[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: Using Storyboards in Your Planning

Thu Feb 6 10:38:15 PST 2025

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Storyboarding can simply be defined as a way to organize your thoughts

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/34916cb2-412f-43fa-8294-1f7ecb0e9a3d.png]

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Photo by Greg Rosenke<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7eKb5dn0btPEJJOAlWIECHgh3O4WKOGGQIL5DgFs6noqecoqzlXEK24lonXuHSz08aoadZ9pZwNOT91Qyy_au5IMQSmOaLQW3-JNa6hRwGh_ILnU9llOTSVxm4dSXa-EMhXU5wCFgGfEA-rU8JXl_en9li9C3SuG7LAcKkHH99VxyE4TOQeF1mcuPF5Nr_s46DP_QSRKZX2DFZB6YJ-XcJ4C8q4V1p1YETYLc0-_3HUAx2kaVjAfhASnSFrQfPv8u7vdkBX5d9BaP1o6bxZ-w==&c=ripOanRrdadbI3XQO7xwRpNeynxopljmNPHNMXEvbdDXYT4tesXNUQ==&ch=x-kcK-1iWE90vWr2Mq62A1FXWXZ5xiDPZyb0G5cLMTFUMpkdHzuy_A==> on Unsplash<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7eKb5dn0btPEJJOAlWIECHgh3O4WKOGGQIL5DgFs6noqecoqzlXEK24lonXuHSzW0NYjijLM1HqJA2ZJHJL49Xt_LVmyOaismg8KwK9oK7r_X-_amSB4inqEkuLTUuTt1a8BMLqB6aeC8VqhPHRZ4319j_BK25BWpk5V0SEugetDrdLkEgMY02ue2kjDUcNit6SlzGJGDPBgk0jJjDbbOI_zM5grNgsVZXarfm3OsFg833putZGiBDxIAI0LAEWPG3ZFihagJqxWzGrCsXcmDQhjXEiQKw4eaC838FIs5NEaQANlD-cNEq14JmorhgKuCU4VUENOZ0=&c=ripOanRrdadbI3XQO7xwRpNeynxopljmNPHNMXEvbdDXYT4tesXNUQ==&ch=x-kcK-1iWE90vWr2Mq62A1FXWXZ5xiDPZyb0G5cLMTFUMpkdHzuy_A==>

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View Webinars and Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7eKb5dn0btPEJJOAlWIECHgh3O4WKOGGQIL5DgFs6noqecoqzlXEMp90-jyp248sbEnbJI62KwyyiArldbXt7zblulKQWDdtTnCrYaFGxGvI0M-aALwM5hnNIHHxOV4zR6RgxTXDLurE5h8cbf2O5q8k31aD7v-oDqkVXKdQdo=&c=ripOanRrdadbI3XQO7xwRpNeynxopljmNPHNMXEvbdDXYT4tesXNUQ==&ch=x-kcK-1iWE90vWr2Mq62A1FXWXZ5xiDPZyb0G5cLMTFUMpkdHzuy_A==>

WEB TOOLS - Using Storyboards in Your Planning

Intermediate

When you think of the concept of "storyboarding," do you think of the progression of images to show the flow of a tale or narrative? You may have thought it was just used in making movies. Well, let’s re-define the use of storyboards and you will see an exciting way to use them in your everyday planning.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/cccaf718-d475-4507-befa-650f0ea63f4c.png]

The storyboarding process was originally developed at Walt Disney Productions during the early 1930's in the making of animated movies. But this cool way of creating a visual timeline to organize information has so many other uses! (photo to the right: Storyboarding at Disney Studios)

Storyboarding can simply be defined as a way to organize your thoughts … in a visual, flowing way.

They are especially handy when you are frustrated and need to:

·     Lay out the flow of a presentation and rearrange it until it makes sense.
·     Create a video where you want to be sure you have all the key messages.
·     Develop a series of courses where you need to see how everything fits together.
·     Write a lengthy report and want to make sure the content flows well.

Storyboarding is a linear way of organizing your information - do this first, do this second, do this third, and so on. It allows you to see the storyline from beginning to end.

What Tools Can You Use to Create a Storyboard?

Of course you could just hand draw a bunch of boxes in a row and fill in your thoughts. Or you could use PowerPoint to see the logical progression. Or you can use any number of free and low cost tools that are available on the web. Here are a few options for you.

Paper and Pen

[A Kanban board with columns labeled Next and Now displaying colorful sticky notes arranged by task]

You don't need fancy software if you want to start fast - and get your ideas written down in a way that they can be re-arranged quickly. Start simply with pen and paper. Use 3×5 index cards or better yet, our favorite is what we call a "Post-its on the wall" exercise.

You add one idea/image/thought per Post-it or note card so that they can re-arranged (or eliminated) quickly. Be sure to create headings and subheadings as well as regular content so that arranging the information will be linear.

Microsoft Office Programs

If you're more of a digital person, there are many programs like Word or PowerPoint that you can use to create a storyboard that has slides/blocks.

