AUTHOR: Lolly
how to make your presentation more cinematic
Most presentations suck. And the thing that pisses me off most about that fact is that presentations are stories. Stories like your favourite novel. Stories like you tell your mates. Stories like Hollywood blockbusters.
The only thing that separates them from you is your limiting beliefs. (It’s you. You’re the one standing in your own way. Fuck, you should pay me way more to be your therapist.)
here are some fun cinematic tricks for your presentation story
create a blockbuster opening for your presentation
Think about the opening scene of a blockbuster movie. It’s bold, it’s loud, and it’s impossible to ignore. You need that for your presentation. No more dull introductions. No more dry “I’m here to talk about BLAH.” You’ve got one shot to grab their attention, so you better make it count…to paraphrase 8 Mile.
Start with a question. A controversy. A story within a story. A shocking fact. Just do something unexpected. Get their attention right away.
keep it unpredictable with plot twists
Predictable presentations are a waste of time. If they already know everything you’re going to tell them, why wouldn’t they just stay home in their jammies, eating cereal out the box?
You need to lead them down one path and, just when they think they’ve guessed the ending, BAM; the ol’ switcheroo.
Maybe it’s a challenge or a problem that arises unexpectedly - that they didn’t even know they had, or a benefit to your offering that they didn’t even know they needed.
alright spielberg. you're on your own now
(You’re actually not. Book a damn consultation. There’s that classic movie twist. You’re welcome.)
build a character for a relatable story
Instead of telling your presentation story from your point of view, why not follow a character as they face their villains and battle their way to a brighter future?
Just make sure the character you describe is someone your audience can see themselves in. It’s the hero’s journey, but with your audience in the lead role.
keep the pace and build tension
This isn’t an arthouse movie, you don’t need to get self-indulgent. Make your point. Move on. Keep the story flowing. Keep your audience swept up in the movie magic.
Every scene should push the narrative forward—no unnecessary fluff.
use visual storytelling to enhance your presentation impact
When was the last time you saw a movie that was just audio? I think I’ve made my point.
Throw some of that cinematography into your slide designs. Make sure the visuals work with your narrative to enhance the experience and make it unforgettable.
leave your audience wanting more
A great movie always ends with something that lingers—a question, an idea, a final twist that leaves the audience thinking. Your presentation should do the same.
Don’t just wrap it up with a “thanks for your time”—end with something that makes your audience feel like they’ve experienced something worth remembering.
inspire change with a compelling call to action
Give them a call to action that’s not just practical, but inspiring. Make them feel like they’ve been part of something bigger, something important.
Leave them with a sense of purpose and possibility, and they’ll be eager to take the next step.
video
Reading is tough. Rest your weary eyes on this moving picture instead.