# Nail the Narrative

DevFeed: [Nail the Narrative](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/nail-the-narrative-26904.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://martinfowler.com/articles/never-send-slides/nail-your-narrative.html>)

Author: Martin Fowler (martin@martinfowler.com)

Published: 2026-09-15T15:11:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Martin Fowler](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/martin-fowler.md>)

Topics: [structure](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/structure.md>), [Software](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software.md>)

Tags: [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [presentation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/presentation.md>), [speaking](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/speaking.md>), [structure](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/structure.md>), [writing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/writing.md>)

## AI overview

The article argues that presenters should develop a clear narrative before opening slide software. It recommends defining the central idea and audience, shaping a storyline, and creating a lightweight storyboard before designing slides.

## Source excerpt

Sumeet Gayathri Moghe finds many folks building presentations get tangled in building slides without a coherent narrative. He advises distilling the big idea, visualizing the audience, and building a structured storyline. more...