BLUF Your Way Through Your Next Presentation

This isn’t about “faking it until you make it.” Instead, it’s about using the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) approach to kick off your next presentation. Start by sharing your key findings, results, or recommendations right away, ideally on the first slide. Then, if needed, you can dig into the supporting details.

Earlier in my career, my presentations often felt like courtroom arguments. I’d walk through every step we took, every meeting held, the challenges we faced, and the successes we achieved as "evidence" to support my conclusion. Each slide would build on the last, creating a gradual crescendo of information leading to the big reveal.

My audience wanted the “spoiler” up front so they could move on to their next meeting or task.

Guess what? My audience didn’t enjoy the buildup. They weren’t there to watch a suspenseful legal drama—they were busy. They wanted the “spoiler” up front so they could move on to their next meeting or task.

So, what are the benefits of BLUF-ing your way through a presentation?

• Improved Audience Focus – With the main point shared up front, your audience isn’t left guessing or mentally exploring different possible outcomes. They know where you’re headed from the beginning, which helps them stay engaged.

• Fewer Interruptions – Knowing your destination reduces (though may not eliminate) questions or interruptions along the way.

• Shorter Presentations – Being direct and focused on essential points helps cut out irrelevant details, meaning fewer slides and less cluttered information overall.

Of course, you still need to be prepared to “show your work.” Some audience members may want to see how you arrived at your conclusions. Keep these details handy, either in your back pocket or as an appendix at the end of the presentation.

Not ready to BLUF your way through your next presentation? You may quickly find that your audience is Glazed Over & Not Engaged (aka GONE)!