Some months ago, I began requesting and delivering written 1-2 pagers instead of PowerPoint slides and it changed everything.
Why Written One-Pagers Work
- Clarity Over Ambiguity
Written documents force the communicator to clarify their thoughts. With slides, it’s easy to let visuals or sparse bullet points carry the message, leaving room for misinterpretation. A written format addresses this directly by:
- Clearly stating the purpose.
- Providing context for charts and data.
- Outlining action-oriented conclusions.
- Engagement and Depth
Stakeholders spend less time interpreting vague visuals and more time engaging with well-articulated reasoning. A one-pager sets expectations for deeper conversations rather than surface-level reactions.
- Scalable Communication
One-pagers scale better across teams and time. Weeks or months later, the rationale and insights remain intact without requiring the presenter to fill in the gaps. This is harder to achieve with PowerPoint decks that rely heavily on live commentary.
Key Principles for Effective One-Pagers
- Set Intention
Clearly state the purpose upfront, so readers know what to expect.
Example:
- “The intention of this document is to outline a decision on X and the rationale behind it.”
- Be Concise, Yet Complete
- Use bullet points sparingly but effectively.
- Avoid verbosity—one sentence instead of three is a strong rule.
- Data Contextualization
Provide context for every chart or data point:
- Is it normalized (e.g., per capita)?
- Is it sourced, and if so, from where?
- What time period or scope does it cover?
- What action should be taken based on this?
- Structured Options
Lay out the choices in a neutral, systematic way, along with their potential implications:
Example:
- Option 1: Proceed with A, leading to X, Y, Z.
- Option 2: Choose B, potentially delaying X but enabling Y.
A Balanced Role for PowerPoint
Slides can still shine in scenarios like:
- Visual-heavy storytelling for broader audiences.
- Collaborative brainstorming sessions.
- Presentations meant to spark initial interest.
However, for decisions and action items, your one-pager approach ensures accountability and precision.
It’s great that stakeholders have recognized this as a “step change.” Such positive feedback reinforces the importance of thoughtful communication tailored to decision-making. You’re not just delivering information—you’re driving clarity, alignment, and action.
