Storytelling in PowerPoint presentations – emotions instead of just facts and figures

As aleading provider and professional in the field of PowerPoint presentationswe at i‑pointing deal with the question every day: How do we design creative presentations with which ourcustomers achieve exactly the effect they want? After all, we are absoluteprofessionals in the field of design, but the content also plays an equally important role. That's why we want to dedicate ourselves here to thetopic of storytellingand discuss howevery PowerPoint presentationcan rise above the conceit of boredom and sadness.

What is storytelling?

Storytelling - in German "telling stories" - is the communication of information, knowledge, opinions, values, etc. This can be done verbally or in writing, but also via images, videos and animations. Telling stories is a form of communication that has been around for thousands of years. Nowcompanies and agencies have also discovered storytelling for themselves, with some differences, but also overlaps.

Why storytelling?

Imagine sitting in a presentation and having facts and figures thrown at you. Very quickly the brain begins to switch off and concentrate on other things.The Microsoft Attentions Span Reportfrom 2015 found that the human attention span is steadily shrinking and is now even one second less than that of a goldfish (9 seconds). While in 2000 theaverage attention span of a personwas still 12 seconds,it had already shrunk to just 8 in 2013. Now we have arrived in 2023 and it is relatively likely that it has decreased even further in the past 9 years.

Storytelling focuses onpeople and their experiences and realities of life. Companies and their products are presented as an enrichment for customers. When conveying information, we not only rely on fact-based information, but also onemotions and memories.

Storytelling in PowerPoint presentations – is that possible?

Presentations - be itcompany, product - or offer presentation- are characterized by the fact that they are strongly aimed at facts. Although these are essential, thetype of mediationis usually not particularly efficient. Listeners soon start to drift away, but the desired effect does not materialize, namely attracting investors and new customers, selling productsand much more. And you have put a lot of time, energy and money into a presentation.

It is timeto rethink the way we convey content in presentations in order to hold attention and create tangible images in the minds of those being addressed. Studies showthat stories conveyed using storytelling sell 2-5 times better and are remembered 22 times longer than dry facts and figures.

Benefits of storytelling in PowerPoint presentations

1.) The core message becomes relevant for everyone

What everyone involved immediately recognizes through storytelling is theinitial problem. Because if you involve the audience right from the start, if you put theproblem in the context of actual and not abstractrealities of life, the attention is aroused and everyone is on the same page.

2.)The problem shown brings the solution almost by itself

After Noweveryone involved knows the problem, the solutionalmost arises automatically. You don't have to start listing theadvantages and benefits of a company or productand telling you why you should buy this exact product or invest in this company. Because in the story with the existing problem you have already incorporated theadded value and the solutionand in the next step you just need to unfold it beautifully.

3.) Everyone involved is on equal terms from the start

The beauty of storytelling lies not least in the fact that everyone is on the same page from the beginning of the story. Level of knowledgeare. After all, you also get involved in the topic at the same time. This showspotential investors, colleagues and customers that their problems and challenges are taken seriouslyand addressed. In addition, efforts are also being made to finda sensible solution. You have picked up those involved on an emotional level, there is room for their feelings, expectations and fears.

If you letcontent and visual designfollow ared thread, the result is not simple PowerPoint presentations, but experiences. There are exciting stories in every company, every idea and every product because there are people behind them. And their careers are usually exceptional and diverse.

We at i‑pointing have long recognized the relevance of storiesand have anin-house copywriter who helps our customers to tell their stories in a captivating and effective manner and to achieve the desired result.
They want yours Presentations to a high gloss in terms of content and visualsor have them created completely? We would be happy to send you anoffer.

Sources:
https://www.cmm.at/storyguide/#storytelling-praesentationen
https://de.scribd.com/document/265348695/Microsoft-Attention-Spans-Research-Report#