The medium is the message
When your presentation speaks as loudly as your work.
I. The thought
In recent years, I've mentored nearly 100 product designers and researchers at various stages of their careers. A common challenge among them is navigating the interview process and achieving desired outcomes. Today, I'm sharing a condensed version of the most effective themes and tricks I’ve accumulated.
A standout presentation goes beyond merely showcasing work; it's about crafting a narrative that captivates your audience, managing their attention and directing their focus.
Start by taking advantage of time-tested narrative techniques to structure your presentation. The Aristotelian triptych—outlining what you'll do, what you're doing, and what you've done—provides a clear and engaging framework. Similarly, the hero/villain structure, utilized in iconic speeches like Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" and Steve Jobs' iPhone introduction, adds a dynamic and relatable dimension to your story. See: Nancy Duarte’s talk on “The Secret Structure of Great Talks”
Anticipating your audience's questions is key. Proactively address their queries to ensure a smooth flow in your presentation. The way you discuss your work reflects your seniority—early-career individuals focus on execution, while more experienced professionals emphasize strategic thinking and comfort with ambiguity.
Setting specific times for questions can maintain the flow of your presentation, allowing your audience to save their thoughts for designated moments. Sharing the full journey of your work, including challenges and missteps, demonstrates your resilience and willingness to experiment.
Impact statements can significantly enhance your presentation. In the absence of hard data, referencing success metrics set at the project's start shows your strategic approach and commitment to measurable outcomes.
By integrating these elements into your presentation, you'll showcase not just your core skills but also your storytelling ability—a crucial asset for any candidate. While tailored for product development, this advice applies to anyone looking to master effective storytelling in their professional journey.
Do you have questions about your presentation materials? Let’s chat
II. The links
The Gentlemen. I’m enjoying Guy Ritchie’s new Netflix show, which is a spin-off of his 2019 film with the same name. It’s classic Ritchie, with notes of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album. This genre-crossing mega album with 27 tracks features Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone. Is there anything she cannot do?
III. The jobs
Senior Product Designer, Typeform. Remote friendly, this is a chance to join a team that has redefined forms and surveys, reclaiming them from the mundane and making them people-friendly and beautiful.
Brand Design Manager, Stripe. My alma mater is hiring someone to lead a team of designers across both the Stripe and Link brand. I’m biased, but I think Stripe has one of the strongest brands in the tech space these days.
Head of Product Design, Linear. I love companies that take something historically unloved, and use design as a distinguishing characteristic in an otherwise undistinguished sector. Linear and Karri Saarinen have done just that.