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How to Create a Slide Deck in PowerPoint

A commonly used term when working with presentations is “slide deck,” but what exactly do we mean by that? Should you be familiar with some core terms before making your first presentation?

As we believe continuous education is key for presenters, regardless of their presentation skill level, today, we will talk about presentation deck meaning, how to build a presentation deck, and which elements define success in this process. Additionally, for a broader understanding and skill enhancement in making effective presentations, our section on how to make a presentation offers valuable insights and practical tips. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What is a Slide?

What is a slide deck, what should be included in a powerpoint slide deck, recommended slide decks for any kind of presentation.

A PowerPoint slide can be defined as a digital canvas in which we organize information and ideas in a visual format, primarily oriented for professional settings like business presentations, conferences, or academic presentations. People instantly associate slides with PowerPoint due to Microsoft PowerPoint being the industry-leading software in presentation software, offering full compatibility format with free software options like Google Slides.

The starting point of any slide is a blank canvas to which you can add a title, and you’ve got plenty of space to insert images, draw shapes, add videos to your presentations, and more. PowerPoint has a standard layout for its blank slides, as shown below. This layout can be modified by accessing Slide Master in PowerPoint .

Each slide is a single page of a presentation and can be edited to meet the requirements of any presenter without meaning you alter the following slides. Remember, presentation software tends to work with destructive workflow methodologies – meaning the changes you make cannot be reverted if you save the file and try to access it later. If you want to test multiple design options on a single slide, we highly recommend you create individual slides for each design or even save them as different file names so you can revert to a previous stage without inconvenience.

A slide deck or PPT deck is a collection of slides curated for a sole purpose: serving as visual aids for a presentation topic. These slides can contain multiple tools like charts and graphs , placeholder text areas, icons, dashboard display, illustrations (in the format of vector images), and way more depending on three key elements:

• Build quality: How much effort the creator put into crafting the slides.
• Software: Although compatible, PowerPoint decks may offer some effects that aren’t available in Google Slides. For that reason, creators often flag animated slides or slide decks containing complex shadow effects as only PowerPoint-compatible.
• Topic: A presentation deck intended to present a marketing plan won’t contain the same elements as one intended to deliver a motivational talk. 

Before deciding how to start a presentation , select a slide deck compatible with the topic your presentation is geared toward.

We like to work with the method of using one topic per slide. This means not overpopulating your slides with content for the sake of showing content. Such practices affect readability and the overall understanding of your presentation.

Instead, we will teach you how to curate content in your slide decks by taking pitch deck templates as an example. 

Say we select the Executive Pitch Deck PowerPoint Template . This pitch deck is intended to introduce potential investors to what the business is about. 

Rather than filling all the data in just 2-3 slides, take it easy and work with the layout this template offers:

• Title Slide: Every single presentation should list a title slide, with quality graphics and the presentation title being clear enough. Additional information can include the presenter’s name, the company’s name, logo, etc.
• About Us Slide: In business environments, companies should always introduce themselves, highlighting key information like the industry they move in, significant milestones, etc. Remember, this is an introduction to the company as an entity, not a description of your team members.
• Best Services: Depending on your niche, take this as an opportunity to promote your core activities as a company.
• What We Do: This is complementary to “Best Services.” It is the section where you specify which areas your company covers and why your services stand out against competitors.
• Mission and Vision: Required for any pitch deck presentation.
• Meet the Team: This slide can either be an org chart or be presented through photos for the managers per department (the interaction points between stakeholders and management).
• Our Advantages: Ideal to complement slides 3 and 4, this expresses the competitive advantage of the company and marketing plan, and you should present your flagship product or service.
• Market Opportunity: What led your company to approach its niche, attending to customers’ pain points.
• Timeline: This slide serves to introduce significant milestones, projects, planned strategies, deadlines, etc.
• Market Size: When we have to answer the total addressable market (TAM), we can use a slide representing TAM, SAM, and SOM .
• Competitors: Two slides in this presentation deck talk about a company’s competitors and different approaches to representing that data with visual impact. 
• Data Chart: If you intend to discuss a KPI in particular, this chart slide can work to expand the talk over that point. 
• Product and Demo: This works either for e-commerce or physical products. Presenters can alter the slide to discuss services rather than products or just keep the “Best Services” slide.
• Pricing Slide: When discussing a business pitch, you must present your current pricing range to potential investors. In this case, the slide resembles the pricing tier format you can find on many websites.
• Thank You Slide: Knowing how to end a presentation with class is critical to securing a business deal. You can include a photo that resembles closing a business deal, a video that further expands your company’s history, products/services, and culture, or leave it with a minimalistic “thank you.”

