Stories provide context and meaning to information by connecting causes and effects in a way that mimics how humans think. Great stories invoke imagination by featuring a protagonist who digs deeper to discover the truth despite challenges. When pitching an idea, the presentation should tell a story that balances intellectual and emotional elements to show how the idea changes lives, using big visuals, minimal words, and avoiding jargon while demonstrating ownership of the material.

1. The art of storytelling.
Presented 07.01.15

2. WHY STORIES?

3. Stories give meaning and context to
what would otherwise be a collection
of easily forgettable facts.
A story, if broken down into
the simplest form is a
connection of cause and effect.
And that is exactly how we think.

5. Great stories invoke the
imagination to the point that
listeners begin to own them almost
as much as the teller.

8. If you examine great stories
throughout history,
you will inevitably find a protagonist
who digs deeper, works with scarce
resources, makes difficult decisions,
takes action despite risks,
and ultimately discovers the truth.

9. WHAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR
PITCH DECK?

10. WHAT’S THE PROBLEM YOU’RE SOLVING?
WHO’S THE CUSTOMER?
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO SELL/MARKET IT?
WHAT’S THE MARKET OPPORTUNITY?
WHO IS YOUR COMPETITION?
HOW DO YOU MAKE MONEY?
WHO’S ON YOUR TEAM?

11. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

12. YOU ARE
THE PROTAGONIST

13. BALANCE THE
INTELLECTUAL WITH
THE EMOTIONAL

14. YOUR STORY SHOULD
EXPRESS HOW AND WHY
LIFE CHANGES BECAUSE
OF YOUR IDEA

15. BIG VISUALS, FEW WORDS

16. SHOW ME A DEMO

17. CHECK YOUR JARGON
AT THE DOOR

18. OWN YOUR MATERIAL

19. Q + A

20. Thank you!