Written case presentation: present overall answer or directly answer questions?

Question

Suppose this is a growth strategy case and there is 5 different growth initiatives. There is 3 specific questions to answer: (1) possible initiatives and corresponding value (2) prioritized options (3) risk and next step.

In the 15 minute presentation, should I give an overall conclusion first (i.e. The prioritized options are A, B, C due to XYZ reasons), or should I jump directly to each specific questions mentioned above? I'm trying to communicate in a “top down” approach, but I'm wondering whether I should give an overall suggestion first. Thank you!

Answer 1

Following a top-down approach and looking at the case as a whole, I would present the overall answer first. From there you can deep dive and answer the specific parts of the case, which support your final recommendation.

Answer 2

You must answer all the questions specifically. Feel free to use your own style/approach or storytelling technique to add colour (i.e provide overall recommendation first) but make sure to answer all the questions that have been asked. You can also go a step further and highlight risks/issues etc.

Answer 3

Hi there,

This is up to you and which “flow” works best for you and the answer. Sometimes I'll do your first option and sometimes I'll do your second. Ultimately, you need to be able to tell a persuasive, cohesive story that answers the objective.

Answer 4

I feel that in (1) you are already answering (2)… so I would state the options, and then explain them in priority order, explaining their value.