Management Tip of the Day: Storyboard Your Presentation

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 27, 2013 Storyboard Your Presentation Before you start creating slides for your next talk, plan what you're going to say. A storyboard — a visual outline of your presentation — will save you more time than it takes to create it. First, draw small representations of your ideas on sticky notes. The small space forces you to use simple, clear words and pictures. Limit yourself to one idea per slide: There's no reason to crowd them. This sketching process will help you clarify what you want to say and how you want to say it. As you storyboard, you'll be able to tell immediately which concepts are clunky or overly complex (you'll run out of space on your sticky notes). Eliminate them, and brainstorm new ways to communicate those messages more clearly. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations. Buy the book and learn what it takes to be an effective speaker » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study Available exclusively through HBR.org: Ebook + Video! Purchase of the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations ebook includes a 20-minute video case study. This video features author Nancy Duarte walking you through tips covered in the Guide and is available to download or to stream online. Duarte uses a former client, Alta Devices, to clearly illustrate how you can apply the techniques discussed in her book. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Know When to Forgive 4 Things Every Team Needs Get a Job Offer from a Stranger Focus Your Business Pitch on Yourself, Not Your Plan Write an Email That People Will Read Give Feedback That Crosses Cultures Stop Going to So Many Meetings Job Seekers: Focus on Achievements Use Your Crowd to Source Ideas Go After High-Quality Revenue All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)