When Talking To Stakeholders You Should Not

So, picture this: you're at your favorite café, right? The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is doing its happy dance in the air, and you're about to tell your friend the most hilarious story about your disastrous attempt to explain the new project roadmap to the company stakeholders. Trust me, it involves metaphors involving cats, a CEO who nearly choked on his croissant, and a Powerpoint presentation that spontaneously combusted... figuratively, of course. Well, maybe not entirely figuratively.

But the most important thing? I went into it thinking casual and funny was the way to go. I was wrong. So, so wrong. And that's what I want to share today.

The Perils of Being Too Casual

We've all been there. We're trying to be relatable, trying to connect with our audience. We think, "Hey, stakeholders are people too! They laugh, they cry (probably over quarterly earnings), they enjoy a good meme!" True. All true. But the board room isn't exactly the same as happy hour.

When you're talking to stakeholders, resist the urge to channel your inner stand-up comedian. Why? Because it can backfire spectacularly. Imagine explaining a complex financial strategy using a series of cat-related analogies. Trust me. It won't go well. Unless your stakeholders are exclusively cat lovers. Then maybe. Still, I'd advise against it.

The goal is to instill confidence, convey information, and demonstrate competence. Humor, especially if it’s self-deprecating or bordering on inappropriate, can undermine your credibility. I learned this the hard way. The cat analogy? It involved explaining risk assessment using the metaphor of a cat trying to jump onto a high shelf. And then falling. Spectacularly. Not exactly confidence-inspiring.

Leave the Jokes at the Door (Mostly)

Playful exaggeration is another minefield. "This project will revolutionize the entire industry!" you declare, eyes shining with enthusiasm. Except, maybe it won't. Maybe it'll just, you know, incrementally improve things. Hyperbole can make you sound less like a visionary and more like a used car salesman. Under-promise and over-deliver is the mantra.

Surprising facts are fun, but make sure they're relevant and, you know, true. Don't launch into a tangent about the migratory habits of the Peruvian mountain tapir unless it has a direct, demonstrable connection to your presentation. Even then, probably don't. I tried to work in a fun fact about the lifespan of Galapagos tortoises once. It didn't land. It just created awkward silence.

Why Clarity Trumps Comedy

Stakeholders are generally busy people. They want information, and they want it delivered efficiently and effectively. Joking around and getting off topic just wastes their time. They want to understand:

• The project's goals
• The proposed strategy
• The potential risks and rewards
• The timeline and budget

Your job is to provide clear, concise, and accurate answers. Injecting humor can muddy the waters and make it harder for them to grasp the key takeaways. Remember that Powerpoint presentation I mentioned earlier? Well, after the cat incident, I panicked and started trying to ad-lib with jokes. It only made things worse. A lot worse.

When a Little Humor Might Work

Okay, okay, I'm not saying you have to be a humorless robot. A touch of appropriate humor can be effective in certain situations. A self-aware quip about a minor technical glitch? Maybe. A well-placed, relevant anecdote? Possibly. But know your audience, read the room, and err on the side of caution. Always err on the side of caution.

Also, what’s funny to you might not be funny to them. Cultural differences, personal preferences, and even the general mood of the room can impact how your humor is received.

The Moral of the Story

So, the next time you're preparing to present to stakeholders, remember my café-inspired cautionary tale. Leave the stand-up routine at home, focus on delivering clear, concise information, and let the results speak for themselves. Oh, and maybe lay off the cat analogies. Unless you're presenting to a feline-focused investment firm. Then, you know, go wild. But still, check first.

And me? I'm sticking to graphs, charts, and bullet points from now on. At least until I can perfect my tapir impression.