The Overwhelmed Creative Team: A Cautionary “Design Ops” Tale

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SlideGenius

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Back in 2011, fresh out of college, I worked for an advertising agency in New York City as an account manager.

It was one of the most stressful jobs I’ve ever had.

One of my responsibilities was overseeing the creation of my clients’ pitch decks, which — unsurprisingly — weren’t considered “mission critical” deliverables for the creative team.

There was never time to be idle; we were always on the go, brainstorming, producing content, and running to client meetings. The job was stressful but we were fortunate to have the right people that were easy to work with, passionate, and fun.

Over the next year though, the team began to thin. Some members left for bigger opportunities, others were poached by competing agencies, and some even started their own businesses.

Eventually, most of our veterans in the creative department were gone and the empty seats were filled with junior art directors and copywriters. 

I remember being worried about how things would unfold without some of the key employees I had come to rely on. Everyone had to step up. 

And for a while, everything ran smoothly. But as the agency grew and workloads increased, our internal design processes began to break down.

The creative team — consisting mostly of junior employees — were overwhelmed with pitch deck projects. At one point, they were unable to handle one of the decks assigned to them.

I remember it like it was yesterday…

As the account manager, I had to keep things moving and decided to just make the deck myself. 

Never did I think creating the PowerPoint deck would stress me out. After all, I’d used the tool for years to present my school reports and projects. The pre-loaded animations were there for the choosing and I knew I could find some cool-looking pre-designed templates somewhere online and simply visit YouTube for “design hack” tutorials.

Boy was I wrong.

See, the problem is that we’ve all worked with PowerPoint for years (even decades) and we trick ourselves into thinking we know enough.

Think about that for a moment.

That’s basically saying because we’ve driven cars since we were 16 years old, we feel comfortable with how the machine works.

In reality, most of us only know how to get from Point A to Point B (in most cases), and keep ourselves comfortable along the way.

We don’t know how to make the car more fuel efficient, or give it more horsepower to make it faster, or how to adjust the shocks for more on-road comfort or off-road capability—things that would undoubtedly benefit us in our week-to-week (depending on one’s lifestyle of course).

Instead, we use the same vehicle in its original configuration until it’s time to move on—because that’s what we’re used to.

If you think about it, that’s basically the same as downloading a pre-designed template that appears suitable, uploading content, and then hitting the proverbial gas pedal.

I felt I knew enough about PowerPoint to make the pitch deck acceptable.

Let’s be clear: when the goal for any project is “acceptable,” it’s safe to assume—in this day and age—it probably won’t move any needles in the right direction.

To no-one’s surprise, I came up with an almost plain deck with cheesy animations. You know, your typical box-in, appear, dissolve-type effects—stuff that causes Death by PowerPoint and makes you look old.

Fortunately, my presentation skills were good enough to outshine my unoriginal slides and the materials my creative team came up with were downright beautiful. 

But just seeing how the deck came out was a humbling experience. It was definitely something I was not proud of. I used to be so giddy presenting with the spectacular decks that our creative team came up with, but for this presentation, my deck was as good as just writing on the board with a marker

Heck, a whiteboard session might have even been more engaging than what I came up with. What’s worse is I could’ve had more hours to sleep and focus on what I was going to say rather than spend so much time on the deck.

The lesson here is pretty clear: we aren’t necessarily experts when we’ve done something many times, and just knowing “enough” is never good enough in high stakes environments like sales presentations, boardroom meetings, and keynote speeches (among others).

Whether you’re guiding a prospect through a product demo, trying to garner buy-in in the boardroom, or announcing upcoming products at your company’s annual internal conference, your ability to achieve the goals you set out to accomplish with your presentation rests on four key factors: 

1) Your presentation skills (obviously)

2) The narrative of your presentation

3) The design quality of your visual aid (typically a PowerPoint deck), and

4) MOST IMPORTANTLY: your audience’s level of engagement

Thankfully, I had the first one—but imagine what my team could have accomplished if we had all four!

Extreme Presenting: An Example from Ted Cruz

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Ted Cruz

U.S. Senate

Wendy Fry

Presenting in high-stakes environments, whether it’s politics or business, demands a unique combination of clear communication, passion, and strategic use of visuals. One memorable example of extreme presenting is Senator Ted Cruz’s 2013 filibuster, which was both a political event and a presentation spectacle. While you may not agree with his politics, there are valuable lessons in how Cruz used visuals, metaphors, and passion to maintain engagement over an extended period.

Here’s what we can learn from his extreme presenting style:


1. Use of Visual Metaphors to Drive Home the Message

During his marathon speech, Cruz famously referenced and read from Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham. While it might seem odd in a political debate, this playful metaphor was effective in symbolizing his argument against government overreach, a key point of his stance on healthcare reform. The use of visual and narrative metaphors helped him break down a complex topic into something more relatable.

What We Can Learn:

  • Extend Metaphors to Explain Complex Ideas: By drawing on simple, well-known stories or images, you can make complex issues more accessible and memorable for your audience. Metaphors create a shared understanding, helping audiences connect emotionally with the material.

