{"id":853,"date":"2024-02-01T10:00:53","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T10:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thoughts.futurepresent.agency\/?p=853"},"modified":"2024-04-12T16:01:37","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T15:01:37","slug":"sparklines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thoughts.futurepresent.agency\/news\/sparklines\/","title":{"rendered":"Presentation Story Structures: Sparklines"},"content":{"rendered":"
All the world’s a stage, and every presentation is a story waiting to be told. One of the most potent narrative arcs for presentations is the Sparkline. It’s a narrative structure that holds the power to electrify.<\/p>\n
So, what are Sparklines anyway? They’re one of the six narrative arcs<\/a>, originally introduced by Nancy Duarte<\/a> – renowned presentation guru. Sparklines juxtapose the “what is” with the “what could be”.<\/p>\n The “what is” lays bare the Hero’s current reality, often brimming with challenges or conflicts, a sobering depiction of the status quo. In contrast, the “what could be” emanates an inspiring vision of the future where a protagonist triumphs over their adversities.<\/p>\n Here’s how that looks on a framework diagram.<\/p>\n This vibrant juxtaposition fuels the narrative. It guides the audience along a path from the present’s harsh realities to a brighter tomorrow.<\/p>\n Narratives in general are a universal means of communication, deeply ingrained in human behaviour. They allows us to understand and process information more easily by adding context to the info you’re trying to convey. We’re hardwired to remember stories and seek emotional connection. The Sparkline arc leverages this human propensity to its fullest.<\/p>\n The Sparklines contrast between a problematic present and a promising future to generate an emotional rollercoaster that stirs up feelings of tension, anticipation and, ultimately, hope.<\/p>\n The crux of the Sparklines arc is motivating change. When an audience is presented with a vision of a hopeful future, it fuels their desire to strive for that better reality.<\/p>\n Using Sparklines in a presentation is akin to holding a lit match up to a perfectly dried pile of presentation kindling. In a matter of moments, you’ll see how well it warms up your audience. They’re ready to accept the changes you’re proposing, have their imagination lit up, and desire to effect change igniting.<\/p>\n Sparklines work by presenting the audience with their status quo. Then, a contrasting picture of an appealing, idealised future is shown. Repeat this pattern throughout the entire presentation, as many times as needed, then culminate in a climactic call-to-action. This is the flame that turns your Sparkline into a full-blown fire.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The psychology behind the Sparkline arc<\/h2>\n
Using Sparklines to ignite engagement<\/h2>\n
See the glow with real-world Sparkline examples<\/h2>\n