Resonate (book by Duarte)

Resonate: Present visual stories that transform audiences

Nancy Duarte

 Resonate

 This book is about presentations and how to make them more effective. If there is ONE big idea in this book, it is that the only reason to give a presentation is to change the world. You don’t need to change the whole word, but all presentations are about change. If you don’t intend to create a change, use a report.

 This book is full of rich content. A good presentation:

• Impacts the mind, the heart and the gut
• Tells a story using one of the classic motifs, like the hero’s journey
• Uses the contrast between “what is” and “what could be” to create energy – and goes back and forth between the two during the presentation
• Includes a call to action on the part of the audience
• Requires significant preparation, revision, and practice
• Requires repetition to have an effect

 A series of rules are presented, recorded here verbatim (my comments)

• Resonance causes change
  • The message must be meaningful to the audience in order to change them. Too many messages are about the presenter – not the audience.
• Incorporating story into presentations has an exponential effect on outcomes
  • People understand stories and combine intellectual and emotional reactions that ultimately spur action.
• If a presenter knows the audience’s resonant frequency and tunes to that, the audience will move
  • Until you know the audience, it is difficult to craft a resonating message
• Every audience will exist in a state of rest unless compelled to change
  • You must know what the big idea is and be able to explain why the audience should take the risk of acting on it.
• Use the big idea to filter out all frequencies other than the resonant frequency
  • Most presentations have too many ideas. Less is more.
• Structure is greater than the sum of its parts
  • Good presentations have structure on many levels, not just the highest level.
• Memorable moments are transmitted so they cover longer distances
  • Boring is not memorable. The right memorable moment will keep the story aline in the imagination and cause word-of-mouth.
• Audience interest is directly proportional to the presenter’s preparation
  • Great presentations are not spontaneous and lucky outcomes. Great presenters prepare.
• Your imagination can create a reality (attributed to James Cameron)
  • If you believe in your idea passionately, invest in telling the story well and often.

 

The book shows the use of numerous devices to create and analyze speeches, and shows the analysis of numerous famous speeches. The book weaves words, images and color together to maintain interest and drive clarity. It is an example of excellent design.

 This is one book where saying less honors the book. Given the huge importance presentations have in our business life, you should get a copy from the library or store and read this book. Maybe twice.