Understanding the Narrative Document at Amazon: A Gerard Presentation Technique

Mainstream corporate culture often revolves around the use of PowerPoint presentations, which can be effective but have their limitations. At Amazon, a renowned global leader in e-commerce, Jeff Bezos introduced the concept of a unique narrative document. This document, which is not widely known, has become a cornerstone of Amazon's internal communication and collaboration processes.

What is the Narrative Document?

The 6-page document, commonly referred to as the narrative, is a detailed and concise written document used by Amazon employees during meetings. It is not a formal presentation in the traditional sense but rather a meticulously crafted piece that serves as a foundation for discussions. During these meetings, participants spend the first 20-30 minutes reading the narrative in silence before engaging in a thoughtful and informed discussion of its content.

The Purpose and Benefits of the Narrative Document

This approach aims to achieve several key objectives:

Encouraging clear and concise communication: The narrative format ensures that the information is presented in a straightforward and understandable manner, facilitating effective communication among team members. Fostering critical thinking: By encouraging participants to read and contemplate the narrative before the discussion, critical thinking is stimulated, leading to more insightful and well-rounded dialogues. Ensuring thorough understanding: The document is designed to cover all relevant aspects of the subject, ensuring that everyone has a comprehensive understanding of the material before engaging in the discussion.

Origins and Evolution: The Gerard Presentation Technique

Jeff Bezos disliked the use of PowerPoint presentations, considering them insufficient for conveying a thorough thought process. To address this, he introduced the Gerard presentation technique, named after Bugs Bunny’s second-sights trick in the cartoon "What's Opera, Doc?" According to Jeff Bezos, the narrative document is a key component of this technique, designed to help presenters communicate more effectively.

The narrative document is not a rigidly structured presentation; it is a dynamic and flexible tool. Presenters are encouraged to:

Skim the narrative: Before the meeting, presenters should skim through the document to refresh their memory and prepare for the discussion. Focus on key points: During the meeting, the narrative serves as a reference guide, allowing presenters to focus on key points and facilitate a more engaging and meaningful discussion. Adapt to the discussion: The document is not meant to be read verbatim but rather to provide a foundation for the conversation, allowing for flexible and dynamic discussions based on the participants' insights and questions.

Applications of the Narrative Document

The narrative document has a wide range of applications within Amazon, including:

Business Reviews: Analysts and managers prepare detailed reports to review business performance, financial results, and strategic initiatives. Business Planning: Teams use the document to outline their strategic goals, initiatives, and action plans for the upcoming period. Product Launches: Product managers create comprehensive narratives detailing the product's features, market analysis, and launch strategy.

Conclusion

The narrative document at Amazon is a testament to the company's commitment to fostering a culture of clear communication, critical thinking, and informed decision-making. By encouraging the use of this unique format, Amazon ensures that its employees are well-prepared for meaningful and productive discussions, leading to more effective and innovative solutions.

For businesses and organizations looking to enhance their internal communication and collaboration, the narrative document offers a valuable model. By adopting this approach, teams can improve their ability to communicate complex ideas, foster critical thinking, and achieve a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.