How to Create a Persuasive Presentation with ChatGPT

Turn an unconventional idea into a powerful presentation using AI and design tools. Explore my process for persuasive storytelling!
How to Create a Persuasive Presentation with ChatGPT
In: How To, AI Tools

What is something you believe that 99% of others do not? This will be the starting point for your presentation, and the goal is to convince your audience to embrace your idea. And maybe even act on it.

Here is the final presentation created with the use of ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion AI, and Canva. I'll take you through the step-by-step process so you can do the same!

Step 1: Start with an idea based on your experience

For me, it's the idea that every job application or interview should come with a take-home assignment.  

Every job application or interview should come with a take-home assignment.

I've been on both sides of job interviews as the hiring manager and as the applicant, and the current process is awful for both sides.

As a hiring manager, the last time I posted a job on LinkedIn for a Digital Marketing Manager role, we received  100+ applications within the first day. How in the world will you be able to sift through 100 applications? 200 applications? How can you tell who is interested in the company and the role? How many great candidates might be overlooked if you go off college rank and the latest employer brand name?

An assignment and the traditional resume will help filter out applicants who want the job. As a result, the 100-200 applications will be whittled down to 10-20 who want the role.

As a job candidate earlier in my career, I've submitted dozens of job applications with little success. Most of the time, I never heard back from the company. Sometimes, I would get an automated rejection within a few weeks. Other times, this automated rejection would come 6+ months after I had applied to the company and forgot about it.

An assignment allows a candidate to show how they think and work. Show, not tell.

🤔
What if you don't have an idea or a strong point of view?

This is where you can use ChatGPT to help you brainstorm. One of the best parts of using ChatGPT is it can help you get unstuck. Move from a blank page to something.

Try this prompt:

act as an unorthodox genius and writer. give me 10 powerful ideas that you believe are true, but that most people would disagree with.

These are all a bit generic and not very interesting. However, out of these, the idea that plants have their language is somewhat interesting.

The point of this prompt is to go from a blank page to something. Maybe one of these ideas inspires you. If so, great! If not, continue iterating and prompting until there is something that resonates.

Step 2: Brainstorm on-topic ideas

Again, I believe every job application or interview should come with a take-home assignment.  

If we zoom out a little, what other unconventional ideas about the job application process?

In this prompt, I focused ChatGPT by narrowing the domain for an unconventional idea. First, I added  the text, ..." about the job application process..."

act as a unorthodox genius and writer. give me 10 powerful ideas about the job application process that you believe are true, but that most people would disagree with.

The results are so much better! In my experience, whenever you add context and specifics to a prompt, what ChatGPT produces will be much more helpful, just like in this example.

Step 3: Try New Personas for New POVs

We're still brainstorming and looking for diverse perspectives and inspiration in this early stage. But, again, it helps if you have an idea you want to work with. This makes prompting much easier.

Think about your favorite writers, directors, and business leaders. What ideas would they have on the topic?

Add a famous person or thought leader to the prompt. Let's start with one of my favorite writers, Malcolm Gladwell.

Now act as a Malcolm Gladwell. give me 5 powerful ideas about the job application process that you believe are true, but that most people would disagree with.

Solid. Let's get more unconventional to think outside the box.

Now act as Jesus Christ. give me 5 powerful ideas about the job application process that you believe are true, but that most people would disagree with.
Now act as the Buddha. give me 5 powerful ideas about the job application process that you believe are true, but that most people would disagree with.
🙏
These last two prompts are challenging me and reminding me to think more compassionately. My original idea was rooted in just solving a job application problem more efficiently.

Step 4: Battle test the chosen idea

Start with the following prompt.

Act as a professional debate coach and award-winning professor from UC Berkeley or the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Argue for and against the following idea: Every job application or interview should come with a take-home assignment.

The answers ChatGPT generates are fantastic.

These are the arguments in favor of the position.

These are the arguments against the position:

Now, let's find ways to strengthen the arguments for the position.

Knowing how powerful stories can be in persuading an audience, use this prompt:

can you give me 5 more arguments in support of the position and support it with stories or examples?

One final way to pre-empt the arguments against the idea. Use this prompt to have ChatGPT provide a counterargument and a mitigation strategy:

can you give me arguments against all of the negative position points? Please develop a mitigation strategy for each as well.

