Visual Storytelling: What to Show (and What Not)

Visual Storytelling: What to Show (and What Not)

Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will know how to visualize value without overwhelming or confusing decision-makers.

The Rule of Visuals

Slides should:

• Support the story
• Not replace it

If the slide explains itself, you are unnecessary.

The 3 Slides That Matter Most

You can win deals with just these:

Slide 1 — Before vs After

Show:

• Current state (manual, fragmented)
• Future state (automated, controlled)

No features.

Only process change.

Slide 2 — Value Breakdown

Show:

• Where savings come from
• What improves
• What risk reduces

Keep numbers round and conservative.

Slide 3 — ROI Summary

Show:

• Investment
• Payback period
• Net gain

One slide. One message.

What NOT to Show

Avoid:

• Feature lists
• Architecture diagrams
• Long tables
• Technical flows

These belong after buy-in, not before.

Key Takeaways

• Less slides = more impact
• Visuals support logic
• Before/After beats features
• Simplicity builds confidence