Dr. Duncan, founder of PIA, a leading sports and corporate performance agency based in Australia, expressed his vision: "I want a presentation that feels like an animated video but remains in PowerPoint so I can control the pace and deliver it seamlessly during my meetings."
My response was, "Absolutely, we can make that happen. However, this will require a unique approach compared to our usual projects. Given that your presentation involves dynamic animations and a journey-like experience, we'll need to start with a detailed storyboard."
Dr. Duncan replied, "I’m not entirely sure what a storyboard is, but I trust your expertise."
This conversation sparked the inspiration for this blog post.
Just like a film director uses storyboards to plan out the shots and sequences of a movie, you can use this technique to map out your presentation, from the opening hook to the final call to action. In this article, we’ll explore the art of storyboarding a presentation & how you can leverage it to create a compelling narrative that your audience will love.
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What is presentation storyboarding?
“Storyboarding is the secret weapon of successful presenters. It allows you to craft a clear, concise, and compelling story that resonates with your audience.” — Cliff Atkinson, author and presentation expert.
In presentations, storyboarding has long been an essential tool for visualizing and planning out complex storylines. By breaking down a script into a series of drawings or sketches, directors can experiment with different camera angles, transitions, and pacing to create a cohesive and compelling narrative.
But storyboarding isn’t just for Hollywood blockbusters and animated features.
These days, successful presentations also rely heavily on storytelling to capture the audience’s attention and drive home the message. Whether you’re pitching a new product, sharing company results, or giving a keynote speech, a well-crafted storyline can make all the difference.
How to create a presentation storyboard? [5 easy steps]
Step 1
Define your message and goals First things first, what’s the main message you want to convey and what goals do you want to achieve through your presentation? Once you have a clear picture of your objective, your story will naturally fall into place.
Step 2
Brainstorm your ideas Get your creative juices flowing and brainstorm all the key points you want to cover. You can include supporting facts, statistics, or even anecdotes that add to your story. Jot down everything that comes to mind, you never know what could be a game-changer.
Step 3
Create a storyboard Now comes the fun part, creating a visual representation of your ideas. Sketch out your key points in a visual format, using stick figures or images to represent your ideas. Make sure your visuals are arranged in a logical sequence that tells your story effectively.
Step 4
Add detail and refinement Once you have your storyboard ready, it’s time to add more details and refine your visuals. You can add more panels to your storyboard, adjust the order of your ideas, or even add more engaging visuals. Make sure your storyboard is paced correctly and flows naturally.
Step 5
Review and revise Get a fresh pair of eyes to review your storyboard, colleagues or friends can provide valuable feedback. Make sure your storyboard accurately represents your message and is engaging for your audience.
What are the different ways of storyboarding your presentation?
When it comes to storyboarding a presentation, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The method you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of presentation you’re creating.
Here are a few different ways that presentations can be storyboarded:
1. Traditional Storyboarding
This classic method involves sketching out your presentation ideas in a series of sequential drawings or sketches. This approach can be especially helpful if you’re creating an animated or visual presentation that requires a high level of detail.
For example, if you’re presenting a new product design, you might use traditional storyboarding to map out the product’s features and benefits.
2. Sticky Notes
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, sticky notes can be a great way to organize your presentation ideas. Simply write down your key ideas and arrange them in a logical sequence on a board or wall. This approach is perfect for brainstorming sessions or collaborative presentations where multiple team members need to contribute.
For instance, if you’re working on a group project, you might use sticky notes to map out each team member’s responsibilities and contributions.
3. Mind Mapping
This technique involves creating a visual diagram that connects different ideas and concepts using branches and nodes. Mind mapping is great for organizing complex information and creating a clear visual representation of your presentation.
For example, if you’re creating a presentation about the history of a particular industry, you might use mind mapping to link together different events, trends, and innovations.
4. PowerPoint Slides
One of the most common ways to storyboard a presentation is by creating a rough draft of your slides in PowerPoint. This approach allows you to visualize how your presentation will look in its final form and can help you refine your message.
For instance, if you’re presenting a financial report, you might use PowerPoint slides to organize your data and present it in an easy-to-understand format.
5. Storyboarding Software
There are many different software tools available that are specifically designed for storyboarding presentations. These tools allow you to create visual representations of your ideas and can help you collaborate with others on the development of your presentation.
For example, if you’re creating a presentation for a large company, you might use a tool like Prezi to create a dynamic and interactive presentation that engages your audience.
Example of presentation storyboarding
If you'd like to see how storyboarding results in an amazing animated presentation, you can explore this case study: CabbyScan Animated Presentation
Work with us
Are you feeling the pressure of creating a presentation that truly stands out? Let us help you out. As a presentation design agency, we specialize in partnering with clients to bring their ideas to life. From crafting compelling narratives to creating stunning visuals, we’re here to make your presentation shine.
With our expertise and your vision, we’ll work together to create a presentation that captivates your audience and achieves your goals. So, if you’re ready to take your presentation to the next level, reach out to us today. We’re excited to collaborate with you!
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