Full ChatGPT response

Certainly! Let's address each of the negative position points and provide counterarguments and mitigation strategies for each:

Time Burden:

  • Counterargument: While take-home assignments may require additional time, the investment can lead to more informed hiring decisions, reducing the likelihood of turnover and future recruitment costs.
  • Mitigation Strategy: Limit the length and complexity of take-home assignments to respect candidates' time. Provide clear expectations and deadlines, and consider incorporating assignments into later stages of the hiring process to reduce the number of candidates completing them.

Accessibility Concerns:

  • Counterargument: Thoughtfully designed take-home assignments can provide a more inclusive and equitable evaluation of candidates, especially those who may face barriers in traditional interviews.
  • Mitigation Strategy: Offer flexibility in the completion of take-home assignments, such as extended deadlines, to accommodate candidates with varied schedules or responsibilities. Consider providing resources or technology to support candidates who may lack access.

Ethical Considerations:

  • Counterargument: Take-home assignments are not intended to exploit candidates' labor but rather to provide an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their skills in a relevant and practical context.
  • Mitigation Strategy: Keep assignments concise and ensure they do not require significant labor. Avoid using candidates' work for commercial purposes without compensation. Clearly communicate the purpose and use of the assignment to candidates.

Risk of Misrepresentation:

  • Counterargument: While there is a risk of misrepresentation, the use of take-home assignments in conjunction with other evaluation methods can provide a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of candidates.
  • Mitigation Strategy: During interviews or follow-up discussions, ask candidates to elaborate on their thought process and approach to the assignment. Implement plagiarism detection methods where applicable.

Narrow Assessment:

  • Counterargument: While take-home assignments may focus on specific skills, they can complement other components of the hiring process that assess interpersonal skills, cultural fit, and other important attributes.
  • Mitigation Strategy: Use take-home assignments in conjunction with other evaluation methods, such as behavioral interviews, to gain a holistic view of the candidate. Ensure that the skills assessed in the assignment are directly relevant to the position.

Overall, it's important to carefully design and implement take-home assignments in a manner that is fair, equitable, and respectful of candidates' time and effort, while also considering their potential value in the hiring process.

Step 5: Organize and outline

Now that you have researched and thought more deeply about the idea, it's time to start organizing it into a presentation.

At this point, I want to explore four schools of thought in putting the presentation together. These represent four different approaches I think could be very persuasive depending on the context and audience:

  1. Nancy Durate School of Presentation Design
  2. TED Talk School of Presentation Design
  3. Management Consultant School of Presentation Design
  4. Y-Combinator School of Presentation Design

Nancy Duarte School of Presentation Design

Nancy Duarte's presentation design firm created the slides for Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth film which is perhaps one of the most famous presentations ever. So here's the prompt to try:

now act as a professional presentation consultant and designer such as Nancy Duarte. build a persuasive 10-15 slide presentation targeted to hiring managers about why they should include a take home assignment as part of every job application or job interview.

ChatGPT as Nancy Duarte

As a language model, I can provide a textual outline for a persuasive presentation that could be designed by a professional presentation consultant like Nancy Duarte. The presentation would be targeted to hiring managers and advocate for the inclusion of take-home assignments in the job application or interview process.

Slide 1: Title

  • "Unlocking Potential: The Value of Take-Home Assignments in Hiring"
  • [Include a visually appealing graphic related to the topic.]

Slide 2: Introduction

  • Introduce the topic of take-home assignments in the hiring process.
  • Highlight the potential benefits of incorporating take-home assignments.

Slide 3: The Limitations of Traditional Interviews

  • Discuss the common limitations and biases of traditional interviews.
  • Explain how take-home assignments can address these limitations.

Slide 4: Skills-Based Assessment

  • Emphasize how take-home assignments provide an objective, skills-based assessment of candidates.
  • [Incorporate a case study or testimonial of a successful hire made through the use of a take-home assignment.]

Slide 5: Realistic Scenarios

  • Discuss how take-home assignments simulate real-world job tasks and challenges.
  • Highlight how assignments provide valuable insight into candidates' problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Slide 6: Reducing Bias

  • Explain how take-home assignments can help reduce biases in the hiring process.
  • Showcase how assignments create a more standardized evaluation method.

