Tips for storyboarding your deck
Ever find yourself staring at a blank slide wondering where to start?
Over the years, I’ve found the best decks don’t actually start in presentation mode. They start with a storyboard.
A strong presentation is always built on a story
Storyboarding your deck makes sure your message flows, each slide has a purpose, and your visuals actually support the story you’re trying to tell.
It helps to:
Clarify the core message you want to get across
Structure your narrative so each slide builds momentum
Spot any gaps early
Keep the content focused on your message
How to do it
Start with the big picture
Write down the 3–5 things you want your audience to remember.
Sketch the flow
Outline how you want the story to unfold:
Hook: Why does this topic matter?
Context: What’s happening? What’s the current lay of the land?
Problem: What’s the issue, what’s not working?
Solution: What are you recommending?
Proof: What’s the data, results, or case study?
Call to action: Clear next step
Assign one idea per slide
Each slide should have one core message. If you find yourself cramming three points in, break it up.
Add visual cues
Take a mental note of whether a slide should be a chart, a diagram, a quote, or an image.
Pressure test it
Walk it through out loud or with key stakeholders. If the story makes sense, you’re on the right track.
Always remember to start with the story, then let the slides bring it to life.