Example for Business Presentations: When explaining a challenging financial forecast, you might compare navigating the market to “sailing through a storm,” helping people visualize uncertainty and the importance of staying focused.


2. Energizing Presentation with Passion and Humor

Throughout his filibuster, Cruz maintained a steady energy level, interspersing his arguments with moments of humor and personal anecdotes. Whether reading children’s books or making light-hearted jokes, Cruz kept the audience engaged, even as his speech stretched for hours. His passion for the subject was undeniable, which helped hold viewers’ attention.

What We Can Learn:

  • Maintain Energy and Passion: An effective presenter conveys passion for their topic, which can be contagious for the audience. Your enthusiasm will help keep your listeners engaged, even when the topic is serious or the presentation is long.
  • Use Humor Thoughtfully: Light moments and humor can break the tension and keep the audience focused, as long as it complements your message.

Example for Business Presentations: When discussing a difficult challenge, a touch of humor—such as referencing a well-known, humorous situation—can help keep the atmosphere light and the audience attentive.


3. Use of Long-Form Presenting

Cruz’s ability to sustain a speech for 21 hours offers a lesson in pacing and stamina. His extreme presentation style was a mixture of facts, personal anecdotes, humor, and a clear focus on his objective. This long-form presentation method requires exceptional preparation and an understanding of how to break content into digestible parts to maintain audience engagement.

What We Can Learn:

  • Break Up Content into Segments: Even in extended presentations, breaking the content into smaller, manageable segments helps maintain audience attention. Cruz used a variety of techniques, from storytelling to visuals, to divide his lengthy speech into smaller, engaging parts.

Example for Business Presentations: If you need to deliver a long presentation, structure it into sections with clear transitions. Add anecdotes or real-life examples between each section to create natural breaks and keep your audience engaged.


Final Thoughts

Ted Cruz’s filibuster stands out as an example of extreme presenting, demonstrating the importance of metaphors, energy, humor, and strategic pacing. Whether you’re giving a short talk or a long-form presentation, these techniques can help you connect with your audience, maintain engagement, and deliver your message effectively.

A Guide to Tackling Stage Fright

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stage fright

Public speaking can be intimidating, even for seasoned professionals. Stage fright, or the fear of speaking in front of an audience, affects many presenters. Whether it’s the thought of being judged, making mistakes, or simply standing in front of a crowd, stage fright can interfere with delivering your message effectively. However, with the right approach, you can overcome this anxiety and deliver a powerful presentation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to tackling stage fright and becoming a more confident speaker.

1. Prepare Thoroughly

The foundation of a successful presentation lies in preparation. When you know your material inside out, you’re less likely to stumble or lose your train of thought. Break your content into key points and rehearse them multiple times until you’re comfortable.

  • Organize Your Content: Outline the structure of your presentation clearly, with an engaging introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Practice Out Loud: Rehearsing your speech out loud can help you hear how your ideas flow and allow you to make necessary adjustments. If possible, practice in front of a friend or record yourself.
  • Familiarize Yourself with the Venue: If you have access to the presentation space beforehand, take a walk around the stage and familiarize yourself with the setup.

2. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you conquer stage fright. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, visualize yourself delivering a confident and engaging presentation. Picture the audience reacting positively, and imagine the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel afterward.

  • Focus on Positive Outcomes: Think about your audience being engaged and applauding your performance. Visualizing success can boost your confidence and reduce nervousness.
  • Adopt a Power Pose: Before going on stage, stand in a confident posture for a few minutes—this is known as a “power pose.” It can trick your brain into feeling more assured and in control.

3. Practice Deep Breathing

When anxiety strikes, your heart rate increases, and your breathing may become shallow. Deep breathing exercises are a quick and effective way to calm your nerves before stepping on stage.

  • Breathe Deeply: Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and then exhale for another count of four. Repeat this several times until you feel more centered.
  • Relax Your Body: As you breathe, consciously relax your muscles, especially in your shoulders and neck, where tension often accumulates. This will help you feel more grounded and composed.

4. Focus on the Message, Not Yourself

A common source of stage fright is the fear of being judged. Shift your focus away from yourself and place it on the message you’re trying to convey. Remember that the audience is there to gain something valuable from your presentation, not to scrutinize every word or gesture.

  • Shift Attention to the Audience’s Needs: Concentrate on how your presentation benefits the audience. By focusing on their needs rather than your own performance, you can divert your mind from self-consciousness.
  • Engage the Audience: Ask questions, encourage participation, or share stories to make the presentation more interactive. Engaging with the audience helps to build a connection, making the experience less daunting.

5. Start with a Strong Opening

First impressions matter. Starting your presentation confidently can set the tone for the rest of your performance. Craft an opening that grabs attention and gives you a sense of control.

  • Use a Powerful Quote or Statistic: Starting with a compelling quote, statistic, or even a short story can draw in the audience and boost your confidence from the beginning.
  • Make Eye Contact: Engage with the audience by making eye contact with a few friendly faces in the room. This will make the presentation feel more conversational and help calm your nerves.