Slide 7: Creative Expression

  • Highlight how take-home assignments allow candidates to showcase their creativity, innovation, and thought processes.
  • [Include examples of creative work produced by candidates in previous take-home assignments.]

Slide 8: Informed Hiring Decisions

  • Discuss how take-home assignments lead to more informed hiring decisions.
  • Emphasize the long-term value of finding the right fit for both the organization and the candidate.

Slide 9: Ethical Considerations

  • Address potential ethical concerns regarding take-home assignments.
  • Outline best practices for designing assignments that respect candidates' time and effort.

Slide 10: The Take-Home Advantage

  • Recap the key benefits of including take-home assignments in the hiring process.
  • Emphasize the overall value in terms of skills assessment, reduced bias, and informed decision-making.

Slide 11: Getting Started

  • Provide practical tips for implementing take-home assignments in the hiring process.
  • Discuss considerations such as assignment length, deadlines, and feedback.

Slide 12: A Win-Win Scenario

  • Reinforce the idea that take-home assignments create a win-win scenario for both employers and candidates.
  • Highlight the potential for unlocking hidden talent and driving organizational success.

Slide 13: Conclusion

  • Conclude the presentation with a call to action, encouraging hiring managers to consider incorporating take-home assignments into their hiring process.
  • Offer contact information for further consultation and support.

Slide 14: Thank You

  • Thank the audience for their time and attention.
  • Open the floor for questions and discussion.

[Note: The slide numbers are provided for reference and can be adjusted as needed based on the final design and content of the presentation.]

TED Talk School of Presentation Design

TED talks vary in their style and delivery, but no matter what, they always leave a lasting impression on the audience. So here's the prompt to try:

now act as a TED conference speaker. get inspired by the top TED talks of all time from https://www.ted.com/playlists/171/the_most_popular_talks_of_all outline a persuasive 10-15 slide presentation targeted to hiring managers about why they should include a take home assignment as part of every job application or job interview.

ChatGPT as a TED Speaker

As a TED conference speaker, my goal is to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking presentation that inspires hiring managers to consider the inclusion of take-home assignments in their hiring process. The presentation will draw upon storytelling and impactful examples to create a connection with the audience. Here is an outline for the TED-style presentation:

Slide 1: Title

  • "Redefining Hiring: The Transformative Power of Take-Home Assignments"
  • [Include an engaging visual related to the topic.]

Slide 2: Opening Story

  • Share a personal anecdote or story about a remarkable candidate who was discovered through a take-home assignment, emphasizing the unexpected and transformative nature of the experience.

Slide 3: The Hiring Challenge

  • Discuss the common challenges faced by hiring managers in identifying the right talent and the limitations of traditional interviews.

Slide 4: The Paradigm Shift

  • Introduce the concept of take-home assignments as a paradigm shift in the hiring process, and highlight their potential to uncover hidden talent.

Slide 5: The Value of Practical Insights

  • Emphasize how take-home assignments provide practical insights into candidates' skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
  • [Incorporate a case study or visual example of an impactful assignment.]

Slide 6: The Bias Dilemma

  • Discuss the prevalence of unconscious biases in hiring and how take-home assignments can serve as an equalizer, providing a more objective evaluation method.

Slide 7: The Candidate Experience

  • Highlight how take-home assignments can enhance the candidate experience by allowing individuals to showcase their talents in a meaningful way.

Slide 8: Ethical and Inclusive Practices

  • Address the importance of ethical considerations in designing take-home assignments, including respecting candidates' time and effort.
  • Discuss strategies for ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in the assignment process.

Slide 9: A Story of Success

  • Share an inspirational success story of a candidate who found their perfect job match through a take-home assignment, leading to a fulfilling career journey.

Slide 10: The Ripple Effect

  • Discuss the potential ripple effect of implementing take-home assignments, including improved retention, increased diversity, and a stronger organizational culture.

Slide 11: Embracing Change

  • Encourage hiring managers to embrace change and innovation in their hiring practices, and highlight the potential for positive impact.

Slide 12: Your Role in the Transformation

  • Emphasize the audience's role as change-makers in the hiring process and the opportunity to shape the future of talent acquisition.

Slide 13: Conclusion

  • Conclude with a powerful call to action, encouraging the audience to explore the potential of take-home assignments and to be leaders in redefining the hiring experience.