The diagram below can be created in Word and filled in with images and text. The idea is to have an image and a thought in text in somewhat outline form. To download this form, visit this EducationWorld.com<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7eKb5dn0btPEJJOAlWIECHgh3O4WKOGGQIL5DgFs6noqecoqzlXEK24lonXuHSz4LtUSkZiKPcaGynmfnQM0KE3q8ASyUYzGuab7DbK9_TN6xeF5-GsaeiPDtvMDA_dlTtBRZKLJ4s75mo0dx1K_hAWA7ZSEWrYcBmPCkh6o14cvsnd708hgr2Z3fqZn62KUttr-_ieZcWipPpInf97f7prRrYItGmq&c=ripOanRrdadbI3XQO7xwRpNeynxopljmNPHNMXEvbdDXYT4tesXNUQ==&ch=x-kcK-1iWE90vWr2Mq62A1FXWXZ5xiDPZyb0G5cLMTFUMpkdHzuy_A==> website.

[Blank storyboard template with eight panels and lined spaces for notes]

[PowerPoint slide overview with six slides. Arrows highlight transitions and slides contain Tech-Talk branding and discussion on spam reduction]

Using PowerPoint slides is another tool that is useful. This program is already structured as built-in way to storyboard.

By adding one idea per slide, go to the View tab and click on the Slide Sorter option under Presentation Views. Now you can drag and drop each slide to a new location that makes sense in ordering your presentation.

What a great way to organize and crystallize your ideas!

Web Tool – StoryBoardThat.com

If you're looking for a web tool that is specifically designed as a storyboard program, take a look at www.storyboardthat.com<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7eKb5dn0btPEJJOAlWIECHgh3O4WKOGGQIL5DgFs6noqecoqzlXEK24lonXuHSzLbDt0r53z23RwfQEmr9XyrVSbhtQ5g3hHZ3IS_iaYTcIa9OLUBPdQ7rsrqPKANyDe2zoWgjUF-LGvZcKHYiiBqgq07yCpZec&c=ripOanRrdadbI3XQO7xwRpNeynxopljmNPHNMXEvbdDXYT4tesXNUQ==&ch=x-kcK-1iWE90vWr2Mq62A1FXWXZ5xiDPZyb0G5cLMTFUMpkdHzuy_A==>. It has a free basic version and low cost monthly subscription options. There are even packages for schools/non-profits.

[Website homepage of StoryboardThat with a digital storytelling scene and navigation buttons.]

This digital platform gives you an image library, different layouts and an ability to drag and drop. You can share your storyboard with others online, or download it as a high-resolution image or PDF file.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/91233464-c9bd-47f2-8411-d3f2c981ba64.png]
Miro.com for Storyboarding and Brainstorming

Another platform that has free levels to help you map out your ideas is Miro.com<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7eKb5dn0btPEJJOAlWIECHgh3O4WKOGGQIL5DgFs6noqecoqzlXEDOEJDC0RG4TJQQeobbHP4xVn__xWAeBa9ErehJXRf_wCqeZ_f6MzKO8d5n5cl4j6soxKlUx6BGXsgF8ysh1suY=&c=ripOanRrdadbI3XQO7xwRpNeynxopljmNPHNMXEvbdDXYT4tesXNUQ==&ch=x-kcK-1iWE90vWr2Mq62A1FXWXZ5xiDPZyb0G5cLMTFUMpkdHzuy_A==>. This tool is especially good when collaborating with others.

·     Brainstorm with members of your team in “real-time” as each person can access and make changes to the board from different locations, simultaneously.
·     Craft ideas and create notes by moving them around the board.

Read more<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7eKb5dn0btPEJJOAlWIECHgh3O4WKOGGQIL5DgFs6noqecoqzlXEDOEJDC0RG4TPTfDfS2S_JOYh1PAi5p5MqsULXYd6sCoelaFY5l4HhVhtP72VcWmgQDIzISfAztMFinsTDAHOjKxAIsI9kQHmKOSdyabBgBsjBQbpZwpd-FN6w915dzBBT6eF3YM0NerO9kLNdCglsY=&c=ripOanRrdadbI3XQO7xwRpNeynxopljmNPHNMXEvbdDXYT4tesXNUQ==&ch=x-kcK-1iWE90vWr2Mq62A1FXWXZ5xiDPZyb0G5cLMTFUMpkdHzuy_A==> about this platform in this Tech-Talk article.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/e565d7d1-215e-487a-8e78-f332113e7825.jpg]

Communications: Personal Leadership

Giving recognition or appreciation? Be specific.

Someone has done a nice job ... tell them!

Then go a step beyond to make the recognition and appreciation more meaningful: be specific about why you said "Nice job."

It's so easy to applaud others with a compliment ... at work, school, home.

And if you want to double-up the effort to make that comment really stick with the individual ... and give them info they can use for the future ... add why you said that.

Examples:
·     "Nice job, Steve."
·     "Nice job, Steve. Everything is so well organized."

·     "That was a good presentation."
·     "That was a good presentation. It made me think more conceptually about this."

·     "That was sweet, Eli."
·     "That was sweet, Eli. You made her feel special, I'm sure."

Being specific with your praise, recognition and appreciation makes it feel more genuine and deserved by the recipient.

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Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
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State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
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