6. Accept and Embrace Nervousness

It’s important to recognize that nervousness is a natural part of public speaking. Even experienced presenters feel anxiety before a big speech. Rather than trying to eliminate your nerves, work with them.

  • Channel Nervous Energy Positively: A certain level of anxiety can actually heighten your focus and make you more alert. Channel this energy into enthusiasm for your subject.
  • Normalize Your Feelings: Remember, many people in the audience likely experience stage fright themselves, and they will empathize with you.

7. Use Positive Affirmations

The way you talk to yourself matters. Negative thoughts like “I’ll mess up” or “They won’t like my presentation” can intensify anxiety. Replace these thoughts with positive affirmations.

  • Repeat Positive Phrases: Tell yourself things like, “I am well-prepared,” “I can do this,” or “The audience wants to hear what I have to say.” This shift in mindset can significantly reduce stress and build confidence.

8. Learn to Laugh at Mistakes

Mistakes happen to everyone. What matters is how you handle them. Instead of getting flustered, laugh off small errors and move on. Your audience is likely more forgiving than you think.

  • Don’t Dwell on It: If you stumble over a word or lose your train of thought, take a breath, smile, and continue. Chances are the audience won’t even notice.
  • Use Humor: If appropriate, self-deprecating humor can lighten the mood and show the audience that you’re human too.

9. Gather Feedback and Reflect

Once the presentation is over, gather feedback from trusted colleagues or audience members. Use their constructive criticism to improve for future presentations. The more you present, the more comfortable you’ll become.

  • Reflect on Your Successes: Take time to acknowledge what went well in your presentation. Focusing on your strengths will build your confidence for next time.
  • Embrace Continuous Improvement: Feedback is essential for growth. View each presentation as an opportunity to refine your skills and lessen your fear over time.

Final Thoughts

Stage fright may seem overwhelming, but with practice and the right techniques, it can be managed. By focusing on preparation, engaging with the audience, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can overcome anxiety and deliver presentations with confidence. Remember, every great presenter has felt fear at some point—what sets them apart is their ability to face it head-on and continue moving forward. You’ve got this!

Public Speaking Lessons to Take Away from “The King’s Speech”

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The King's Speech

Released to huge acclaim from audiences and critics in 2011, The King’s Speech details King George VI’s struggle to overcome his stammer and fear of public speaking, and his relationship with his unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue.

While it’s a very captivating movie, it also has a lot of practical application as a guide to public speaking, and there are many lessons to learn from the challenges King George VI overcame during his journey in becoming an effective public speaker.

Confidence is Key

The primary struggle of The King’s Speech is King George VI’s struggle to learn to trust his voice. Throughout the film, he learned to become comfortable in his own skin and accept his faults, which translated to overcoming his stutter.

Confidence is imperative to giving an effective presentation, especially during an investor or interview presentation where instilling confidence in one’s audience is a must. It’s difficult to fake sincere confidence, which emanates throughout your presentation in a variety of ways, but if you can’t find confidence in your ability to speak in public, a good substitute is to reassure yourself with confidence for what you’re presenting.

During the film, a primary reason “Bertie” developed his stammer and fear of public speaking was because he got caught in a cycle of negative reinforcement, where previous public speaking failures caused him to lose confidence in himself, and resulted in him continuing to give poor speeches because of it. After a bad presentation, it’s important to learn from your mistakes, then forget about the bad performance and move forward.

Realize There is Room for Improvement

Chances are you’re not the greatest presenter or public speaker on the planet. There is always room for improvement. However, for those who struggle with public speaking, the greater challenge isn’t realizing you have a problem, but openly addressing it.

Whether you seek to improve your public speaking privately, with a college course or elsewhere, the most important factor is that you are addressing the fact that public speaking is a challenge for you. Running and hiding from it will do nothing but make the problem worse.

One of my favorite moments in The King’s Speech was the conversation between “Bertie” and his speech therapist when he admitted he needed help:

“Lionel Logue: What was your earliest memory?
King George VI: I’m not… -here to discuss… -personal matters.
Lionel Logue: Why are you here then?
King George VI: Because I bloody well stammer!”

Practice

Every great presenter, especially those whose skill appears to be effortless and relaxed, became great through practice and repetition.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s popular book, “Outliers,” he presents the “10-hour rule” as the reason for success behind Bill Gates’ wealth and business success and the enormous popularity of the Beatles. He theorizes that these two entities had approximately 10,000 hours of exposure to their craft, which is what made them become so legendary.

Practice and experience produces success. Great presentations aren’t improvised. If you want to “wow” an audience, you have to put in the work.

Rehearse your presentation until it’s ingrained in your memory–to the point of monotony. Orchestrate your talking points with your visual aid.

Check out ‘The King’s Speech’ if you haven’t seen it yet. It’s a captivating film where you can find lessons ingrained within the challenges overcome by this tongue-tied monarch.