Slide 14: Thank You

  • Thank the audience for their engagement and attention.
  • Invite questions and dialogue to continue the discussion.

[Note: The slide numbers are provided for reference and can be adjusted based on the final design and content of the presentation. The content should be delivered with the speaker's authentic voice and storytelling style, which are key elements of a successful TED talk.]

McKinsey, Bain, BCG (MBB) School of Presentation Design

Management consultants are all about data and analysis. Here's the prompt to try:

now act as a top business thought leader and management consultant from McKinsey, Bain, or BCG. outline a persuasive 10-15 slide presentation targeted to hiring managers about why they should include a take home assignment as part of every job application or job interview.

ChatGPT as an MBB Management Consultant

As a top business thought leader and management consultant from a leading firm like McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, I will approach this presentation with a strategic and data-driven perspective. My goal is to provide hiring managers with compelling evidence and best practices to support the inclusion of take-home assignments in the hiring process. Here is an outline for the presentation:

Slide 1: Title

  • "The Strategic Advantage: Elevating Talent Acquisition with Take-Home Assignments"
  • [Include a professional visual related to the topic.]

Slide 2: The Talent Acquisition Landscape

  • Provide an overview of the competitive talent acquisition landscape and the importance of effective hiring practices for organizational success.

Slide 3: The Limitations of Conventional Hiring

  • Highlight the limitations of conventional hiring practices, such as biases and the challenge of accurately assessing skills and fit.

Slide 4: Introducing Take-Home Assignments

  • Introduce the concept of take-home assignments and explain how they can address the limitations of traditional hiring methods.

Slide 5: Data-Driven Insights

  • Present data and research findings that support the effectiveness of take-home assignments in improving the quality of hires and reducing turnover.

Slide 6: Skills-Based Assessment

  • Emphasize how take-home assignments provide an objective, skills-based assessment, allowing hiring managers to evaluate candidates' abilities in a practical context.

Slide 7: Real-World Scenarios

  • Discuss how take-home assignments simulate real-world job tasks and challenges, providing valuable insight into candidates' problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Slide 8: Reducing Bias and Promoting Diversity

  • Explain how take-home assignments can help reduce biases and promote diversity in hiring by providing a more standardized evaluation method.

Slide 9: The Candidate Perspective

  • Discuss the benefits of take-home assignments from the candidate perspective, including the opportunity for creative expression and showcasing relevant skills.

Slide 10: Ethical and Practical Considerations

  • Address ethical and practical considerations for implementing take-home assignments, including time investment, candidate experience, and compensation for work.

Slide 11: Best Practices and Implementation

  • Share best practices for designing and implementing take-home assignments, with examples from successful organizations.

Slide 12: Case Study: A Success Story

  • Present a case study of an organization that has successfully implemented take-home assignments, highlighting the positive impact on talent acquisition and organizational performance.

Slide 13: The Strategic Advantage

  • Recap the key benefits of including take-home assignments in the hiring process, emphasizing the strategic advantage for organizations.

Slide 14: Conclusion

  • Conclude with a call to action, encouraging hiring managers to explore the potential of take-home assignments and elevate their talent acquisition strategy.

Slide 15: Thank You

  • Thank the audience for their attention and engagement.
  • Offer to answer questions and provide further consultation.

[Note: The slide numbers are provided for reference and can be adjusted based on the final design and content of the presentation. The content should be delivered with a focus on strategic insights and data-driven evidence, which are hallmarks of leading management consulting firms.]

Y-Combinator School of Presentation Design

now act as a Y-Combinator (YC) startup founder and entrepreneur. outline a persuasive 10-15 slide presentation targeted to hiring managers about why they should include a take home assignment as part of every job application or job interview.

ChatGPT as a YC Founder and Entrepreneur

As a Y-Combinator (YC) startup founder and entrepreneur, I'm here to present a persuasive pitch to hiring managers on the value of including take-home assignments in the job application and interview process. Here is an outline for the presentation:

Slide 1: Title

  • "Revolutionizing Talent Acquisition: The Case for Take-Home Assignments"
  • [Include an engaging visual related to talent acquisition and innovation.]

Slide 2: The Hiring Landscape

  • Highlight the competitive nature of today's hiring landscape and the challenges faced by hiring managers in identifying and securing top talent.

