Create Cleaner, Simpler Decks using the Get Who To By Framework
So, you want to create a deck that doesn't make your audience roll their eyes and check their phones? Welcome to the Get Who To By Framework—a no-nonsense approach to crafting cleaner, simpler decks that actually communicate. No more 50-slide monstrosities filled with fluff. Let’s make your next presentation a weapon of clarity, not confusion.
The TL;DR
Use the Get Who To By framework to cut through the crap in your decks: GET (who to target), WHO (specific insight about their behavior), TO (the message), and BY (the mechanism). This will help you ditch the vagueness and create a presentation that actually makes an impact.
Why Get Who To By Works Wonders for Decks
Because most decks are just a painful collection of bullet points and half-baked ideas that lead to snoozefests. This framework forces you to focus on what truly matters, streamlining your message and making your audience care.
The Four Steps
GET
Who exactly are you presenting to?
Define the smallest, most relevant audience. Are they decision-makers, influencers, or just lost souls looking for free snacks? Get specific—if your audience feels broad, you’re already losing.
WHO
What insight reveals how your audience really thinks?
It’s not about what you think they need to hear; it’s about what they actually care about. What are their pain points? What keeps them up at night? Get into their heads—if you can’t, you’re just guessing.
TO
How can you make your message crystal clear?
The message should hit them like a ton of bricks—no flowery language, just a direct call to action. They should know what you want them to do, why it matters, and why they should care right now.
BY
What’s the mechanism to get them to act?
This is your secret sauce—the strategy that will actually drive them to take action. Whether it’s a compelling offer, a strong emotional appeal, or sheer urgency, this needs to be clear. If you can’t articulate it simply, it’s not ready.
Common Deck-Making Blunders
(Trust Us, We've Been There)
- ×Trying to appeal to everyone in the room.
- ×Overloading slides with text instead of visuals.
- ×Using jargon that makes you look smart but confuses everyone else.
- ×Forgetting to define a clear message.
- ×Having too many calls to action—pick one!
- ×Ignoring the audience’s actual pain points.
- ×Not rehearsing enough to own the delivery.
- ×Relying on the slides to do all the talking.
Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll already be light-years ahead of the typical deck disaster.
Real Examples
Sales Pitch Deck
A pitch deck for a new CRM tool aimed at small businesses.
GET
Small business owners tired of complicated tools.
WHO
Frustrated with existing CRMs because they waste time on features they don’t use.
TO
Streamline your customer management without the headaches.
BY
Offering a 14-day free trial with no credit card required—just sign up and see the difference.
Why this works
A clear target, relatable pain point, and straightforward offer make it hard to say no.
Investor Update Deck
A quarterly update for potential investors.
GET
Current and potential investors looking for growth metrics.
WHO
Concerned about market volatility and ROI timelines.
TO
See how we’re navigating challenges to deliver consistent growth.
BY
Presenting clear metrics, success stories, and a roadmap for the next quarter.
Why this works
Investors want transparency and a path to profitability—this deck gives them both.
Training Presentation
An onboarding deck for new hires in a tech company.
GET
New hires confused about company culture.
WHO
Overwhelmed by information and unsure of their role.
TO
Understand your role in our mission and how to thrive here.
BY
Using engaging visuals, interactive Q&A, and a clear outline of expectations.
Why this works
Clear guidance and interaction lead to quicker integration and less confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I simplify my presentation deck?
Use the Get Who To By framework to focus on your audience, their insights, your message, and the mechanism to get them to act. Clarity is key.
What’s the biggest mistake to avoid in decks?
Trying to appeal to everyone. Narrow your focus to a specific audience to make your message resonate.
How can I make my message clearer?
Break it down into an actionable statement that answers what you want them to do, why it’s important, and why now.
Why do most decks fail?
They’re overloaded with information, lack a clear message, and ignore the audience’s actual needs. Keep it simple and focused.
What’s the best way to practice my delivery?
Rehearse in front of colleagues who can give you honest feedback. If they’re not engaged, neither will your audience be.
Generate a Framework for your Product Launch Strategy
Use our framework generator to generate various Get Who To By, 4C, 4 Points Strategy, and other frameworks — all in one place and directly to editable Google SLIDES!
Go to Framework Generator