In her book Resonate, Nancy Duarte explains that a winning presentation makes an emotional connection with the audience. She compares a presentation to a journey, where the speaker takes the audience from their current environment to a new, inspired place. The focus is on creating a shared experience that encourages people to take action.

The author introduces a story framework that can help structure your message, similar to the approach used in famous movies (Star Wars, Lord of The Rings, etc) & books. She emphasizes the idea of contrasts—showing where things are now and where they would be if people adopt your ideas. This contrast creates tension, which helps keep the audience interested and engaged.

Finally, Resonate teaches that presentations are about serving your audience, not yourself. Duarte recommends using empathy to put yourself in your audience’s shoes so that you can deliver a message that truly resonates with their needs, values, and desires. By making your audience the hero of the story, you help them see how your ideas can change their world.