Creating Engaging Presentation Narratives

After decades of working with leaders at companies like Apple, Salesforce, and Cisco, we've identified 4 storytelling techniques that consistently work to deliver important messages in high-stakes settings: 1. Start with the unexpected Don’t begin your presentation with context. Instead, begin with the moment that makes people think, “Wait…what?” Instead of something like: “Here’s an update on our September campaign…” Try starting with the most interesting detail: “I broke our biggest marketing rule last month, and it worked.” Lead with the surprise. You can add context later. 2. Let people feel the tension After the surprise, don’t rewind to the beginning. Take your audience to the moment where things weren’t working. Flat numbers. Missed goals. Stalled progress. Instead of: “The campaign was underperforming, and our team went back to the drawing board.” Try:  "We were two weeks out from the end of the quarter. The campaign wasn’t producing results, and the team was out of ideas. That’s when I decided to take a risk...” You don’t need to explain the problem. You need to make people feel it. 3. Use real dialogue When your audience hears what was actually said, they stop listening to you and start visualizing the moment. This helps them connect emotionally with what you’re saying. Instead of: “The campaign manager said team morale was low and they were struggling to find a solution.” Try: “My campaign manager pulled me aside in the hallway and said, ‘We’ve tried everything. The team has been working overtime, and we don’t know what else to do.’” Dialogue brings listeners into the moment with you. It makes the story real. 4. Share the lesson Never assume people will infer the meaning you intended. End your story by answering: - What does this mean? - How should someone act differently now? Example: “Breaking our biggest marketing rule helped us turn this campaign around and hit our numbers. I strongly suggest we revisit our marketing guidelines. We could be leaving a ton of revenue on the table.” Without the lesson being clear, even a good story feels unfinished. These are the same techniques we teach to our clients at Duarte. Try them out during your next presentation and watch how people lean forward and tune in to your message. #ExecutivePresence #BusinessStorytelling #PresentationSkills

Some executives inspire action. Others get ignored. Why? Because facts fade. Stories stick. After a 1-minute pitch, Stanford research found: ⟶ 5% recalled a statistic ⟶ 63% remembered the stories Here’s how storytelling can reshape your career: Too often, leaders default to data dumps: ⟶ Dense board decks ⟶ Endless bullet points in team updates ⟶ Info overload in all-hands meetings The result? Information is shared—impact is lost. After a career in corporate communications, I know firsthand how storytelling makes the message stick. Here are four ways to bring your messages to life with narrative: 🟡 Board Meetings ⟶ Don’t just share quarterly results—frame them as a journey: What challenge did you overcome? What shifted? ⟶ When outlining strategy, position it as the next chapter in a larger story. People engage with progress they can visualize. 🟡 Team Communications ⟶ Go beyond status updates—share moments of resilience, creativity, or lessons learned. ⟶ Instead of reciting company values, illustrate them with real team examples that people remember. 🟡 Customer Presentations ⟶ Open with a real customer journey: their pain point, your partnership, and the change they experienced. ⟶ Before/after stories make transformation tangible—more than any stat ever could. 🟡 Change Management ⟶ Paint a picture of the future state so people see themselves in it—not just the steps to get there. ⟶ Share your own experience navigating change to build empathy and trust. ↓ ↓ Want to start? 1/ Look for the human impact inside your metrics 2/ Use a simple structure: beginning, conflict, resolution 3/ Practice with small stories—in meetings, Slack, or 1:1s 4/ Always end with a clear shift or takeaway Facts inform, but stories move people. Try adding one story to your next presentation using these ideas—then watch what changes. P.S. Have you used any of these approaches already? I’d love to hear what worked. ♻ Repost to help your network lead with more story. (Research: Jennifer Aaker, Stanford GSB)

I often say, “𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜 𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑠, 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠.” Public speaking is not just about knowing your subject. After all, knowing the words to a song doesn’t mean you can sing it. To engage an audience, you need to deliver your content in a way that captures attention. After delivering my keynote at a construction industry conference, I led a breakout session and coached volunteers on their presentations. That’s when I made my statement. A gentleman in the third row raised his hand and said, “Ms. Fripp, my subject’s boring.” I was up for the challenge. “What’s your subject?” I asked. He replied, “I teach OSHA rules and regulations—for five hours.” I’ll admit, that’s not easy material. I invited him to the front and asked, “Tell me one rule.” He said, “You have to wear your safety goggles.” “Good,” I replied. “Now, tell me about a time someone didn’t wear their goggles. Let’s imagine the story from his wife’s point of view.” Here’s how I suggested he begin his presentation: “Imagine you’re a 22-year-old wife and mother of two. One morning, you kiss your 24-year-old husband goodbye as he heads to work. While drilling through concrete, a chunk flies out and hits him in the eye—because he wasn’t wearing his safety goggles. He ends up in the hospital. You nurse him back to health. Now, how do you feel when he returns to that same site, knowing he still won’t wear his goggles?” With that opening, he immediately had his audience’s attention. From there, he could transition naturally into the regulations: “Welcome. As you know, OSHA construction regulations consist of hundreds of specific standards and subsections under 29 CFR 1926. Each year, new updates and revisions are added. This morning, let us reinforce why it’s crucial to stay vigilant and ensure your crews follow these guidelines.” The audience gasped—and then went wild. That’s the power of story. Even the driest content can come alive when you frame it with people, emotion, and relevance. Whether you’re explaining safety regulations, software code, or financial reports, your audience deserves more than information. They deserve an experience. That’s what I help my audiences and clients create. #presentationskillsexpert #keynotespeaker #publicspeaking #frippvt

