Storyboard, the visual planning tool for better presentation slides

A planning tool that I often use to plan and design presentation slides is a Storyboard. Using a Storyboard is effective because it is a visual planning tool, and presentation slides are all about representing data and information in a visual format.

Some might disagree with this approach, as many of us often jumps directly into PowerPoint to create our slides. The problem with going directly is that we often let the technology (PowerPoint itself) gets in our way of thinking visually. And we end up with slides that have too many words.

Using a Storyboard allows us to think directly about how we want our ideas organized. And most importantly, enable us to think visually and transfer that visual image into boxes on pieces of paper—the Storyboard.

When we think visually, we can be more objective and focused on what needs to be shown on the slide. We think about how the content of each slide relates to what we need to talk about. In the end, our slides will be simpler, more exciting, and easier to understand.

It might need some getting used to when using a Storyboard for the first time. Planning visually can be time-consuming. We are always impatient. So we have the tendency to be impatient and often gets the urge to skip the visual planning (and thinking) process and go directly to PowerPoint.

Is it a waste of time planning with a Storyboard? Well, time spent is not wasted. Individuals and organizations who have worked with me will agree that Storyboard is not only a great visual tool to get everyone in the team on the same page, but also enforces a thinking process that one will most likely not have involved. The thinking process of working with a Storyboard will help the presenter internalize the presentation content and build one confidence in the presentation delivery.

A Storyboard is not just simply some drawings on a large piece of paper. It involves many related parts working together.

1. Content sequence and story structure
2. Message design and focus
3. Visual content layout
4. Selection of charts and representation of data/numbers
5. Connecting content story with related images
6. Target audience consideration

To sum it all, you could say a Storyboard is key to designing an objective based presentation. One that gets the attention and results that you want. One that is simple yet easy to understand. One that is highly effective, leaving lasting impressions. One that is simply amazing.

If you are looking to create amazing presentations and not sure how to start, drop me a message. I might be able to help you make that change.