Life is a pitch.
Presentation Design & Storytelling Lab
for BA and MA students in Design & Communication.
35 hours | 10 weekly sessions x 3.5 hours.
A repeatable methodology to structure and present ideas.
Life is a Pitch is a practice-based short course that provides a structured methodology for narrative architecture, visual system design and pitch delivery.
Working on a real project, participants progressively develop:
• a clear core message
• a coherent narrative structure
• a modular slide system
• a confident presentation strategy
The course moves from narrative foundations to visual construction and finally to live pitch simulation and critique.
Learning Outcomes.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
01.
Structure persuasive narratives for projects.
02.
Translate strategy into coherent slide systems.
03.
Apply visual hierarchy and information design principles.
04.
Frame ideas within the audience and context.
05.
Deliver presentations with clarity and authority.
Course structure.
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Introduction to narrative frameworks for design projects. Students analyze and map the structure of an existing presentation.
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Definition of the central idea and strategic positioning of a project. Exercises focus on clarity, focus and relevance.
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Development of a coherent narrative flow. Students build a logical sequence from concept to conclusion.
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Adapting content to audience, context and evaluation criteria. Emphasis on academic and professional presentation settings.
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Principles of hierarchy, information design and slide modularity. From content to structured visual systems.
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Design and refinement of slide layouts. Alignment between message, structure and visual clarity.
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Typography, spacing, rhythm and consistency. Improving readability and coherence across the deck.
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Voice, pacing, body language and presentation structure. Translating visual work into confident live delivery.
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Managing questions, critique and objections. Techniques to respond clearly and maintain control.
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Live presentation of the final project followed by structured critique and evaluation.
Target Audience.
Undergraduate students (BA) in Communication, Visual Design and related creative fields.
Postgraduate students who need to pitch projects, research, proposals or professional portfolios.
Students preparing for thesis presentations, portfolio reviews and final project critiques.
Methodology.
A workshop-first approach combining short frameworks, guided exercises and iterative improvement through critique.
Participants work on one project throughout the course and develop it across multiple feedback rounds, ending with a final pitch simulation.
Short theoretical inputs (principles and tools)
Guided exercises (narrative map, storyboard, editing)
Iteration and critique (feedback loops)
Delivery rehearsal and final presentation
Assessment.
Students are evaluated based on:
• Narrative clarity and structure
• Coherence of the slide system
• Visual hierarchy and consistency
• Effectiveness of delivery
• Participation and iterative improvement
About the instructor.
Angela Violino is a Presentation Designer and Brand Storytelling specialist with over 15 years of professional experience at the intersection of strategy, visual design and delivery.
She has designed and delivered workshops across both education and industry, including Civica Scuola di Teatro Paolo Grassi, Domus Academy (Milan), and the University of Urbino. Her professional collaborations include international organisations in the healthcare and research sector such as Novartis and IEO.
Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Triennale di Milano and the Museum of Arts and Design (New York).
Academic and professional impact.
This lab introduces a structured methodology that can support academic evaluation across critiques, exams and thesis presentations.
VALUE FOR THE SCHOOL
Improved clarity in student presentations.
A shared structure enhances how projects are communicated and assessed, raising consistency in critiques and final evaluations.
Methodological coherence across modules.
Students apply the same narrative and visual principles across courses, strengthening programme alignment.
Support for professional preparation.
The course contributes to more presentation-ready portfolios and stronger performance in interviews and external reviews.
Bring Life is a Pitch to your programme.
For syllabus details, scheduling and delivery options (BA and postgraduate), get in touch or book a short introductory call.