Storymakers playbook

How real consulting decks align with the playbook.

Every analysed deck is matched against three layers of the Storymakers taxonomy: one of 20 narrative arcs at the deck level, multiple 53 loops as contiguous slide segments, and 226 tools at slide / loop / block layer. We also record any named consulting framework visible on each slide.

322
decks matched
2103
loops detected
25605
tool tags
1249
framework tags
739
unique frameworks

20 narrative arcs · ranked

primary arc per deck · click for decks using it
Strategy & Business
The Consultant's Gambit
217
Analysis & Information
The Triple Take
66
Analysis & Information
The Onion
33
Analysis & Information
The Mountain
3
Narrative & Transformation
The Sparkline
2
Strategy & Business
AIDA
1
Strategy & Business
The Sequoia Pitch
0
Strategy & Business
Problem-Agitate-Solution
0
Strategy & Business
Monroe's Motivated Sequence
0
Narrative & Transformation
The Hero's Journey
0
Narrative & Transformation
The Golden Circle
0
Narrative & Transformation
The Transformation Tale
0
Narrative & Transformation
The Pixar Pitch
0
Booker's 7 Plots
Overcoming the Monster
0
Booker's 7 Plots
Rags to Riches
0
Booker's 7 Plots
The Quest
0
Booker's 7 Plots
Voyage and Return
0
Booker's 7 Plots
Comedy
0
Booker's 7 Plots
Tragedy
0
Booker's 7 Plots
Rebirth
0
218 in Strategy & Business
102 in Analysis & Information
2 in Narrative & Transformation

53 loops · how segments are built

each deck contains multiple loops
Consulting Framework
667 in 282 decks
Logical Reasoning
344 in 171 decks
Comparison
328 in 209 decks
Analysis
201 in 139 decks
Narrative
133 in 112 decks
Urgency
132 in 118 decks
Validation
106 in 79 decks
Vision
61 in 55 decks
Causation
46 in 43 decks
Persuasion
25 in 24 decks
Change Management
21 in 20 decks
Risk Management
14 in 14 decks
Explanation
10 in 8 decks
Competitive
9 in 9 decks
Decision Making
6 in 6 decks
#1
Logical Reasoning
02_pattern_hunter
Group multiple pieces of evidence that together point to a pattern or conclusion
325165 decks
Best examples ↓
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#2
Analysis
06_zoom_in
Start broad, then progressively focus on specific details that prove your point
164114 decks
Best examples ↓
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#3
Comparison
04_tale_two_worlds
Show the gap between two states to drive urgency or highlight opportunity
163132 decks
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#4
Consulting Framework
41_so_what_cascade
Chain insights together, each answering 'so what?' until you reach the actionable conclusion
144108 decks
Best examples ↓
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#5
Consulting Framework
40_mece_breakdown
Divide a complex topic into mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive categories
118109 decks
Best examples ↓
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#6
Narrative
03_aha_moment
Establish a tension, present data, then deliver the insight that changes everything
11098 decks
Best examples ↓
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#7
Consulting Framework
34_segmentation_split
Divide a whole into meaningful segments to reveal hidden patterns
10488 decks
Best examples ↓
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#8
Comparison
39_benchmark_gap
Compare performance against best-in-class to quantify the opportunity
8681 decks
Best examples ↓
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#9
Urgency
15_why_now
Create temporal urgency by proving that the window of opportunity is opening or closing
7977 decks
Best examples ↓
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#10
Comparison
21_before_after
Show the dramatic contrast between the old way and the new way through side-by-side comparison
7970 decks
Best examples ↓
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#11
Validation
09_precedent
Use historical or external examples to validate your approach
7050 decks
Best examples ↓
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#12
Urgency
27_cost_of_inaction
Quantify what happens if the audience does nothing
5349 decks
Best examples ↓
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#13
Consulting Framework
33_build_up
Start from zero and add components to arrive at a total
5042 decks
Best examples ↓
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#14
Consulting Framework
47_quick_win_big_bet
Separate initiatives into immediate wins and longer-term strategic bets
4948 decks
Best examples ↓
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#15
Consulting Framework
36_maturity_curve
Show where you are on a progression and what it takes to reach the next level
4646 decks
Best examples ↓
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#16
Vision
11_golden_circle
Invert the typical pitch by starting with why you exist, rather than what you do
3837 decks
Best examples ↓
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#17
Analysis
10_iceberg
Reveal that the visible problem is merely a symptom of a deeper root cause
3735 decks
Best examples ↓
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#18
Consulting Framework
35_scenario_fork
Present multiple futures based on different assumptions or decisions
3129 decks
Best examples ↓
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#19
Consulting Framework
30_2x2_matrix
Plot options on two critical dimensions to reveal the optimal quadrant
2828 decks
Best examples ↓
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#20
Causation
13_domino_effect
Demonstrate how a single small strategic move triggers a cascade of positive outcomes
2625 decks
Best examples ↓
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#21
Persuasion
12_myth_buster
Address a common misconception head-on to clear the room for a new truth
2524 decks
Best examples ↓
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#22
Vision
24_time_machine
Transport the audience to a future state where your solution has already succeeded
2323 decks
Best examples ↓
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#23
Causation
26_ripple_effect
Show how impact spreads from individual to team to organization to market
2020 decks
Best examples ↓
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#24
Validation
51_voice_of_customer
Let customer quotes and feedback drive the narrative and validate the insight
1919 decks
Best examples ↓
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#25
Validation
23_expert_witness
Borrow credibility from a recognized authority to validate your position
1716 decks
Best examples ↓
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#26
Consulting Framework
31_waterfall_value
Break down a big number into its component drivers to show where value is created or lost
1717 decks
Best examples ↓
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#27
Narrative
05_the_reveal
Build mystery and anticipation, then deliver a surprising or powerful conclusion
1616 decks
Best examples ↓
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#28
Logical Reasoning
20_paradox_resolver
Introduce a seeming contradiction that captures attention, then resolve it with a deeper truth
1614 decks
Best examples ↓
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#29
Change Management
17_pivot
Validate a change in direction by showing it is a reaction to new intelligence, not failure
1413 decks
Best examples ↓
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#30
Consulting Framework
37_root_cause_tree
Branch out from a problem to its multiple contributing causes
1312 decks
Best examples ↓
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226 tools · 3 levels of abstraction

