Today, we’re diving into the world of Sam Horn, the brilliant author of “Pop” and Founder of the Intrigue Agency. Sam is a best selling author with several books on communication and an engaging speaker.
Who is Sam Horn?
Before we jump in, let me give you a quick intro to Sam. She’s not just any speaker – she’s an international bestselling author who’s done two incredible TEDx talks. Sam is focused on creating intrigue and connecting with people, and her energy is something to be witness in her talks.
A lot of speakers could learn from Sam Horn, that being passionate about what you talk about and keeping your energy uplifting and positive on stage can translate into an engaging talk for your audience.
The Colour Scheme Challenge
When I begin with a presentation design for a client, I always start with the colour scheme. For Sam, I wanted something that matched “Sam Horn” – mirroring her vibrant, intriguing, and totally captivating personality.
Here’s a pro tip: When working with speakers, ask them about their favourite colours are or what makes them feel confident when presenting. For Sam, I noticed she rocks colourful outfits –she wore purple in one talk, a multi-coloured top in another. And let’s not forget that funky pink hair and cool hat!
A traditional colour scheme would not do her style justice.
Before and After: The Slide Transformation
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff folks – the makeover! I took one of Sam’s existing talk and gave it The Presentation Designer treatment. Here’s what I focused on:
- Bold Typography: Don’t be scared to make your slides pop! I used big, bold text that you anyone can read from the back of the room. Remember, use 72 point font or above in PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides. Any smaller and it’s hard for your audience to read.
- Vibrant Colours: I went with a purple and yellow combo to match Sam’s energetic personality. These colours match the topic of “intrigue,”
- Visualising Concepts: Sam talks about an 8-step intrigue process in her talk. I broke it down visually using the letters in “INTRIGUE.” It’s all about making complex ideas easy to grasp for your audience.
The Heart of Sam’s Message
The core of Sam’s talk is this: “If we want to succeed, we must intrigue.” I made sure this stood out in the slides. It’s all about making connections, not just telling people what we do.
You can do this with your own audience by asking the question “What is the key takeaway for my audience?” this way you leave the audience with the “Big Idea” or key point you want them to remember.
Always finish your presentation on a strong idea or takeaway. You should also raise the tone of your voice slightly to emphasise this is an important point to listen to and take note off.
The ending of your presentation is crucial – never end your presentation with a “Thank You” slide. It’s a total no-no in my book! Instead, close with a strong call to action. For Sam’s talk, I ended with “Ready to be intriguing? Discover more ways to captivate and connect.” Always leave your audience with a question or action to ponder.
Why This Makeover Works
- It mirrors Sam’s vibrant personality
- Uses bold, readable typography
- Visualises complex concepts
- Maintains consistency while adding variety
- Ends with a strong, actionable close
Wrapping Up
Creating this deck was a lot of fun. I wanted to capture Sam’s energy – she’s not just a speaker, she’s practically a stand-up comedian with her perfect timing and delivery. If you’re interested in her delivery I recommend watch her TEDx talk.
If you enjoyed this presentation design breakdown, let me know in the comments! Which part of the slide makeover was your favourite?
And if you’re looking to create your own stunning presentations, don’t forget to check out my templates, toolkits, and guides. I’ve got some freebies there too!
Thanks for tuning in to another episode of Deck Diaries. Until next time, keep those slides popping and those audiences engaged! Don’t forget to give our YouTube a subscribe.
