Master Validation Sequence
Run these in order for any presentation:
Phase 0: Launchpad
- Audience is clearly defined (who, what they care about, what they fear)
- Intent level is identified (Inform → Align → Recommend → Persuade → Inspire)
- SCQA is complete — Situation creates common ground, Complication creates tension
- Big Idea is under 20 words, memorable, actionable
- Big Idea creates the gap between "What Is" and "What Could Be"
- 2-4 Pillars are MECE (no overlaps, no gaps)
- Story arc matches the intent level
- Each pillar maps to at least one block
Phase 1: Block Level (Architect → Storyteller → Designer)
Architect checks:
- Each block has ONE clear strategic purpose
- Blocks are MECE relative to the Big Idea
- No block can be removed without losing the argument
- Sequence is logical (urgency → knowledge → application, or similar)
Storyteller checks:
- Clear beginning, middle, and end
- Emotional arc rises and falls appropriately
- Audience is positioned as the hero
- There's a clear transformation from "ordinary world" to "new reality"
Designer checks:
- Evidence archetype identified for each block (statistics, case studies, frameworks, etc.)
- Visual variety planned across blocks
- Key data assets identified and available
Phase 2: Loop Level (Architect → Storyteller → Designer)
Architect checks:
- Headline Test: Read all slide titles in order — do they tell the complete story?
- Each loop makes exactly ONE point
- Reasoning approach is consistent (deductive OR inductive, not mixed)
- 3-10 slides per loop
Storyteller checks:
- Clear tension and resolution within each loop
- Sparkline rhythm: "What Is" vs "What Could Be" oscillation
- Emotional peaks at key moments
- Contrast pairs create engagement
Designer checks:
- Reveal strategy is intentional (headline-first, progressive, or dramatic)
- Data visualizations build on each other
- Visual flow is consistent within the loop
Phase 3: Slide Level (Architect → Storyteller → Designer)
Architect checks:
- Title states an insight, not a topic
- Exactly ONE idea per slide (if you need "and" → split it)
- "So What?" cascade applied (3 levels deep)
- Body content supports title, doesn't repeat it
Storyteller checks:
- Abstract concepts have concrete metaphors
- Language is vivid and specific (power words, concrete numbers)
- Key slides create memorable moments
- Slide would make someone feel something
Designer checks:
- 3-Second Test: Main point grasped in 3 seconds
- Squint Test: Visual hierarchy works even blurred
- Every element earns its place (remove anything decorative)
- Chart type matches the message
- Data-Ink Ratio maximized (no gridlines, 3D, chart junk)
- Would this work without you presenting?
Quick Diagnostic Tests
The Action Title Test
| If the title is... | Then... |
|---|---|
| "Sales Data" | BAD — it's a topic, not an insight |
| "Q3 Revenue" | BAD — still a topic |
| "Revenue grew 40% YoY" | BETTER — it's a fact |
| "Revenue grew 40% YoY driven by APAC expansion" | BEST — insight + cause |
The "So What?" Cascade
Apply three times to find the real insight:
Fact: "Our churn rate is 8%"
→ So what? "That's 2x the industry average"
→ So what? "We're losing $3.4M per year"
→ So what? "We lose #2 position in 18 months"
↑ THIS is your action title
The Bridge Test
For each slide, ask: "Can I remove this without breaking the flow?"
- If YES → remove it, it's not bridged properly
- If NO → it's well-connected, keep it
The Plausibility Test
For each claim, map to evidence:
| Claim | Evidence | Status |
|---|---|---|
| "Market is growing 25%" | Industry report, Q4 2025 | Validated |
| "Our solution is best" | Customer testimonial | Weak — need data |
| "ROI exceeds 400%" | Internal analysis | Pending review |
The Emotional Arc Test
Map your presentation's emotional temperature:
Should look like: NOT like:
╱╲ ╱╲ ╱ ─────────────
╱ ╲ ╱ ╲╱ (flat = boring)
The Metaphor Quality Test
- Can a non-expert understand this? → If no, the metaphor fails
- Would someone share this with others? → If no, it's not memorable
- Does it strengthen the argument? → If no, it's decoration, remove it
Story Moment Placement Guide
| Moment | What it does | Where | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Shock | Wakes up audience | First 20% | "100M users in 2 months" |
| The Vision | Paints the future | After problem | "Imagine if every employee could..." |
| The Proof | Builds credibility | After vision | "Company X saw 40% improvement" |
| The Choice | Creates urgency | Near end | "We can either act now or..." |
| The Call | Drives action | Final | "I need your approval today" |
Red Flags Checklist
Stop and fix if you see any of these:
- Big Idea takes more than 20 words to explain
- No clear Complication in the SCQA (no tension = no engagement)
- More than 4 pillars (cognitive overload)
- Blocks overlap significantly (not MECE)
- A loop tries to make multiple points
- Titles are topics, not insights
- No emotional peaks in the presentation
- Presenter is positioned as the hero (should be the audience)
- Data slides have no clear "so what?"
- Slides need the presenter to explain them (should stand alone)