The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures
By Dan Roam
Rating: 7
September 7, 2009
A while back, a commenter recommended this book to me because of the many similarities to the Big Story. And now that I’ve read it, I think it’s a great introduction on how to present something visually — so that it can be relate-able, memorable and something that’s easily passed on. The tools are somewhat complex, but can be really useful for any kind of presentation — helping any presenter cut chaff so that only the edible stuff remains. It keeps things simple, but not simpler.
What feels slightly disingenuous is that the author repeated states that drawing is easy. And that everyone likes to see others draw. I disagree. Though his drawings are simple, they are not easy. It does take talent. I’ve played enough games of Pictionary to know that not everyone can draw even the simplest of things. And second, people don’t like to see bad drawers draw. Only the good ones, even if it’s simple. And then the rigorous thinking and decision-making that underlies the drawings is even tougher. I walk away thinking that Dan Roam is a genius, because his ability to capture complex ideas in simple drawings is really nothing short of, well, genius.
So in the end, though I think the book is helpful, worthwhile and even needed — because it would help rid the earth of poor, Powerpoint-inspired presentations — it’s not anything close to as easy as he makes it look.
You can view this book's Amazon detail page by clicking the image above.