20795 Slide tags (100 unique) · 2746 Loop tags (86 unique) · 2064 Block tags (54 unique)
Slide tools
109 in taxonomy
Action Titles core
7252 · 317d
Concrete Language
1664 · 248d
Annotation
1617 · 308d
Visual Hierarchy
1072 · 289d
Color Strategy
905 · 242d
Small Multiples
780 · 267d
Chart Selection Guide
746 · 195d
Von Restorff Effect
738 · 251d
Metaphor & Analogy core
559 · 178d
Credibility Transfer
510 · 195d
Picture Superiority Effect
482 · 181d
Contrast Principle
419 · 172d
Authority Bias
383 · 187d
Core Message Extraction
373 · 182d
Emotional Appeal
350 · 174d
So What? Test core
340 · 99d
Gestalt Principles
294 · 146d
Closing Techniques
288 · 212d
Law of Similarity
259 · 112d
Opening Hooks
191 · 145d
Loop tools
45 in taxonomy
Contrast Pairs core
527 · 261d
Chunking
434 · 226d
Parallel Structure
201 · 111d
Inductive Reasoning core
170 · 126d
Data Story Arc core
166 · 132d
Tricolon
107 · 73d
Callback
103 · 78d
Causal Chain
86 · 68d
Information Gap Theory
71 · 65d
Aha! Moment
51 · 50d
Antithesis
49 · 38d
Build-Up (Gradatio)
41 · 37d
The Turn
40 · 33d
Argument from Analogy
38 · 19d
Anaphora
37 · 21d
Foreshadowing
36 · 28d
Payoff
35 · 29d
Progressive Disclosure
32 · 28d
Goal Gradient Effect
24 · 21d
Tension Management
23 · 22d
Block tools
72 in taxonomy
The Rule of Three
281 · 176d
MECE Principle core
263 · 155d
Three Pillars core
240 · 155d
Curiosity Gap
197 · 95d
Pyramid Principle core
151 · 138d
SCQA Framework core
137 · 134d
Before-After-Bridge
93 · 68d
Loss Aversion
91 · 76d
Big Idea Formula core
85 · 71d
Governing Thought
77 · 66d
Storytelling Effect
58 · 33d
Social Proof
45 · 33d
Negativity Bias
42 · 38d
Issue Tree
33 · 27d
Anchoring Bias
32 · 28d
Problem-Agitate-Solve (PAS)
28 · 26d
Stakeholder Mapping
24 · 17d
Scarcity
21 · 16d
Pareto Principle (80/20)
20 · 18d
Audience Definition core
17 · 17d

