Introduction: What You’ll Learn
In this simulation, you'll practice presenting a new feature to non-technical stakeholders. The focus is on ensuring clarity, engagement, and understanding of the feature's value and impact.
You’ll practice:
- Simplifying technical concepts without oversimplifying
- Highlighting the benefits and impact of the feature
- Engaging stakeholders with relevant examples
- Handling questions and feedback gracefully
Step-by-Step Simulation
Scene 1: Setting the Stage
Facilitator: "Good morning, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. We're excited to introduce 'Smart Notifications' — a feature designed to boost user engagement by delivering personalized content. Let’s walk through how this adds value for both our users and the business."
Scene 2: Explaining the Feature
Facilitator: "Smart Notifications are all about sending the right updates to the right users at the right time. Our goal is to make sure users get information that matters to them, without feeling bombarded."
Facilitator: "Why is this important? Tailored notifications keep users engaged, which boosts satisfaction and helps us retain them longer."
Facilitator: "So, how does it work? Basically, our system looks at how users interact with our service and sends them updates that fit their behavior. For example, if someone checks their account balance often, they’ll get alerts about transactions or offers related to their spending."
Scene 3: Demonstrating Value
Facilitator: "Let’s look at a practical example: Sarah is a typical user who regularly checks her transaction updates. With Smart Notifications, she’ll get timely alerts on account activities and personalized offers, enhancing her experience."
Facilitator: "This makes it easier for Sarah to stay informed and connected, encouraging her to explore and use more features."
Scene 4: Engaging Stakeholders
Facilitator: "We’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you might have. How do you see this feature benefiting your areas?"
(Stakeholder 1 raises a question.)
Stakeholder 1: "How do we manage the risk of overwhelming users with too many notifications?"
Facilitator: "Great question. We’ve included options for users to set preferences and control how often they get notifications."
Stakeholder 2: "How do we measure the success of this feature?"
Facilitator: "We’ll track user engagement metrics, like open rates and how often people use the feature, to see how well it’s working."
Scene 5: Wrapping Up
Facilitator: "To wrap up, Smart Notifications aim to improve user experience by delivering relevant, timely updates. We’re confident this will make our service more intuitive and user-friendly. We’ll follow up with more details on the rollout plan and how we’ll track success."
Facilitator: "Thanks for your time and feedback. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or want to dive deeper into any area."
Mini Roleplay Challenges
Challenge 1: A stakeholder requests more technical details than appropriate for the current session.
- Best Response: “I’d love to dive deeper into the technical aspects. Let’s arrange a separate session to explore that.”
Challenge 2: A stakeholder appears skeptical about the feature's potential impact.
- Best Response: “I understand your concern. We’ll monitor user feedback and engagement metrics closely to ensure we achieve our goals.”
Challenge 3: A stakeholder's feedback threatens to derail the presentation.
- Best Response: “That’s an interesting point. Let’s note that and discuss it further after this session to keep us on track.”
Optional Curveball Mode
- A major stakeholder arrives late and asks for a recap.
- Someone questions the feature's alignment with business objectives.
- A technical issue arises during the presentation.
Practice handling each one while maintaining focus and engagement.
Reflection Checklist
Presentation Clarity
- Did I keep the explanation accessible and engaging?
- Did I clearly articulate the benefits and impact?
Stakeholder Engagement
- Did I invite questions and input?
- Did I address feedback professionally and constructively?
Follow-Up and Next Steps
- Did I provide clear next steps and follow-up actions?
- Did I ensure stakeholders felt heard and valued?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the presentation with technical jargon
- Failing to highlight user benefits and value
- Not engaging stakeholders or inviting feedback
- Ignoring or dismissing challenging questions