Here's how you can confidently present your ideas and solutions in system architecture meetings.

In my experience, clearly defining the end goal gives better start to the discussion. Is the solution a new approach, or improvement to an existing architecture? What is the problem being addressed? Increased efficiency, reduction in effort, time etc will give a good context and helps audience to expect next steps.

Know the audience - this will guide the level of detail you will go into and your language. Explain the problem statement and the business impact. Give an overview of the solution supported by visual aids. Explain the components and how they work together. Explain the benefits delivered by the current and proposed future state of architecture. This could be improved security or increased efficiency, for example. Highlight risks that were considered and mitigated or accepted. Highlight all trade-offs that were considered. This will cut down the number of questions. Understand that other architects/stakeholders may want to flex and make you look bad. It comes with the job; don't take it personally.

When proposing solutions, it's important to back those proposals with data (ex. performance metrics, estimated cost savings, etc.). Implementing small-scale POCs can help gather data on how feasible the solution is and whether it can improve the current system. In general, one should avoid going all in on a solution based on a hunch or unproven assumptions.

Prepárate a fondo: Asegúrate de entender todos los aspectos técnicos y posibles preguntas que puedan surgir. Estructura clara: Organiza tu presentación en una secuencia lógica: problema, solución, beneficios y próximos pasos. Sé visual: Utiliza diagramas, esquemas y ejemplos visuales para ilustrar tus puntos. Practica tu discurso: Ensaya tu presentación varias veces. Esto te ayudará a hablar con fluidez y seguridad. Confía en tu conocimiento: Confía en tu preparación y en tus habilidades. Sé claro y conciso: Evita el uso excesivo de jerga técnica a menos que sea necesario. Anticipa preguntas difíciles: Prepárate para responder preguntas complicadas o críticas constructivas.

Before entering a system architecture meeting, be clear about the real need for that architecture and the problem it will solve. We often fall in love with technology and not with the problem we want to solve. Therefore, be clear about the problem that will be solved with that architecture. With this in mind, I put some topics bellow to be thought about. 1. Standardize language and understanding 2. Define measurable goals and indicators 3. Be open to different perspectives 4. Promote collaboration:

Always breakdown the system step by step, part by part. Don't wish to explain too many things in different levels in one single slide. In general, the system architecture could be specified by clarifying System Context with Peripherals and Other Systems, Sub-systems, Module Groups in each Sub-system, Modules in each Module Group, Interfaces, Behaviors in Time Sequence, Senarios with User Stories, etc. If a system is complicated enough, it'd be better to discuss only one certain level or very few part of it at one meeting.

Try to start with analogies with simple terms and build from there to ensure the audience follows you. Ask questions during the explanation to see if they understand your intended ideas.

Em minha experiência, um sistema pode ser complexo, mas sua explicação não deve ser. Quando o público compreende facilmente as soluções propostas, é mais provável que as apoie. A comunicação clara é fundamental para a construção da confiança.

Simplicity is always my #1 design value, because the most reliable component is the one you never implement, and for any given defect density, there will be fewer defects in a smaller code base. You can always add more functionality and checks later. It's very hard to remove them. A bonus of simple design is that it is easier to explain both to those who use it, and those who implement it.

When presenting complex topics, be sure to know what your audience is looking to get out of your presentation. Avoid using the same language when presenting to business vs. the technical folks as the two groups may not be interested in the same topics. Technical folks may care more about the technical systems and their inner-workings, while the business folks may care more about how the solution would benefit their clients.

Confidently presenting your ideas and solutions in system architecture meetings requires a combination of preparation, effective communication, and mastery of the technical content. Public involvement is important: - Encourage questions during and after the presentation to clarify doubts and show openness to dialogue. - Observe audience reactions and adapt your presentation if necessary. By presenting your ideas and solutions with confidence and clarity, you will not only improve your credibility and authority in meetings, but you will also increase the likelihood of seeing your proposals accepted and implemented.

In addition, thinking like your audience makes for a much more compelling dialogue. That is, instead of sharing only about what you want to tell your audience, share what your audience wants to know and what they will be concerned about.

Read the room. You need to adapt your message to your audience. It’s important that the communication is fluid and you can get feedback to make sure they are understanding the message.

It's important to know the roles and responsibilities, and even the knowledge background of each member, who you wish to gain contribution from, among the audience. Try your best to create a relaxing atmosphere but stay purpose centric at the same time.

One of the most practical exercises is to record your self in one of your presentations and then analyze it. Then you can spot point to improve and things to avoid. Verbally and no verbal communication. Also, ask for feedback to other people for things that you may not be realizing that you are doing and could improve.

First, accept that there will be legitimate objections, as well as frivolous ones. Often the legitimate ones are due to others weighting the factors to be traded-off differently than the presenter. In that case objections are best managed by focusing on the needs being addressed and arriving at a consensus. Frivolous differences frequently arise over the exact technologies (languages, libraries, services) to be used in implementation - everyone has their favorite - these can be understood by clarifying RAA (you did invite the business / product owner, right?), or by clarifying whether such discussion is in or out of scope.

Accept the truth that nobody is perfect. Carefully memorize each of the objections, including the time and owner. Some of the objections may disappear just during the discussions, whether because of you or not. The remained legitimate ones shall be listed in the meeting minutes and be tracked and resolved in a timely manner.

Here are two key takeaways that have helped me: Incorporating assumptions and scenarios: This involves identifying potential concerns and addressing them proactively by presenting alternative scenarios or assumptions that support your proposed architecture. By doing so, you can demonstrate your thought process and showcase the robustness of your design. Conduct research and prepare for existing architecture options: Before the meeting, research similar problem statements and existing architecture options that have been proposed earlier or already implemented. This helps you anticipate questions and prepares you to address any concerns or duplicates, showcasing your understanding of the current landscape.

There are 2 options here: 1. The objection is just - it is a valid and good argument and you should consider it as such, admit its validity, thank the objecter and take it as an action item to consider after the meeting 2. The objection is nonsense - it can stem from lack of knowledge or from a hidden agenda. If this case, you should nod your head, say that it is a good point and you actually had a discuusion on this specific point and decide otherwise, but you would be happy to diacuss it again offline after the meeting (which probably never happen)

memory is short, so highlighting 3 key points that they can get from the presentation, it’s a key. It’s important to be concise and focus in actions points or clear concepts to be remembered.

The main point of software architecture is to address the requirements. It's as simple as that. Effective architecture helps reduce the effort and costs of development and maintenance. Clearly explain what pain point each component addresses. This clarity will help both business and technical teams understand and accept the solution. While this may not reduce the overall number of questions, it will likely shift the focus to the details rather than the concept.