With just 15 slides, you can create a powerful slide deck communicating your message to your target audience. Keeping a clean layout and following the 1 topic per slide rule ensures your presentation delivers a clean speech.

Now, we’ll move on to how to make a presentation deck from scratch. We recommend working with PowerPoint Templates , as design decisions are already taken for you (font pairing, color schemes, placeholder areas, balance between text and graphs).

Select a Slide Deck

By browsing professional PPT template creators’ websites like SlideModel, you can find a vast selection of products tailored to your needs. It is as easy as to browse for the topic you want via the search bar, locate a product you desire, and download it to your account. You can also explore the available products per category through menu elements.

Insert your Content

Every single presentation deck available at SlideModel.com is entirely customizable. We can add illustrations by going to Insert > Picture and selecting the origin from which you want to upload your image into the presentation.

Also, users can customize the template and replace the image in the placeholder area by right-clicking over it and selecting Change Picture .

Text content can be edited in the text placeholder areas by clicking over it. Charts and graphs may require some extra steps depending on how they were crafted. To replace the placeholder data, simply select the chart or graph element and click on the Filter option next to it. Seek the Select Data option at the end of the contextual menu.

Modify the data used as a sample in the chart with the information pertinent to your company or project. An MS Excel spreadsheet will open up to allow that procedure.

Other Customization Options for Slide Decks

Finally, we recommend you check the following articles to learn more about aspects to edit in slide decks:

• How to change fonts in Slide Decks .
• How to change the theme in Slide Decks .
• Which fonts will make your Slide Deck stand out .
• How to insert 3D models in Slide Decks .
• How to change slide layout in a Slide Deck .
• How to rotate a slide in PowerPoint .

What are the key elements of an effective slide deck?

A clear and cohesive theme, concise and impactful text, and high-quality graphics are all you need to create a powerful slide deck, as long as it follows a logical flow that guides the audience through the presentation.

Can I create a slide deck if I don’t have Microsoft PowerPoint?

Yes, our expertise in this field tells us there are no visible differences between working with PowerPoint and Google Slides or Apple Keynote to create a quality presentation, except for some curved text effects and complex animations.

What are some tips for choosing a theme or template for my slide deck?

• Select a theme or template that aligns with the presentation’s topic or audience.
• Consider the context and setting of the presentation.
• Opt for a clean and professional design that backs up your speech rather than add distracting elements.

How can I add and format text on my slides?

When working with presentation software, you can format text as you would work with any text editor. Remember to stick to concise and clear language, with no technical jargon. Huge “text walls” deter the audience from your talk, as there’s a natural impulse to read the content. Opt for legible fonts rather than complex script typefaces.

How can I ensure my slides are consistent regarding fonts, colors, and styles?

Using a consistent color scheme is the first step, which can be analogous (easier to work), complementary, or bolder options as long as you stick to recommended color pairings. Avoid harsh contrasts, as they make your slides less legible. Use a maximum of 3 different fonts in your slide, best if 2 only.

1. Innovative Business Presentation Template Slide Deck

Powerful graphics with contrasting tones that add a vibrant vibe to your presentation. This slide deck is ideal for startups, tech talks, or any presentation that wants to showcase a vanguard style in touch with the latest design trends.

Use This Template

2. PPT Slide Deck Template

A semi-formal slide deck that balances many visual aids and placeholder text areas while bearing a complementary color scheme. Ideal for team meetings, introducing your company to investors, or academic presentations.

3. Business Executive Presentation Deck for PowerPoint

Sleek, formal, and with plenty of tools to repurpose this slide deck for multiple presentation requirements. A fully editable PPT presentation deck that can accommodate an alternative theme to its distinctive cool blue executive tones.

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Design, Microsoft PowerPoint, Slides Filed under Design , PowerPoint Tutorials

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What is a Slide Deck? Everything You Need to Know!