Frameworks in the wild

open vocabulary · top 40 of 739 unique
752x2 Matrix · 65 decks 49Maturity Model · 37 decks 43Value Chain · 24 decks 18Waterfall Chart · 15 decks 12B2C Elements of Value · 1 decks 11The A List Framework · 1 decks 11HFS Horizons · 2 decks 10Three Pillars · 9 decks 10Three Horizons · 7 decks 9PMDR Alignment Scale · 1 decks 9BCG 5 Success Dimensions for Climate Tech · 1 decks 7Total Enterprise Reinvention · 7 decks 7Simpler, Better, More Balanced · 1 decks 7Customer Journey Map · 7 decks 7Accenture Resilience Index · 2 decks 6Flatten-Fight-Future (BCG) · 1 decks 6Five Imperatives for Gen AI Reinvention · 1 decks 5Everest Group PEAK Matrix · 1 decks 4Wise Pivot · 3 decks 4Sustainability DNA · 1 decks 4Six Sigma · 1 decks 4Scenario Planning Matrix · 1 decks 4Scenario Planning · 4 decks 4Scenario Matrix · 2 decks 4S-Curve · 1 decks 4Jobs to Be Done · 2 decks 4Flywheel · 3 decks 4Flatten-Fight-Future · 2 decks 4Compute Index · 1 decks 4Capability Impact Heatmap · 1 decks 4BCG Procurement House · 2 decks 4BCG Deploy-Reshape-Invent · 3 decks 4BCG Cascading Value Model · 1 decks 48 Levers of Efficiency · 1 decks 42x2 Matrix (Bubble) · 2 decks 3Waterfall Bridge · 2 decks 3Waterfall / Value Bridge · 2 decks 3Waterfall (Value Bridge) · 3 decks 3Venn Diagram · 3 decks 3Timeline · 1 decks

