Create Presentations that Captivate

Most presentations start with a template and end with a yawn.

In small towns and small businesses, we don’t have time for fluff. We need presentations that spark action, build trust, and leave people saying, “I get it—and I’m in.”

Here’s the mindset shift I use every time I build a presentation:

Don’t start with slides. Start with story.

Why I Reach for a Pen First

Before I design anything, I sketch. I scribble. I ask myself:

• What’s the one idea I want people to remember?

• What belief do I want to shift?

• What emotion do I want to spark?

Because great presentations aren’t about data dumps. They’re about emotional clarity. They guide people from where they are to where you want them to go.

From Presenter to Storyteller

Whether I’m pitching a new community campaign or teaching leadership skills, I build every presentation like a journey:

• Start with a relatable moment. Something that makes people nod.

• Introduce the challenge. What’s broken, missing, or misunderstood?

• Offer the shift. A new way to see, act, or believe.

• End with a call to pride. Make them feel part of something bigger.

  
  

Tips for Small-Town Presenters Who Want to Captivate

1. Ditch the default slides.

Start with pen and paper. Map your message before you design it.

2. Use real stories.

Talk about your town, your team, your customers. Specific beats slick every time.

3. Keep it visual—but meaningful.

One powerful image > ten cluttered slides. Use visuals to amplify, not distract.

4. Speak like you care.

Drop the jargon. Use plain language with heart. Your audience will lean in.

5. Practice with a neighbor.

If your message makes sense to someone outside your industry, you’re on the right track.