Slide Deck Tips

I want to share some tips for creating effective slide decks. These are general and basic ideas that you should keep in mind as you start building your presentation. The goal is to create a professional-looking slide deck that effectively communicates your message to the audience.

First, focus on the narrative of your presentation. Ensure that the structure follows a logical order that guides the audience to a clear understanding of your message. Each slide should have a main takeaway and contribute to an overarching thesis. This approach makes it easier for your audience to follow along.

Keep your tone simple and direct. Avoid being overly wordy or using jargon—what I like to call "consultant speak." Be specific and detailed, clearly explaining the content as you move through the slides. This practice helps create a cohesive narrative.

Credibility is essential, so pay attention to spelling and grammar. Use spell check to ensure that words are correct and avoid obvious errors. Make sure your audience understands any abbreviations or technical terms by explaining them clearly.

In terms of visual presentation, maintain consistency. Ensure that similar items look alike—use standard bullet points and icons throughout. The theme and template should be uniform across slides. Strive for visual clarity by using high-quality images and being selective with smart art, as it can sometimes be inconsistent.

Formatting is crucial, too. Use consistent alignment, stick to one font type and size per level, and make use of slide numbers and footers to enhance professionalism. I often find that tables and boxes help provide consistent alignment and structure. Be on the lookout for hanging characters or words and fix them before your presentation.

Consider how format, grammar, and typos can influence your audience's perception of your credibility. Focus more on enhancing the narrative, tone, structure, and visuals, as these elements significantly impact message quality. Lastly, with practice, you will become more proficient in using presentation tools like PowerPoint, which will further improve your presentations.