By: Author Shrot Katewa

In my personal experience alone, I’ve seen people use very many different words including the word “Slide Deck” for a presentation. I always wondered what is the meaning of Slide Deck, and how is it different from other words commonly used to describe a presentation. So, I did a little research, and here’s what I found out!

A Slide Deck is a term assigned to a group of slides that together form a complete presentation. A slide deck is usually created using a presentation design application. A slide deck is often used as an aid for storytelling or presenting information about a topic or an organization.

But, how is a slide deck different from a slide show or a PowerPoint? In this article, we will understand the nuances of the various presentation terminologies used. Plus, I will also help you understand why is a slide deck really called a slide deck!

So, let’s get started.

A Quick Note Before We Begin – if you want to make jaw-dropping presentations, I would recommend using one of these Presentation Designs . The best part is – it is only $16.5 a month, but you get to download and use as many presentation designs as you like! I personally use it from time-to-time, and it makes my task of making beautiful presentations really quick and easy!

What is a Slide Deck?

When it comes to describing a presentation, there are several words that are used. One word that is often used is a “Slide Deck”.

As mentioned above, a slide deck really is a collection of slides put together to form a presentation. A slide deck is used in many organizations to give an overview about their organization, to share strategies or plans, or showcase performance updates, or even just sharing a piece of interesting information about a topic. There are several use cases for a slide deck!

You may wonder, “Is slide deck not just the same as a presentation?”. If so, then why not just call it a presentation instead of a slide deck? Why use the term slide deck at all?

Pro Tip: All slide decks are presentations, but not all presentations can be classified as a slide deck!

A presentation is usually a much broader term. For instance, when you are displaying a physical product and verbally sharing nuggets of information about that product, it is still referred to as a presentation. More specifically, it is called a product presentation.

The key difference between a slide deck and presentation is that a presentation is an act of delivering information such as a speech or a talk. Whereas, a slide deck is the visual aid used while giving a presentation!

Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, a slide deck and a presentation are actually two different terms!

Why is a Slide Deck called a Slide Deck? A Brief History!

The term slide deck evolved from an old technology that was used for projecting the slides on the wall. A physical 35 mm slide was inserted into a carousel slide projector . All the slides that were used during a presentation were collectively known as a slide deck (as in a deck of cards).

The term “slide deck” stuck around and became synonymous with a presentation even after the technology evolved . Thus, even today, many people refer to a presentation as a slide deck.

If you are wondering how this projector really worked, then you would be amazed to know that each model came with slots for 40 or 80 slides that could be inserted at a time.

Each slide would be placed upside down and backward in terms of the chronological order so that the image projected is in the correct orientation and order. The slide themselves were usually photographs and not much could be done on the slide.

Difference Between Slide Deck and Slide Show?

Another term that people often use interchangeably is a slide deck and a slide show.

A slide deck is the group of slides used to create a presentation. However, when these slides are displayed or shown to an audience while giving a presentation, the process is known as a slide show.

In other words, a slide deck is usually a presentation file whereas a slide show is a process of showing the contents of that file to an audience.

Slide Deck vs PowerPoint: What’s the Difference?

I’ve also seen people get confused between a slide deck and PowerPoint. Again, these are also another set of terms that are used interchangeably. But, there is a difference.

As mentioned before, a slide deck is usually a group of slides collectively put together to give a presentation. The term slide deck has existed even years before PowerPoint was introduced. As we learned above, a slide deck was initially used to describe the batch of physical slides used in a projector.

PowerPoint, on the other hand, is a presentation design software. Unlike a slide or a presentation, PowerPoint is actually a program that is used for designing a slide or creating a presentation.

As the technology evolved and a computer started to have more computing power, complex applications were designed to enable the ease of leveraging technology.

Contrary to the common opinion, PowerPoint was not created by Microsoft. It was first released by Forethought Inc in 1987 initially only for Mac OS. However, Microsoft acquired PowerPoint 3 months after its initial release and rebranded it as Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is the Difference Between Slide Deck and a Pitch Deck?

Another term that you may hear often, especially in the more recent times, is a pitch deck. It is important to note that using the two interchangeably might not be the correct thing to do. Here’s why –

A slide deck is basically all the final slides put together to create a presentation. However, a pitch deck is a type of a slide deck created with a very specific purpose of pitching an idea or a business model to an investor with the intention of raising funds for implementing the idea.