Slide 3: The Limitations of Traditional Methods

  • Discuss the limitations of traditional hiring practices, such as biases and ineffective assessments, and their impact on hiring outcomes.

Slide 4: Introducing Take-Home Assignments

  • Introduce the concept of take-home assignments as an innovative solution that addresses the limitations of conventional hiring methods.

Slide 5: Showcasing Relevant Skills

  • Emphasize how take-home assignments allow candidates to demonstrate job-relevant skills, providing hiring managers with a practical assessment of candidate abilities.

Slide 6: Simulating Real-World Scenarios

  • Discuss how take-home assignments simulate real-world job tasks and challenges, offering valuable insight into candidates' problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Slide 7: Reducing Bias in Hiring

  • Explain how take-home assignments can help reduce biases by providing a more objective and standardized evaluation of candidates' work.

Slide 8: Unlocking Hidden Potential

  • Highlight how take-home assignments can uncover hidden talent and allow non-traditional candidates to shine, leading to a more diverse and dynamic workforce.

Slide 9: The Impact on Retention and Success

  • Present data that demonstrates the positive impact of take-home assignments on employee retention, job satisfaction, and organizational success.

Slide 10: Best Practices for Implementation

  • Share best practices for designing and implementing take-home assignments, including ensuring assignments are concise, ethical, and provide meaningful feedback.

Slide 11: Success Stories

  • Share testimonials and success stories from companies that have successfully implemented take-home assignments in their hiring process.

Slide 12: A Win-Win Scenario

  • Emphasize how take-home assignments create a win-win scenario for both employers and candidates, resulting in better alignment and fit.

Slide 13: Your Role in the Transformation

  • Encourage hiring managers to take the lead in revolutionizing the hiring process by incorporating take-home assignments and reaping the benefits.

Slide 14: Conclusion and Call to Action

  • Conclude the presentation with a call to action, inviting hiring managers to embrace take-home assignments and transform talent acquisition.
  • Offer resources and support for those interested in implementing take-home assignments.

Slide 15: Thank You and Q&A

  • Thank the audience for their attention and engagement.
  • Open the floor for questions and discussion.

[Note: The slide numbers are provided for reference and can be adjusted based on the final design and content of the presentation. The content should be delivered with enthusiasm, conviction, and a forward-thinking perspective, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of a YC startup founder.]

Step 6: Deconstruct to Learn

This is one of my favorite prompts to use with ChatGPT. Ask it to explain how it did what it did. ChatGPT will helpfully break down the step-by-step process.

📚
Asking ChatGPT to explain its step-by-step process is an incredible way to learn how to do something and reflect on ways you can improve your own work.

Since my favorite of the four schools of presentations was the TED Talk, I used this prompt to learn how ChatGPT thought about the process of creating the presentation outline:

Can you explain step by step how you developed the structure and organization for the presentation when you were acting as a TED conference speaker?

ChatGPT explains step-by-step how to organize and outline a persuasive presentation

Certainly! As a TED conference speaker, the goal is to deliver an engaging, thought-provoking, and impactful presentation. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how I developed the structure and organization for the TED-style presentation:

Step 1: Define the Objective

  • Define the overall objective of the presentation, which is to inspire and persuade hiring managers to include take-home assignments in the hiring process.

Step 2: Craft a Compelling Narrative

  • Consider the overall narrative and storytelling approach of the presentation. TED talks often incorporate personal anecdotes, powerful stories, and insights to connect with the audience.

Step 3: Develop a Captivating Opening

  • Create an engaging opening, which may include a personal story or a relatable anecdote, to capture the audience's attention and set the tone for the presentation.

Step 4: Present the Challenge or Problem

  • Discuss the common challenges faced by hiring managers and the limitations of traditional interviews. This sets the stage for introducing take-home assignments as a solution.

Step 5: Introduce the Solution and Its Benefits

  • Introduce the concept of take-home assignments and highlight the key benefits, such as providing an objective assessment of skills, simulating real-world scenarios, and reducing bias.

Step 6: Reinforce the Message with Evidence

  • Reinforce the key messages with evidence, which may include research findings, success stories, or case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of take-home assignments.

Step 7: Address Concerns and Ethical Considerations

  • Address potential concerns or ethical considerations related to take-home assignments. Discuss best practices for ensuring fairness, equity, and respect for candidates' time.

