Where to begin?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the information you’ve collected that you don’t know where to begin when it comes time to present it? Or maybe you are too close to a project that it makes it difficult to simplify the information so that other people will be able to understand it? If you have, (believe me) you are not alone. I have found this to be the case many times with clients.

This tends to be a good time to step back to basics. What are the key ideas, messages, or findings that you want to get across to your audience? If you feel like you are too close to the project, it might be a good idea to ask someone else to take a look at the information or ask them to listen to you explain it out loud. Once you determine the key ideas you want to present, it is much easier to fill in the supporting information.

Below is an example of a short summary presentation that I had compiled for Urban Land Institute Minnesota using this principle. Start by simplifying the information. You can always build in more complex and detailed information as necessary. I think you will find this to be a successful strategy. You may also find with a little extra attention your summary piece can serve as a unique project overview for audiences as well.