Stop starting presentations with "Good morning" and agendas. Your transformation deserves an opening that matches its importance. Instead of this, if you started as: "What if I told you one decision could save us 2 million dollars this year?" Same content. Completely different results. The 9 ways to open presentations that actually matter: ✅ Strike with Visuals: Show the future state before explaining how to get there ✅ Connect Through Stories: Share relatable experiences that mirror their challenges ✅ Make Bold Promises: Commit to specific outcomes they'll achieve ✅ Create Interaction: Get them participating before they start resisting ✅ Share Personal Stakes: Reveal why this transformation matters to you ✅ Tell Success Stories: Transport them to organizations that got it right ✅ Quote Thought Leaders: Borrow credibility from respected voices ✅ Ask Disruptive Questions: Challenge assumptions they didn't know they had ✅ Present Shocking Statistics: Use data that reframes their perspective The transformation communication principle: Engagement is earned in the first 60 seconds, Not assumed throughout 60 minutes. Most leaders bury their most compelling content in the middle of presentations. The most effective leaders lead with their strongest material. Your opening sets the tone for everything that follows: - Energy level - Attention span - Receptivity to change - Willingness to participate The presentations that create lasting transformation Begin with moments that create immediate connection. And focus on the right change, by subscribing to my free newsletter here: news.sarajunio.com

Everyone loves a good story. You should be using your data to tell one every chance you get. The importance of narrative in scientific communication cannot be understated. And that includes communication in traditionally technical environments! One thing that gets beaten into you in graduate school is that a scientific presentation is a technical affair. Communicating science is fact based, it's black and white, here's the data, this is the conclusion, do you have any questions? Actually, I do. Did you think about what story your data could tell before you put your slides together? I know this is a somewhat provocative question because a lot of scientists overlook the importance of telling a story when they present results. But if you want to keep your audience engaged and interested in what you have to say, you should think about your narrative! This is true for a presentation at 'The Mountain Lake Lodge Meeting on Post-Initiation Activities of RNA Polymerases,' the 'ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting,' or to a class of 16 year old AP Biology Students. The narrative doesn't need to be the same for all of those audiences, BUT IT SHOULD EXIST! There is nothing more frustrating to me than seeing someone give a presentation filled with killer data only to watch them blow it by putting the entire audience to sleep with an arcane technical overview of the scientific method. Please. Tell. A. Story. With. Your. Data. Here's how: 1. Plot - the series of events that drive the story forward to its resolution. What sets the scene, the hypothesis or initial observation? How can the data be arranged to create a beginning, middle, and end? 2. Theme - Good vs Evil, Human vs Virus, Day in the life of a microbe? Have fun with this (even just as a thought experiment) because it makes a big difference. 3. Character development - the team, the protein, gene, or model system 4. Conflict - What were the blockers and obstacles? Needed a new technique? Refuting a previous finding? 5. Climax - the height of the struggle. Use your data to build to a climax. How did one question lead to another and how were any problems overcome? 6. Resolution - What's the final overall conclusion and how was the conflict that was setup in the beginning resolved by what you found? By taking the time to work through what story you can tell, you can engage your entire audience and they'll actually remember what you had to say!

261 hours per year on PowerPoint. That’s how much time the average person spends working on their slides. That’s a staggering amount of time. What’s worse? Most of it is wasted on formatting! People often ask me how I prepare my PowerPoint presentations. My answer surprises them: “I don’t think in slides. I think in concepts and stories.” For me, slides are not the starting point—they’re the final step. Instead of being constrained by Slide 1, Slide 2…Chart 1, Chart 2, I focus on crafting a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. My way: Story 1st, Slides 2nd This mindset shift happened years ago, and it transformed how I present. Here’s my simple 3-step framework for building impactful presentations: 1️⃣ Set the plot Start by painting a vivid picture of a problem or situation. Create a gap that sparks curiosity and propels your audience out of complacency. Think about why so many stories begin with, “Once upon a time…” It’s an invitation to a journey. 2️⃣ Add the twist Introduce contrast. Show the audience the gap between what is and what could be. Guide them through a transformation. As you alternate between the present and the envisioned future, make the latter irresistibly appealing. 3️⃣ Call to action End on a high note. Inspire your audience with a compelling vision of what’s possible if they embrace your ideas. Give them a clear, actionable next step. Once I’ve nailed the story structure, the data, charts, and slides naturally fall into place. PowerPoint: a tool, not a hindrance With this approach, I’m not constrained by slide sequences or formats. I can adapt to audience questions, improvise, and make the presentation more engaging and memorable. The story drives the presentation, and PowerPoint simply becomes the tool that enhances it. What about you? The next time you start a presentation, take a step back. Are you designing slides—or are you telling a story? Shift your focus. Start with the story, not the slides. And watch your presentations transform from forgettable to unforgettable. If you found this helpful, try this approach in your next presentation, and let me know how it goes!

