10 Rules for Case Solving Slide Decks

Now, I want to discuss how to effectively create a presentation deck, including tips for visualising your slides and improving your PowerPoint or any other presentation software you may be using. One of the challenges with presentations is that visuals can be subjective; not everyone will appreciate your design or consider you a PowerPoint expert just because you can animate images. However, there are some universal guidelines that most people agree on that enhance presentations and make them aesthetically pleasing.

Rule number one: Keep it simple. Make your communication straightforward and avoid letting your message get overshadowed by overly complex slides.

Rule number two: A less cluttered design will strengthen your visual impact. For example, try to limit bullet points and text; focus on being more visual whenever possible. If there’s too much text, audiences may start reading and stop listening. Use slides as cues to support what you're saying, rather than as the primary source of information, as everything else can become a distraction.

Rule number three: Use animations and transitions sparingly. Overusing these features can make them seem gimmicky, and your audience may end up focusing on the effects instead of your actual content. In many cases, I suggest that my team members present key points on separate slides to highlight the important information effectively.

Rule number four: Another critical aspect is using high-quality graphics. The quality of the images in your presentation reflects the quality of your message. Avoid low-resolution images and graphics, as they detract from the professionalism of your presentation.

Rule number five: When it comes to charts, ensure you select appropriate ones that convey the information effectively. Often, we overload charts with excessive detail. Make sure the key elements are included without unnecessary zeros, and provide titles that clearly explain what the chart represents. Assess whether the chart accurately illustrates the trend you want to highlight.

Rule number six:  Establish a visual theme. I recommend avoiding many pre-made PowerPoint templates, as most are not well designed. It's relatively simple to create your own custom style. While PowerPoint has improved over the years, templates can still mismanage space.

Rule number seven: Choose your fonts wisely; they communicate subtle messages. Use the same font family consistently throughout your presentation. Understand the difference between serif and sans-serif fonts: Sans-serif fonts are easier to read on screens and are more suitable for presentations, while serif fonts are better suited for printed documents with a lot of text.

The idea of using a serif font, such as Times New Roman, is typically effective for written documents. However, it may not be the best choice for presentations. In a PowerPoint presentation, you want to select a font that conveys professionalism and seriousness. Avoid fonts like Comic Sans if you want your audience to take you seriously.

For this reason, Apple developed Helvetica, which is ideal for digital formats and has a visually appealing design. In Microsoft Office, the new default font is also suitable for presentations. In this particular presentation, we are using Poppins, which is similar to Helvetica and conveys a professional message.

Rule number eight: Don’t hesitate to incorporate video or audio clips occasionally, as they can be powerful tools if they align with your content and context. If you’re participating in a competition, ensure that your multimedia elements comply with the competition’s rules and that you have adequate time to prepare them. Always test any video clips or links to ensure they function properly during your presentation.

Rule number nine: Spend some time using the slide sorter feature. This tool allows you to rearrange slides easily, helping you assess whether particular slides fit well within the overall flow of the presentation.

Rule number 10: It’s also helpful to utilize the master slide option. The master slide enables you to create consistent templates across various types of slides and control elements such as font, colour, and text size. I recommend practicing with the master slide to familiarize yourself with its features.