I love naming things. But the absolute thing I love most? The naming presentation. I. Love. Presenting. Maybe it’s my Leo nature, destined for the stage. The moment that slideshow begins, I’m in my element, ready to engage my clients and take them on a journey through powerful words that tell their company or product’s story.

I thought I’d share a few of my favorite presenting tips. Everyone has their own style, and there’s no single “right” way. This isn’t a comprehensive guide, just my personal playbook.

With that in mind, here are a few tips you might find useful when presenting your next show-stopping names.


Make it fun
Many clients have calendars crammed with status meetings, financial reports, and timeline check-ins. The one or two times they see names from you? A ray of light on an otherwise mundane Outlook calendar. Take advantage! Make your presentation different from those other PowerPoints. Engage them. Don’t bore them.


Fuck bullet points
This one’s controversial. I. Hate. Bullet points. Traditional PowerPoint breeds them like Gremlins after a midnight snack. Many naming presentations use them to explain each name. But when you present bulleted name rationale, your clients scan them briefly, then turn back to their laptops or phones. You’ve lost their attention. They don’t actually hear your brilliant explanation of why each name perfectly fits their needs.


Tell a story – Tell a bunch of stories
Presenting each name? Think of it as telling a short story. Don’t get lost in etymologies, linguistics, roots, and suffixes. Treat each name slide as a 30-60 second opportunity to bring that name to life for your clients and their audience. Weave a narrative about how a name taps into emotion or metaphor. Explain how it’s more powerful, curious, or distinct than the name before it.


Take negative reactions in stride
This is huge. You will get negative feedback. “I don’t like this name.” “This name is way off base.” We’ve all been there. Here’s how to handle it: Stay calm, smile, and nod as they dismantle one of your favorites. (Easier said than done for this prideful Leo!) When they’re done, ask why they feel that way. Acknowledge and thank them for the feedback. Depending on your relationship, you might offer a different perspective, but avoid defending the name. Not every name is a winner. Perhaps discuss how another name satisfies what this one lacks. Treat it as productive feedback that helps you understand their sweet spot.


Surprise and delight with one more thing
Sometimes you create a name that’s amazing, but it’s not on brief. It violates what the client said they wanted. That’s ok! Clients aren’t always experts in knowing what they want. That’s why they hired you—to explore possibilities. If a few names are a big stretch, present the on-brief names, and then, at the end, promise “one more thing.” It’s a great way to show a few “out there” names that might expand their horizons. And if not, you’ve demonstrated your deep creative range for next time!


Whether you use some, all, or none of these tips, think of your naming presentation as a special moment. Respect it. Maximize it. But most importantly… Make it unforgettable.