Outline Introspectives Series
The Introspectives series adapts classic story frameworks into presentation outlines, and showcases their unique introduction structures.
Complete with actionable examples, and explanations, Introspectives are designed to explain the structure and flow of what makes an introduction great, and help you deliver more meaningful and impactful presentations.
Download the full 30-page PDF of episode #2
Episode #2 - Before-After-Bridge
Adapted from the work of Christopher Booker, 'Overcoming the Monster' is a story framework that outlines a narrative where the story's hero confronts and triumphs over a significant external challenge or adversary.
Adapting the story arc for presentations
We adapted the framework to give it a structure suitable for use as a presentation outline.
Type of presentation this framework is good for
The Before-After-Bridge framework is highly versatile and can be effective for a wide variety of storytelling and persuasive communication situations. Here are some of the best-suited types of stories and presentations for using this framework:
- Product or Service Demos: Introducing a new product or service by highlighting the current problems or limitations that it addresses, showcasing the improvements or benefits, and bridging with how the product/service enables the transition.
- Business Case Studies: Demonstrating the impact of a strategy or initiative by presenting the state of affairs before implementation, the results or improvements after, and the strategic steps that bridged the two states.
- Change Management: Communicating organizational changes by starting with the existing challenges, painting a picture of the future state post-change, and outlining the plan or processes that will bridge the gap.
- Personal Transformation Stories: Sharing personal growth or success stories that begin with the initial struggles or situations, follow through to the improved state after making certain changes, and explain the actions that facilitated the transformation.
- Policy or Advocacy Talks: Arguing for policy changes or advocating for a cause by illustrating the current issues or status quo, describing the positive future with the policy enacted, and detailing the advocacy or policy bridge to get there.
- Marketing and Sales Presentations: Persuading customers or stakeholders by discussing the limitations of their current situation, detailing how life could be improved with a particular product or service, and guiding them on the steps to make the change.
- Educational and Training Sessions: Explaining the gap in knowledge or skills (Before), how the training will benefit and enhance skills (After), and what the learning path (Bridge) entails.
Using this framework as a presentation outline
The framework is available as a template inside the Outline product. The screenshot below shows all 32 slides.
