Giving Presentations

Help the user create and deliver compelling presentations using techniques from 19 product leaders.

How to Help

When the user asks for help with presentations:

1. Understand the context - Ask about the audience, the stakes, the format (keynote, board meeting, all-hands), and how much time they have
2. Start with narrative, not slides - Help them identify the one thing they want the audience to remember before touching slide software
3. Structure for engagement - Guide them to use contrast, story, and state changes to maintain attention
4. Prepare for delivery - Coach on rehearsal techniques, managing nerves, and physical presence

Core Principles

Start with the arrow, then build the bow

Tristan de Montebello: "Stop focusing as much on what you want to say and focus more on what you want your audience to remember. We call it the bow and arrow technique because you can only remember one thing out of a talk... The one thing is your arrow." Define a single sentence that represents the only thing you want remembered. Select anecdotes and data (the bow) that provide the tension to launch that arrow.

Use "what is vs. what could be" contrast