Deep dives · pick a deck

clear
BenedictEvans
2024 Benedict Evans 2024 AI eats the world
A discursive Benedict Evans 'state of AI' essay that loosely follows The Onion arc (hype → platform shift? → more than that? → AGI? → everything else). It uses recurring callbacks, two-option contrast pairs, and analogies (S-curves, infinite interns, cars) more than disciplined consulting frameworks — high alignment with Storymakers narrative tools, low alignment with consulting-framework tools.
The Onion · 87p 82%
BenedictEvans
2023 Benedict Evans 2023 AI and Everything Else
A classic Benedict Evans question-led essay-deck: layered exploration that aligns loosely with The Onion arc but resists a clean Storymakers fit - heavy on action titles, analogies and authority quotes, light on explicit frameworks (only one named: Gartner Hype Cycle).
The Onion · 92p 70%
BenedictEvans
2021 Benedict Evans 2021 Three Steps to the Future
Benedict Evans's 'Three Steps to the Future' is thought leadership, not consulting — but it leans hard on Storymakers staples (action titles, three-pillar roadmap, contrast pairs, metaphor, concrete numbers, callbacks) while skipping client-deck staples like SCQA, MECE issue trees, or formal recommendations.
The Onion · 94p 70%
BenedictEvans
2020 Benedict Evans 2020 December The Great Unbundling
An analyst's annual macro briefing rather than a consulting deliverable: it lacks the explicit problem->solution->ask of the Consultant's Gambit, but is tightly built — reframing data via Pattern-Hunter and Myth-Buster loops, with strong action titles and Tufte-clean charts. The deck aligns most with the Onion arc (one thesis, the 'great unbundling', revealed across successive industry layers) rather than a hero/transformation arc.
The Onion · 134p 60%
BenedictEvans
2016 Benedict Evans 2016 Mobile is Eating the World
Strong slide-level Storymakers alignment - every page uses action titles, recurring metaphors (S-curve, cars-as-phones, retailers-as-newspapers), and concrete numerals - but the macro shape is exploratory analyst narrative (Onion / Sparkline) rather than a recommendation arc; there is no client, no ask, and no Now-What.
The Onion · 78p 78%
BenedictEvans
2015 Benedict Evans 2015 Mobile is Eating the World
Classic Benedict Evans thesis deck — disciplined Onion arc that peels four layers ('mobile is universal/remakes industry/remakes internet/dominates attention') before landing the broader 'tech outgrows tech' implication. Aligns strongly with Storymakers on action titles, contrast pairs, tricolon/causal-chain frameworks and analogy-based closure, but skips the explicit SCQA setup, recommendation, and call-to-action of a consulting deck.
The Onion · 54p 78%
Barclays · 2023
Barclays H1 2023 Review of Shareholder Activism 002 1
A polished Barclays market-intelligence review whose alignment with Storymakers is partial: strong action-titled executive summary and consistent so-what callouts on data charts, but the deck stays in the analytical 'facts/implications' register without a true call-to-action arc, and the close (contacts page) only weakly resolves the narrative.
The Onion · 27p 65%
Bain · 2023
e-Conomy SEA 2023 report: Vietnam
A bilingual market-context chapter from Bain/Google/Temasek e-Conomy SEA — pure analytical layering with strong action titles and small-multiple discipline, but no recommendation/CTA, so it aligns with Storymakers on craft (titles, contrast pairs, segmentation) more than on full narrative arc.
The Onion · 14p 65%
Bain · 2023
e-Conomy SEA 2023 report: Thailand
Bain country-spotlight research deck that aligns weakly with Storymakers — every chart slide carries a so-what action title (Pyramid-style), but the deck is a flat evidence dashboard with no problem-solution arc, no recommendation, and no named consulting framework.
The Onion · 14p 55%
Bain · 2023
e-Conomy SEA 2023 report: Philippines
Bain/Google/Temasek e-Conomy SEA report excerpt with strong action-titled, small-multiple data slides — fits The Onion arc (macro → segment → implication) but lacks any 'now what' recommendation. The deck is fully duplicated in Tagalog (pages 8-14 mirror 1-7), so methodology fidelity is reflected once and repeated.
The Onion · 14p 60%
Bain · 2023
e-Conomy SEA 2023 report: Singapore
A data-led country spotlight that loosely mirrors The Onion (overview to sector splits to core HVU insight to funding implications) without a recommendation or call to action — strong on action titles and small multiples but missing the 'Now What' that a Storymakers arc demands.
The Onion · 6p 65%
Bain · 2023
e-Conomy SEA 2023 report: Malaysia
A polished but loosely-arc'd Bain analytical snapshot: every page is well-executed at the slide layer (action titles, small multiples, annotation) but the deck-level narrative is a series of analytical cuts rather than a tight story arc — closest fit is The Onion zooming from context to capital, with each page acting as a self-contained so-what.