Think PowerPoint gives you the POWER in presentations? Think again. We often approach presentations with the mindset that we, the presenters, are the stars of the show. But here's a game-changing perspective: The audience is the true hero of the story. Our role? We're the mentors guiding them on their journey. So, what does it mean to be a mentor through your presentation? Here are a few key points to consider: 1. Teach something new: If your audience is investing time to listen to you, make sure they leave having learnt something new/valuable. 2. Deliver value: Every slide, every word should add value. Ask yourself, “What’s in it for the audience?” and tailor it to their interests. 3. Help improve their lives: Whether it’s small or large changes, leave your audience better off than they were before your presentation. 4. Engage and connect: Cultivate a connection through storytelling. You can do so through interactive elements & empathy. 5. Visual appeal: Use vivid design and branding elements to enhance your message. Visuals should support the narrative, not overshadow. Next time you build a presentation, remember ONE thing: It’s all about them. Shift your focus from showcasing your own expertise— To empowering your audience with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration THEY need to succeed. How will you MENTOR your audience in your next presentation? Share!

Most presentations don't fail because of bad slides. They fail because no one feels a connection. They look like lectures. While the best presentations feel like stories. And stories aren’t just entertaining. They’re how humans connect, trust, and remember. Here’s how to make your next presentation unforgettable: 1️⃣ Introduce the Villain ↠ Start with the problem you’re solving ↠ Be specific—what pain points does your audience face? ↠ When they feel the problem, they’ll lean in 2️⃣ Position Your Solution as the Hero ↠ Show how your solution saves the day ↠ Make it aspirational, not just functional ↠ Think: “This could change everything for you.” 3️⃣ Add Personal Touches ↠ Share your “aha” moment: how did you solve this? ↠ Vulnerability creates trust ↠ Your story becomes theirs 4️⃣ Use the Power of Three ↠ People love patterns ↠ Give them three parts: ↠ The challenge, the breakthrough, the transformation 5️⃣ Create a Visual Journey ↠ Your slides should feel like a movie, not a spreadsheet ↠ Bold visuals + concise words = memorable ↠ The simpler, the better 6️⃣ End With a Mic Drop ↠ Leave them with ONE unforgettable message ↠ Tie it back to their pain—and what they can do next ↠ A powerful ending moves people to act 7️⃣ Rehearse Until It Feels Natural ↠ Practice your story—not your slides ↠ Your authenticity is your superpower ↠ The more natural you feel, the more they’ll believe you Great presentations don’t just share information. They spark emotion. Build trust. Inspire action. What strategy resonates most with you? ♻️ Share this to inspire someone to tell their best story and follow Andrea Petrone for more. ---------------- 📌 Want more? Grab your FREE template to create presentations that captivate every audience: https://lnkd.in/evgSDXEX

How do you share your knowledge with an audience? You can push information out, or you can pull them in with a story. Try these three tried-and-true ways to incorporate storytelling into your speech or presentation: 1. Start with a Relatable Personal Anecdote Stories that tap into common experiences immediately capture attention and build trust. A personal anecdote helps humanize you and sets the tone for the message. Example: In a presentation about resilience, start with: When I was in college, I failed my first major exam. I remember sitting in my dorm room, devastated, wondering if I’d chosen the wrong path. But that moment taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since -failure is often a better teacher than success. This approach sets up the topic, makes you relatable, and primes your audience for your insights on resilience. 2. Use a Case Study or Transformational Narrative Highlight a real or hypothetical example of someone facing a problem, overcoming challenges, and achieving results. Audiences love to see the before and after journey. Example: In a workshop on goal-setting, tell a story like: Last year, I worked with a team of accountants who were overwhelmed by deadlines. They described their process as controlled chaos. After introducing a clear goal-setting system and monthly check-ins, their productivity increased by 40%, and they reported feeling less stressed. One team member said, “For the first time in my career, I don’t dread quarter-end.” That’s the power of clear goals. 3. Incorporate a Powerful Metaphor or Fable Metaphors and fables make abstract concepts tangible and memorable. They also leave a lasting impression by connecting the idea to a universal truth. Example: When discussing teamwork, use the metaphor of geese flying in formation: Have you ever watched a flock of geese flying in a V-formation? They do it because it’s 70% more efficient than flying solo. Each bird takes a turn leading, and when one gets tired, they fall back, relying on the group’s strength. Teams work the same way- when we share the load, we achieve more together than we ever could alone. This story connects the audience to the theme of collaboration in a vivid, visual way. Why These Methods Work: Relatability: Personal anecdotes forge emotional connections. Engagement: Case studies make your message real and applicable. Memorability: Metaphors and fables stick in the audiences mind long after the presentation ends. Your preparation will become more fun and interesting thinking about your storytelling ideas. #storytelling #publicspeaking