Step 8: Share Inspirational Examples

  • Share inspirational examples or success stories that showcase the transformative impact of take-home assignments on talent acquisition and organizational success.

Step 9: Emphasize the Potential Impact

  • Highlight the potential ripple effect of implementing take-home assignments, including improved retention, increased diversity, and a stronger organizational culture.

Step 10: Provide a Call to Action and Vision

  • Conclude with a compelling call to action, encouraging the audience to explore take-home assignments as part of their hiring process. Share a vision for how this can shape the future of talent acquisition.

Step 11: End with Gratitude and Openness

  • Express gratitude to the audience for their engagement and attention. Invite questions and dialogue to continue the discussion and foster a sense of community.

Throughout the development process, it's important to focus on crafting a coherent narrative that resonates with the audience. The content should be delivered with authenticity, passion, and a sense of purpose, which are key elements of a successful TED talk. TED speakers often use visuals, storytelling, and compelling examples to engage the audience and leave a lasting impact.

Step 7: Decide on how delivery

Now, it's time to think about how you want this presentation—and your big idea—to be delivered.

Three prototypes come to mind:

  1. Full-blown TED Talk
  2. Leave behind document (emailed as PDF)
  3. LinkedIn Carousel Post

Full-blown TED Talk

We have the outline from above. You know what a full-blown TED talk is like. It's all about the performance on stage. It's the speaker's charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. The presentation slides and audiovisuals enhance the experience.

Use this prompt to draft the onstage script quickly:

let's go with the TED talk outline. act as a TED speaker.

ChatGPT as a TED Speaker and the full presentation script

[Opening] Imagine a world where the job application process is no longer constrained by the format of a resume or the time limit of an interview—a world where candidates can truly showcase their abilities, creativity, and passion for the work they aspire to do. What if I told you that such a world is not only possible, but it's already within our reach?

[The Challenge] As hiring managers and talent acquisition professionals, you've likely experienced the challenge of sifting through stacks of resumes, conducting countless interviews, and yet, still struggling to find that perfect fit for your organization. Traditional hiring methods often fall short in capturing the full potential of candidates. So, how do we bridge the gap between a candidate's potential and the hiring process?

[The Solution] Enter take-home assignments—a paradigm shift in talent acquisition. These assignments provide candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and talents in a practical and relevant context. They simulate real-world scenarios and challenges that candidates may encounter on the job. In essence, take-home assignments empower candidates to show you what they're truly capable of.

[Benefits] The benefits of take-home assignments go beyond just skills assessment. They allow for a more objective and standardized evaluation, reducing biases that often creep into the hiring process. They create a platform for candidates of diverse backgrounds and experiences to shine, fostering a more inclusive workforce. And perhaps most importantly, they provide valuable insights into a candidate's thought process, creativity, and problem-solving approach.

[Evidence and Stories] Across industries, take-home assignments have led to transformative outcomes. Startups have discovered hidden gems—candidates whose resumes may not have stood out, but whose talent and innovation shone through in their assignments. Multinational corporations have seen improvements in employee retention, as take-home assignments ensure a better alignment of skills and job expectations. And individuals, once overlooked by traditional hiring methods, have found fulfilling careers that align with their passions and strengths.

[Ethical Considerations] Of course, with any innovative approach come ethical considerations. Take-home assignments should respect candidates' time and effort. We must be transparent about how the assignments will be evaluated, and ensure that they are designed to reflect actual job tasks. With these considerations in mind, we can create a fair and equitable hiring process for all.

[Conclusion and Vision] As we look to the future of talent acquisition, take-home assignments present an opportunity to revolutionize the way we identify and hire talent. They provide a path to unlock the full potential of candidates, build diverse and dynamic teams, and drive organizational success. As hiring managers, you have the power to shape the future—to create a world where talent is recognized, potential is realized, and opportunities are unlocked.

[Call to Action] So, I invite you to take the leap—to explore the transformative power of take-home assignments and be at the forefront of change. Let us reimagine the hiring process, elevate talent acquisition, and create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

[Closing Gratitude] Thank you for joining me on this journey, and thank you for your commitment to unlocking opportunity and empowering talent.

[Note: As a language model, I am providing a textual TED-style talk. A live TED talk would include dynamic delivery, body language, and visual aids to enhance audience engagement.]

