Want to Give a Great Presentation? Use Ugly Sketches | Martin J. Eppler | TED

Summary

In this insightful talk, the speaker explores how visual tools can revolutionize collaboration, creativity, and decision-making in professional settings. Drawing from years of research, three key practices are highlighted: creating 'ugly' visuals to invite collaboration, using visual metaphors to engage existing knowledge and spark ideas, and applying visual variation to deepen understanding. The speaker emphasizes the power of simple, unfinished sketches and metaphors, demonstrating how these methods can foster innovation and improve communication in any workplace. A compelling call to action encourages everyone to embrace the power of pictures in their work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Visualization boosts creativity, improves collaboration, communication, and decision-making.
• 😀 Many people don't utilize the full potential of visualization in their work, sticking to outdated methods like bullet-point slides.
• 😀 Visual metaphors, such as the 'fortress built on sand', can help simplify complex information and change the dynamics of a conversation.
• 😀 Using sketches and doodles invites collaboration by signaling that the work is still in progress.
• 😀 The 'museum effect' occurs when visuals look too polished, discouraging revision and collaboration.
• 😀 A visual representation should be provisional and not overly designed to foster creativity and input from others.
• 😀 A metaphor should be simple, concrete, and relatable to the audience, making abstract concepts easier to grasp.
• 😀 Visualization aids memory retention and can motivate people to take action, as demonstrated by the use of a mountain trail metaphor at BMW.
• 😀 Using visual metaphors in a series can spark new ideas and collaboration, as it encourages others to extend the ideas further.
• 😀 The 'variation theory' suggests that people understand concepts better when they are presented in multiple ways, such as through varied visual metaphors.
• 😀 Starting with a simple visual and inviting others to build upon it is an effective way to encourage collaboration and creativity.

Q & A

What are the benefits of using visualization techniques at work?

Visualization techniques help boost creativity, improve collaboration and communication, enhance conflict resolution, and improve decision-making quality by making information more accessible and understandable.

Why do many people still stick to traditional presentation formats like bullet points?

Many people rely on old presentation methods due to habit, comfort, and familiarity. These formats are conventional and often considered safe, though they are less effective for fostering collaboration and creativity.

What is the key takeaway from the author's personal experience with the first high-stakes presentation?

The key takeaway is that using a simple visual metaphor (like the 'fortress built on sand' image) can effectively summarize complex information and facilitate a more collaborative, dynamic conversation. It leads to better engagement and understanding compared to using numerous slides.

What does the term 'low perceived finishness' mean, and why is it important?

'Low perceived finishness' refers to making visuals look provisional or unfinished. This approach encourages collaboration by signaling that the content is open for input, revision, and further development, rather than being static or perfect.

How does 'pencil selling' work and what benefits does it offer?

Pencil selling involves sketching ideas or products using a pencil rather than polished slides. This approach makes the content appear in-progress and encourages more collaboration, which has been shown to result in better engagement and sales outcomes.

Why should you lead with visual metaphors in presentations?

Visual metaphors are powerful because they make abstract concepts more concrete, relatable, and memorable. They activate prior knowledge and help people connect emotionally with the content, making it easier to understand and more engaging.

What was the result of using the mountain trail visual metaphor for BMW Financial Services?

Using the mountain trail metaphor for BMW's strategy led to better retention and higher motivation for implementation compared to using bullet points or diagrams. The metaphor made the content more memorable and engaging.

What is the importance of choosing the right visual metaphor?

The right metaphor should be simpler than the concept it represents, concrete, and something the audience can relate to. A poorly chosen metaphor can confuse the message, while a well-chosen one enhances understanding and engagement.

How does 'visual variation' enhance collaboration and creativity?

Visual variation involves using a series of similar images or metaphors with slight changes. This technique sparks the imagination and encourages people to extend and build upon the ideas presented, fostering a more collaborative and creative environment.

What was the final example of 'visual variation' related to career paths?

The final example showed non-linear career paths through varied visual metaphors, challenging the traditional idea of a linear career trajectory. This approach invited students to think about alternative, non-hierarchical career trajectories, promoting a more flexible and creative perspective.