Behind the Scenes: How I Crafted a Keynote to Follow Bill & Hillary Clinton
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step onto a stage after Bill and Hillary Clinton? I had the opportunity to do just that recently on one of the biggest stages of my career, in San Diego. But for me, it wasn’t just about following two global icons. It was about reflecting on how my keynote speaking style and especially my slide design has evolved over the years.
So let me take you behind the scenes of that transformation. From the early days of clunky Power Point decks to today’s multimedia-rich, Instagram-worthy keynotes that actually connect with audiences.
From “Slide Guy” to Storytelling Artist
Since I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with presentations. Back then, it was all clip art, bullet points, and those classic fade-in transitions. I became the slide guy at work, the one everyone leaned on to make their decks less painful.
But somewhere along the way, I realized slides aren’t just a background prop. They’re a storytelling platform. And if done right, your slides can make the message unforgettable.
These days, my decks are built around minimalism. Bold visuals, Minimal text. Just enough to make the idea pop. And yeah I design every slide with one question in mind: Would someone post this on Instagram? If the answer’s yes, then I know I’ve nailed it.
From PowerPoint to Rock Concert
My presentations aren’t lectures. They’re experiences.
When I walk on stage now, I’m thinking like a show producer. I use videos, motion graphics, sound, and dramatic lighting everything short of pyrotechnics (…although, never say never).
I want people to feel something. That’s what lasts. The goal isn’t to overwhelm with data or detail. It’s to create a moment. A rock concert for ideas.
Over the years, I’ve learned that less is more. People don’t remember clutter. They remember clarity. Emotion. Flow.
Knowing Your Audience: Culture Matters
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from speaking around the world is that culture shapes attention.
In North America, audiences want simplicity and storytelling. In Singapore, they crave data, structure, and detail. I’ve learned to adapt not to dilute my style but to meet people where they are.
Because if you’re not resonating, you’re not connecting. And connection is the whole game.
Slide Design That Gets Shared: The Instagram Rule
I call it the “Instagram Rule.” Every slide I design has to be shareable, something someone might take a photo of and post. It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about impact. If it’s visually compelling enough to share, your message travels beyond the room.
Your slides are branding tools. They carry your tone, your energy, your vibe. So I obsess over every visual. Every font. Every word.
Rehearsal & Flow: Like an Athlete Preparing for Game Day
In the past, I used to rehearse for months anxious, overprepared, rigid. Now, I focus on flow. I aim to enter a state where the presentation feels natural and effortless.
It’s like watching Steph Curry sink three-pointers. The preparation is there, but the delivery looks smooth and spontaneous. Trust in the material, trust in the energy of the room, and most importantly, trust in myself.
Storytelling that Connects: Humor, Vulnerability & Curiosity
The best way to connect with an audience? Be human.
I use humor, curiosity, and a little bit of mischief to draw people in. In San Diego, I teased the crowd with a mysterious “F word.” They leaned in. They laughed. They needed to know. That’s the power of storytelling.
Being a great speaker isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being real. Being vulnerable. Giving people something to feel. The more human you are, the more people listen.
The Goal: Leave a Lasting Impression
When people see me speak, they’re seeing the tip of the iceberg. What they don’t see is the army behind the scenes AV techs, motion designers, producers, last-minute slide edits.
It’s a full production. And it has to be. Because today’s audiences want more than information. They want to be moved.
So I close every keynote with my name on the final slide. Not out of ego but because I want people to walk away saying, “Who is this guy? I want more.”
Final Thoughts: The Modern Keynote Is a Live Experience
Here’s the truth: a keynote today is no longer a presentation. It’s a brand moment. A sensory event. It blends psychology, design, performance, tech, and storytelling into something unforgettable.
If you’re building your first deck or gearing up for your next big talk, remember:
Keep it simple.
Tell stories that stick.
Design for emotion, not ego.
And most importantly: your slides are your stage. Make them count.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.