skills/pitch-deck-builder/references/storyline-framework.md

# Storyline Framework

Use this to build a clear banking narrative before drafting slides.

## One-sentence thesis

Write one sentence in this form:

> Given [client situation], [recommended action] is attractive because [proof pillar 1], [proof pillar 2], and [proof pillar 3], but the decision depends on [key risk/open question].

## Story spine

1. Situation: what is happening around the client or market?
2. Complication: what decision, risk, constraint, or opportunity makes action necessary?
3. Options: what realistic alternatives are available?
4. Recommendation: what should the client do now?
5. Proof: what financial, market, buyer, valuation, or financing evidence supports it?
6. Risks: what could break the recommendation?
7. Next steps: what should happen after this meeting?

## Pre-page planning questions

Before creating slides, answer:

> What decision or action should the client take after reading this deck, and why now?

Then define:

1. Audience and meeting objective.
2. Client situation and likely sensitivities.
3. Transaction or strategic question.
4. Core recommendation or recommended discussion path.
5. Three to five proof pillars.
6. Required financial, market, valuation, or buyer evidence.
7. Risks, objections, and how the deck handles them.
8. Slides to avoid because they do not advance the argument.

## Proof pillars

Common proof pillars by deck type:

Buyer pitch:
- strategic fit;
- target quality;
- value creation / synergy potential;
- valuation / financing feasibility;
- process urgency.

Sell-side pitch:
- buyer demand;
- company positioning;
- process strategy;
- valuation support;
- bank credentials / access.

Financing pitch:
- liquidity need or capital structure issue;
- market window;
- feasible financing alternatives;
- pro forma impact;
- execution plan.

Strategic alternatives:
- objective and constraints;
- alternatives comparison;
- valuation / risk / control trade-off;
- stakeholder impact;
- recommended path.

Market map:
- category definition;
- growth drivers;
- competitor / buyer segmentation;
- transaction activity;
- priority opportunities.

## Page economy

Default deck lengths:

- Quick discussion deck: 5-8 pages.
- Standard client pitch: 10-18 pages plus appendix.
- Board strategy deck: 8-15 pages plus appendix.
- Full process or financing pitch: 15-25 pages plus appendix.

If the user does not specify length, choose the shortest deck that can credibly answer the client question.

## Narrative escalation

Each section should escalate the case:

- Why it matters.
- Why the client is positioned to act.
- Why the market supports the action.
- Why the economics work.
- Why the bank can execute.
- What should happen next.