Effective communication with the Board of Directors is critical to both governance and management efficiency.

Here are the best practices for preparing, formatting, and presenting matters for board consideration and action, segmented into three key phases.

• Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
• Formatting: Clarity and Focus
• Presentation: Engagement and Deliberation

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  Board Communications Best Practices

The Executive Summary slide is arguably the most important piece of the entire Board package, as it frames the discussion and often dictates the directors' initial reaction.

Here is the best practice structure for a high-impact Executive Summary slide, for a major capital expenditure (CapEx) proposal (as an example), designed for maximum clarity and immediate comprehension.

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  Executive Summary

Managing Q&A and dissent is where the art of Board engagement truly comes into play. You can have a perfect pre-read, but the presentation succeeds or fails based on how you navigate the ensuing discussion.

Here are the best practices for managing Q&A and effectively handling dissent during a Board meeting, focusing on discipline and governance.

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  Managing Q&A and Dissent

This example document applies best practices to structure the content required for effective Board consideration, ensuring immediate clarity on the ask, the strategic rationale, and the critical risks.

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  CEO Board Presentation Preparation Example