Nancy Duarte Presentation Storyboarding

Nancy Duarte's presentation storyboarding method uses analog sticky notes and visual sketching to build a clear narrative before opening software.

5 time blocks, 60 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Audience Empathy Mapping: 10 min
Write down audience needs, current status, and desired takeaway
Rapid Sticky Note Ideation: 15 min
Write one idea per sticky note off-screen without filtering
Narrative Arc Plotting: 15 min
Arrange sticky notes to contrast what is with what could be
Ruthless Idea Pruning: 10 min
Remove repetitive or weak notes to tighten the narrative flow
Slide Thumbnail Sketching: 10 min
Sketch simple visual representations for each remaining sticky note

About this routine

Nancy Duarte's presentation storyboarding process focuses on stepping away from presentation software to craft narrative structure on paper. Duarte, author of Resonate and Slide:ology, advocates using low-tech tools like sticky notes to generate and arrange ideas freely before touching digital slides.

The session begins with audience empathy mapping, identifying what the audience currently feels and what you want them to do. Writers then generate ideas rapid fire on separate sticky notes, placing them on a wall or whiteboard. Notes move easily, making it simple to test different narrative flows and remove weak ideas.

By organizing thoughts along a contrast arc of what is versus what could be, the presentation builds clear tension and resolution. Simple paper sketches of each slide concept finish the session, ensuring every slide supports a single core idea.

Why this routine works

Prevents slide software from limiting creative ideas
Establishes a compelling narrative arc before design begins
Makes reorganizing and removing weak content quick and easy

FAQ

What is Nancy Duarte's presentation storyboarding process?

It is an analog planning method that uses sticky notes, whiteboards, and paper sketches to map presentation content before opening presentation software.

Why does Nancy Duarte recommend sticky notes for presentation design?

Sticky notes allow rapid idea generation and easy spatial reorganization without the commitment or distraction of digital slides.

How long does an analog storyboarding session take?

A focused storyboarding session typically takes 60 minutes to outline and refine a full narrative structure.

Sources

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences, Nancy Duarte
slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations, Nancy Duarte