In the course of any story, and especially throughout a presentation narrative, a clear theme must be explored for an audience to appreciate your content, ideas, and call to action. When delving into your presentation storytelling structure, plunge headfirst into the deep depths of the theme sea. And the first step towards those waters requires constructing or selecting your story’s protagonist.
Here are 3 roles the perfect protagonist encompasses in a presentation storytelling narrative:
1. The Problem-Solver
Although the protagonist of material from literature or cinema does not necessarily have to find a solution to the problem presented to them, most presenters will probably want to end their talk on a positive note, with a substantial resolution. However, the key to creating a protagonist is carefully crafting their response to the obstacles that arise throughout the narrative, as it drives the direction of the story. For example, in Alice in Wonderland, Alice is the protagonist whose encounters with a variety of antagonists dictates the rising action of the story. Her decisions regarding these antagonists enhance audience attention and intrigue. If you are a fairly-established business creating a capabilities deck, you might want to operate within a story structure that sets up a system of problem introduction and solution seeking. In this instance, the presenter could either cast the product or service as the solution to the audience’s problem or the presenter could name the audience as the hero of the story – with the product or service as mentor on the greater journey.
2. The Flawed Subject
A protagonist may be nearly synonymous with “hero,” but it doesn’t mean it, she, or he is perfect by any means. If the main character was flawless, the audience wouldn’t be able to empathize with or relate to the person, place, or thing. A flawed protagonist is an engaging and powerful resource for the professional presenter attempting to convey big ideas in an authentic manner. Yes, we want to know that your product, idea, or service will benefit us. We want to know how it was created and who created it. But we need to hear struggles addressed – both on our end and the company’s end.
3. The Ying to a Yang
How could we talk about competing, yet similar forces without mentioning Star Wars? In the series, Luke Skywalker obviously portrays the protagonist and Darth Vader, the antagonist. It’s the classic example of good versus evil, with an endearing twist: Skywalker and Vader are essentially one and the same. Their personality traits include dedication and persistence, along with a fierce loyalty to the causes in which they believe. The methods to achieve the cause differ, but their values are in complete alignment. Increase the tension in your presentation storytelling narrative by connecting characteristics of your protagonist with your antagonist.
As the value of a well-communicated story becomes even more vital to the success of brands, companies, and organizations, the implications of devising a weak protagonist within your presentations will become a more influential make or break moment for your potential customers, investors, and partners. To learn more about the value of structured content and the mechanics of presentation storytelling, peruse the following articles:
Protagonists and Antagonists: G.I. Joe Style
How to Create Unforgettable Protagonists
How to Develop an Outline Within a PowerPoint Template
