Executive Storytelling Cheat Sheet
Turn “status soup” into decision-driving narratives. Learn the conclusion-first structure executives expect, then back it up with proof, impact, and risk mitigation.
Created by Brian Benitez. Want help applying it? Book a free intro call.
- The 60‑Second Impact Framework (ask → evidence → context → business impact)
- The Metric Ladder + “So what?” test to translate metrics into revenue/cost/risk
- A 5‑slide story skeleton for exec pre‑reads and meetings
At a glance
Who it’s for
Senior PMs, Staff/Principal PMs, Directors, and leaders who need executives to understand—and act on—their work.
How it works
Use it before exec updates, steering meetings, and promotion packets. Start with the conclusion/ask, then support it with proof and business impact.
What you’ll get
Conclusion‑first storytelling (Pyramid Principle), anti‑patterns to avoid, templates for openers and decks, and tools for handling objections and risks.
Common questions
Is this just for presentations?
No—use the same structure for exec updates, pre‑reads, one‑pagers, and stakeholder alignment notes.
What if I don’t have perfect metrics yet?
The cheat sheet shows how to lead with what you know, translate directional signals into business impact, and pair them with a plan to validate quickly.
Does it include templates I can reuse?
Yes: a 60‑second opener, a 5‑slide story skeleton, objection pre‑emption phrases, and a risk matrix template.
What if my exec audience is very technical (or very non-technical)?
The frameworks still apply. You lead with the decision and business impact, then choose the level of technical depth based on what that audience needs to approve the plan.
How do I get good at this quickly?
Use the 60-second opener and 5-slide skeleton on your next real update, then iterate. The cheat sheet is designed for reps: each template is meant to be reused weekly.
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