The Onion · 7p 55%
Bain · 2023
e-Conomy SEA 2023 report: Indonesia
Bilingual market research deck (English p.1-7 mirrored Indonesian p.8-14) with strong action titles and small-multiples but no Storymakers transformation arc — closest fit is The Onion (broad context → segment insights → funding implications) reinforced by a So-What Cascade across every chart slide.
The Onion · 14p 55%
Bain · 2019
Altagamma 2019 Worldwide Luxury Market Monitor
A research-style market monitor that uses anaphora ('The luxury customer is X') to chunk evidence into 7 thematic segmentations, sandwiched between a build-up market sizing and a synthesis on customer-centric transformation — strongly aligned with Onion / Triple Take logic and heavy on action-titles, small-multiples and segmentation-split loops, but weak on the explicit problem-solution Consultant's Gambit beat.
The Onion · 49p 75%
BCG · 2021
What’s in a (Domain) Name? The $2 Billion Secondary Market for Dot-Com Domains
Tightly aligned with Storymakers: every analytical slide uses an action title that states the insight, and the deck is built around a clean Onion / Reveal arc whose climax (p.7 'almost as big as primary') is set up by a deliberate volume-then-price reveal sequence. Weakness: no explicit Action / 'now what' beat - typical for a research report rather than a recommendation deck.
The Onion · 18p 78%
BCG · 2024
Transform Special Situations Index
Tight, data-led BCG mini-brief that aligns well with Storymakers at the slide level (every page has an action title and the 'so what' baked in) and uses a clean inductive Pattern Hunter loop into a Segmentation Split, but the macro arc stops at insight without ever closing the Consultant's Gambit loop with solution, impact, or call-to-action.
The Onion · 7p 72%
BCG · 2019
The Dawn of the Deep Tech Ecosystem
BCG x Hello Tomorrow's Deep Tech report aligns moderately with Storymakers: strong action-titled insights, parallel structures, and a clean MECE definition open the deck, and the France benchmark loop is rigorously executed — but it lacks a central recommendation/CTA, so the macro arc reads as analytical Onion rather than a Consultant's Gambit.
The Onion · 42p 70%
BCG · 2022
Streaming Video Back to Future
A tight, data-only BCG findings deck that aligns well with Storymakers at the slide layer — every action title states the insight, charts are clean and annotated — but lacks an explicit recommendation, so it sits closer to a layered Onion of findings than a fully resolved consulting story.
The Onion · 9p 60%
BCG · 2019
Out @ Work Barometer
Strong action-title discipline and a deliberate paradox reveal (p.11) make this a textbook Onion arc, but the deck stops short of an explicit recommendation — the 'Now What' is implied via the private-sector gap rather than stated.
The Onion · 15p 72%
BCG · 2024
Making WorkWorkBetter for Deskless Workers
BCG research deck loosely follows The Onion arc, peeling layers from labor-market context to demographic, industry and role drivers; strong action titles, small-multiples and contrast pairs, but no consultant's-gambit recommendation or next-steps beat.
The Onion · 9p 65%
BCG · 2017
Decoding Chinese Internet 2.0 Next Chapter
BCG market intelligence report that follows an Onion-style progressive reveal — surface scale, user behavior, competition, leapfrogging core insight, then KSFs and overseas implications — with strong action titles and benchmark contrast pairs but few classical narrative-arc devices.
The Onion · 63p 72%
BCG · 2023
BCG Investor Perspectives Series Q2 2023
BCG quarterly investor pulse check is a pyramid-style research findings deck - strong on action titles, concrete percentages, and so-what callouts, but lacks a true Storymakers narrative arc; closest fit is The Onion (summary -> deeper layers -> implications) without a real recommendation/action stage.
The Onion · 25p 60%
BCG · 2024
BCG Investor Perspectives Series
BCG pulse-check research deck that follows an Onion progression (surface key takeaways then macro then priorities then capital allocation core then BCG implication) with strong action-titles and a clear paradox-resolver loop on long-term vs short-term, but it leans heavily on data exhibits and an appendix of comparison tables, with no recommendation arc and minimal next-steps action.
The Onion · 27p 70%
AlvarezMarsal · 2020
The shape of retail: Consumers and the new normal
A&M's chartbook is data-presentation only — strong action title and visual hygiene on p2 but most slides default to question-as-title, with no SCQA framing or recommendation. It loosely peels onion-style from European context to Italian permanence, but lacks the Storymakers Now-What payoff.
The Onion · 7p 55%