49. How You Can Earn Executive Trust in the First Five Minutes of Their Presentation Artwork

Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals

Welcome to “Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals,” the podcast dedicated to helping you shine in the spotlight and deliver your technical expertise with flair. I’m your host, Frank DiBartolomeo.

In each episode, I will draw from my over 40 years experience as an engineer and over 30 years experience as a Toastmaster to explore the nuances of presenting complex information in a way that resonates and engages.

Whether you're a software engineer, data scientist, or any tech professional eager to polish your presentation skills, this show is for you. We’ll tackle everything from crafting clear and compelling narratives to mastering the art of visual aids and handling challenging questions with poise.

Join us as we speak with seasoned presenters, communication specialists, and industry insiders who will share their secrets for making your technical presentations not just informative but unforgettable.

If you’re ready to transform your technical knowledge into impactful presentations and leave a lasting impression, you’re in the right place.

Remember, great presentations are not just about sharing information—they’re about connecting with your audience and making your message resonate. From refining your narrative to perfecting your delivery, every detail counts.

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Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals

49. How You Can Earn Executive Trust in the First Five Minutes of Their Presentation

July 29, 2026 • Frank DiBartolomeo • Season 3 • Episode 49

0:00 | 10:37

"Trust is equal parts character and competence. You can look at any leadership failure, and it's always a failure of one or the other." -- Stephen Covey, American author, educator, leadership consultant, and businessman

Senior executives often decide within the first few minutes whether a presentation deserves their attention.

They are evaluating not only the technical content but also the speaker's credibility, confidence, and ability to communicate business value.

Engineers who establish trust early are far more likely to influence decisions, secure resources, and gain executive support.

Below are three ways you can earn executive trust in the first five minutes of your presentation.

References

Gallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press.
Duarte, N. (2012). HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press.
Reynolds, G. (2019). Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (3rd ed.). Berkeley, CA: New Riders.
Mollick, E. (2024). Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI. New York, NY: Portfolio.
Kotter, J. P. (2012). Leading Change. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press.