clarify your recommendation. State the decision and why it matters now. Compare the options and support your recommendation with three evidence-backed arguments.
- Prepare for scrutiny. Name the risks, mitigations and escalation triggers. Record what is unknown and prepare answers to the three toughest questions, connecting your responses to revenue, risk or cost.
- Make the ask explicit. What do you need from your audience today? Keep that request clear as you prepare the presentation.
See what’s inside
Page one helps you shape the recommendation. Page two helps you anticipate difficult questions and prepare your responses.
About Spencer
Spencer Waldron is the founder of Cenrox, a presentation strategist, executive trainer and LinkedIn Learning instructor. He helps experts communicate clearly and lead customer conversations with confidence.
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