Using storyboarding to plan your presentation

Storyboarding is an essential yet often overlooked technique in the arsenal of public speakers. It's a powerful tool to plan and refine presentations, ensuring your message is delivered effectively and memorably. Let's explore how storyboarding can transform your approach to presentations.

The Power of Visual Planning

At its core, storyboarding involves visually planning out a presentation. Like filmmakers who use storyboards to map out scenes, public speakers can use this technique to organise their ideas and create a flow that resonates with their audience.

Why Storyboard?

• Clarity of Thought: By laying out your presentation visually, you can see the flow of ideas, identify gaps, and organise content more coherently.
• Engagement Strategy: It helps in planning how to introduce elements that engage the audience, like stories, visuals, or questions.
• Memory Aid: A storyboard acts as a visual memory aid, helping you recall the sequence of your presentation.

Getting Started with Storyboarding

1. Define Your Key Message - Every great presentation revolves around a central message or idea. Identify this early to ensure your storyboard aligns with the intended takeaway.

2. Break Down Your Content - Divide your presentation into main points or sections. Each section can represent a "scene" in your storyboard.

3. Choose Your Tools - You don’t need fancy software; storyboarding can be as simple as using sticky notes on a wall or sketches in a notebook.

Crafting Your Storyboard

1. Sketch the Flow - Start placing your main points or sections in a sequence. Think of each as a stepping stone leading to your final message.

2. Add Details - Under each main point, add sub-points, examples, or stories. This level of detail ensures a rich, well-structured presentation.

3. Visual Elements - Consider where to add visual aids like slides, props, or demonstrations. Visuals can make complex information more digestible and engaging.

Refining Your Storyboard

1. Review for Flow and Coherence - Step back and review your storyboard. Does it flow logically? Are there abrupt transitions? Make adjustments as needed.

2. Timing and Pacing - Allocate approximate timings for each section. This helps in maintaining pacing and fitting within allotted speaking time.

3. Feedback - If possible, get feedback on your storyboard. Fresh eyes can spot potential issues or suggest improvements.

Implementing Your Storyboard

1. Practice with Your Storyboard - Use your storyboard as a guide during practice sessions. It will help reinforce the flow and key points in your memory.

2. Be Flexible - While your storyboard is a guide, be prepared to adapt. Audience reactions or time constraints may require on-the-spot adjustments.

Beyond Traditional Storyboarding

1. Digital Tools - There are digital tools available for storyboarding that offer flexibility and additional features like collaborative editing.

2. Mind Mapping - For those who prefer a non-linear approach, mind mapping can be an alternative to traditional storyboarding.

Storyboarding is more than just a planning tool; it's a way to breathe life into your presentations. By visually mapping out your talk, you ensure that your message is delivered with clarity, coherence, and impact. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting, incorporating storyboarding into your preparation can significantly enhance your public speaking effectiveness.

In today's fast-paced world where attention is fleeting, a well-planned, storyboarded presentation can be the difference between a forgettable talk and a memorable, impactful one. It's not just about what you say, but how you guide your audience through your narrative. So, the next time you're tasked with a presentation, take a leaf from the filmmaker's book: storyboard it, and watch your public speaking transform from good to great.