🤷‍♂️
Most white-collar professionals will give this kind of talk once or maybe twice a year. 

Leave behind document

TED Talk and leave behind document don't belong together in the same sentence.

For all of us with corporate jobs, the slide deck is usually a leave-behind document just emailed as a .PPTX or PDF file. It has to be able to stand on its own without the speaker there to explain it.

Here's the prompt to modify the presentation outline to make it a stand-alone document that will be delivered by email:

let's go with the TED talk outline. act as a TED speaker. can you outline the slide presentation but write it as a leave behind document or a pre-read document? This means that you will not be there to give the oral presentation on stage with body language and audio visual support. it will simply be emailed as a PDF document. However, you still want it to have the same impact on the audience. You still want hiring managers to take action and use take home assignments as part of the application process.

ChatGPT's outline of a leave-behind document

Certainly! Here is the outline of the slide presentation as a leave-behind or pre-read document, designed to have the same impact on the audience and inspire hiring managers to use take-home assignments as part of the application process:

[Slide 1: Title]

  • "Unlocking Talent: The Transformative Power of Take-Home Assignments"
  • [Include an inspiring visual related to talent acquisition and innovation.]

[Slide 2: Introduction]

  • The competitive talent acquisition landscape and the importance of identifying top talent.
  • The limitations of traditional hiring practices and the challenge of capturing candidates' full potential.

[Slide 3: Introducing the Solution]

  • Introduction to take-home assignments as an innovative approach to talent acquisition.
  • Key benefits of take-home assignments, including objective skills assessment, real-world scenario simulations, and reduced bias.

[Slide 4: A Showcase of Skills]

  • How take-home assignments provide a platform for candidates to demonstrate their abilities.
  • The opportunity for candidates to express their creativity, problem-solving, and alignment with company values.

[Slide 5: The Impact on Organizational Success]

  • Data-driven insights on the positive impact of take-home assignments on employee retention, job satisfaction, and organizational performance.
  • Case studies of successful implementation and transformative outcomes.

[Slide 6: Diversity, Inclusion, and Opportunity]

  • The role of take-home assignments in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
  • The potential to discover hidden talent and provide opportunities to non-traditional candidates.

[Slide 7: Ethical and Practical Considerations]

  • Ethical considerations for implementing take-home assignments, including fairness, transparency, and respect for candidates' time.
  • Best practices for designing effective and meaningful assignments.

[Slide 8: A Win-Win Scenario]

  • The win-win scenario created by take-home assignments for both employers and candidates.
  • The importance of constructive feedback and open communication in enhancing the candidate experience.

[Slide 9: Your Role in the Transformation]

  • The opportunity for hiring managers to lead the transformation and shape the future of talent acquisition.
  • The ripple effect of implementing take-home assignments on building dynamic teams and driving organizational success.

[Slide 10: Conclusion and Call to Action]

  • The potential for take-home assignments to revolutionize hiring and unlock the full potential of talent.
  • A compelling call to action for hiring managers to explore take-home assignments and embrace this innovative approach.

[Slide 11: Thank You and Additional Resources]

  • Express gratitude to readers for their engagement and interest.
  • Provide additional resources and contact information for those interested in learning more about take-home assignments.

[Note: In this leave-behind or pre-read document, each slide is designed to be self-explanatory, with concise and impactful text that conveys key messages. Engaging visuals, data-driven insights, case studies, and compelling language are used to inspire action, even in the absence of an oral presentation. As a language model, I am providing a textual outline. The final document would include visual elements to enhance the presentation and make it more engaging for the readers.]

This presentation will require a lot more work to build out each slide so that it supports the slide's idea culminating in the call-to-action to start using assignments in the hiring process.

📊
Millions of these kinds of leave-behind documents (even though they're called presentations, they're actually more of a document) are emailed and shared every day in the business world.

LinkedIn Carousel Post

You've probably seen this all over LinkedIn recently. I'm a big fan because they're fun to read and easy to consume.

Here's the prompt to transform the outline into something that could become a LinkedIn Post:

can you write this document again but in a more narrative format. each slide is part of the overall story arc and has one headline that summarizes the main idea. Headlines should flow from one slide to the next and form a coherent story based on the outline you just shared. assume the only other content on the page is a picture.

ChatGPT's revised outline

Certainly! Here is the narrative document with headlines that summarize the main idea of each slide, forming a coherent story based on the previous outline. Each headline is part of the overall story arc:

[Slide 1: A New Approach to Talent Acquisition] In a competitive landscape, discovering top talent is crucial to success. It's time to explore a transformative approach to talent acquisition. [Include an inspiring visual related to talent acquisition and innovation.]

[Slide 2: Overcoming the Limitations of Traditional Hiring] Traditional hiring practices often fall short, leaving untapped potential undiscovered. There must be a better way to identify and evaluate talent. [Include a visual representing the challenge of conventional hiring methods.]

[Slide 3: Unlocking Potential with Take-Home Assignments] Enter take-home assignments—a paradigm shift that empowers candidates to showcase their skills and passion in a practical context. [Include a visual representing take-home assignments.]

[Slide 4: Gaining Valuable Insights into Candidates' Abilities] By simulating real-world challenges, take-home assignments offer invaluable insights into candidates' creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. [Include a visual representing real-world tasks and challenges.]

[Slide 5: Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Workforce] Through objective assessment, take-home assignments reduce bias and promote diversity, fostering a dynamic and inclusive workforce. [Include a visual representing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.]

[Slide 6: A Proven Impact on Retention and Organizational Success] Data-driven insights demonstrate the profound impact of take-home assignments on employee retention, job satisfaction, and organizational performance. [Include a visual representing positive impact and success metrics.]

[Slide 7: Implementing Take-Home Assignments Ethically and Effectively] With ethical considerations in mind, take-home assignments can be implemented effectively, providing a fair and meaningful experience for candidates. [Include a visual representing ethical considerations and best practices.]

[Slide 8: A Win-Win Scenario for Employers and Candidates] Take-home assignments create a win-win scenario—employers gain valuable insights, and candidates have the opportunity to shine and align with company values. [Include a visual representing the win-win scenario.]

[Slide 9: Leading the Transformation of Talent Acquisition] As hiring managers, you have the power to lead the transformation and shape the future of talent acquisition, unlocking the full potential of your talent pool. [Include a visual representing leadership and transformation.]

[Slide 10: A Compelling Call to Action: Embrace the Innovation] Join us on this journey to revolutionize hiring and embrace take-home assignments as an innovative approach to discovering and nurturing talent. [Include a visual representing a call to action and innovation.]

[Note: Each headline in this narrative document captures the essence of the slide and contributes to the overall story arc. The included visuals would complement the headlines and enhance the overall narrative. As a language model, I am providing textual headlines. The final document would include visual elements to bring the story to life.]

🔑
This is less of a traditional "presentation" but is an option for sharing a message with your professional network. Very high reach and engagement if done right.

If I were doing this at work on behalf of a company, I would take approach two and design a full PowerPoint deck with many charts and graphs supporting the idea and arguments.

But since this is an exploration of generative AI and presentation design, I'm going to be more creative and take approach number 3 and develop a LinkedIn Carousel post.

Step 8: Design the Presentation

You can use any presentation or design program you'd like. I chose Canva because there is a prebuilt template for LinkedIn Carousel, so I don't have to worry about resolution or sizing.

🥳
This is the fun part. Be creative. Be imaginative. Be inspired. 

Fire up Canva and start

I found a template that I liked and could work with. But there's a lot to do before this is finished.

Go to Lexica.art for images

🔑
Remember, it's all about consistency for a professional presentation. Choose one style of art you like and keep it consistent. This is true in any kind of professional presentation.

If you want to try what I used, start with this prompt:

super cute and adorable happy fat cat with big eyes working on laptop and thinking, Studio Ghibli, Rick and Morty style, 90s vintage, pastel colors, sci-fi, line art, cartoon by mitsuhiro arita

Why a cat? I love cats. The internet loves cats. 😻 It's a win-win.

Copy and paste the headlines from ChatGPT into slides on Canva. Then add an image to each slide. Repeat for all 11 slides.

Step 9: Proofread and publish

That's it! We're done!

What do you think?

Let me know in the comments!

Written by
Tom Tran
Business presentation designer, marketing manager, and goldendoodle dad.
More from Tom Ky Tran
Table of Contents
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to Tom Ky Tran.
Your link has expired.
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.