In this era of start-ups and entrepreneurs, a pitch deck is quite common. In fact, every time an organization is looking to raise funds for the project or business, a pitch deck is required.

Simply put, a pitch deck can also be called a slide deck, but not all slide decks can be referred to as a pitch deck!

What is a PowerPoint Slide Deck?

There are multiple ways of creating a slide deck. As we learned earlier, traditionally a slide deck was created using actual physical slides.

As the technology evolved, sophisticated computer applications were used to create a slide deck. One such application is Microsoft PowerPoint.

A PowerPoint slide deck is a term used to describe a slide deck or a presentation that is created using Microsoft PowerPoint as the presentation design application. A PowerPoint slide deck usually consists of multiple slides put together to create a presentation.

That said, a PowerPoint slide deck is more commonly referred to as a “slide deck” or just “Presentation” as PowerPoint is not the only presentation design application available to a user.

What is a Slide Deck in Google Slides?

Although PowerPoint has been one of the most well-known and commonly used presentation design programs, another application that has been gaining in popularity amongst the users is Google Slides!

The idea of a slide deck in Google Slides is pretty much the same. When you put together all the final slides that are going to be used in a presentation using Google Slides, it is known as a slide deck in Google Slides.

If you are not sure what exactly is Google Slides and would like to understand this a bit more in detail, I’ve written a detailed post on this topic. Make sure you check it out! Click on the below link.

What is Google Slides? The ULTIMATE Guide!

How to Make a Slide Deck in PowerPoint?

If you are using PowerPoint, one of the things that you may often be asked to do at work is to make a slide deck in PowerPoint. But, how exactly do you do that? Let me try to answer this question.

Here’s how to make a slide deck in PowerPoint –

• Open a PowerPoint Presentation
• Create a structure for your content
• Create a Title Slide
• Design the Other Remaining Slides
• Use Images relevant to the content
• Add Animations and Transitions
• Create a Thank You Slide
• Save Your Slide Deck
• Share the File with your team

Honestly, this topic deserves a separate article in itself. Perhaps even a single article may not be complete enough to cover this topic.

How to Make a Good Slide Deck?

Let’s face it – most of us don’t want to come across as incompetent. Thus, making a good slide deck is almost always important. But, how exactly does one do that?

There are actually several things that you can do to make an attractive presentation. I actually wrote a detailed article on how to easily create a good slide deck. The tips that I share in that article are also relevant for beginners. So, make sure you check out that article as well! The link is mentioned below.

7 EASY tips that ALWAYS make your PPT presentation attractive (even for beginners)

More Helpful Resources –

• Should You Add Table of Contents in your Presentation?
• How to Give a Presentation When You Are Not Prepared?
• A Quick Guide to Using Animations and Transitions in PowerPoint

Image Credit for the Featured Image

What Is a Slide Deck & How It's Done (Tips & Templates)

Learn what a slide deck is. Get tips and templates for making a professional slide deck presentation for business that goes beyond PowerPoint.

Dominika Krukowska

6 minute read

Short answer

What is a slide deck?

A slide deck is a sequence of slides, or pages, used as visual aids in a presentation or a speech. It’s used in business and education to communicate complex information. The slides in the deck are set in a logical order that completes a coherent narrative.

The term “slide deck” comes from the original mechanical slide projector which used a kind of magazine shaped as a carousel to move through a series of transparent slides which were projected on a screen. The term now refers to individual pages within digital presentations.

Dull presentations achieve only boredom - is your slide deck dull?

Capturing and maintaining an audience's attention is no easy feat. If your presentations are dull, you risk boring your audience, failing to convey your message effectively, or even becoming a go-to example for a bad presentation.

But what if there’s a way to minimize the risk?

In this post, we'll cover what a slide deck is and what it isn't.

You’ll learn how to avoid the common mistakes that demolish engagement and how to create an effective slide deck to transform your presentations from boring to buzzworthy.

Let’s dive in!

Slide deck vs. slideshow

A slide deck is a series of slides crafted for a presentation, whereas a slideshow is typically a looping set of images or videos, often with little to no interactive elements. While slide decks are used for communicating information, slideshows are generally used for entertainment.

Slide deck vs. presentation

The difference between a slide deck and a presentation is that a slide deck is a collection of slides that contains information, while a presentation is the act of delivering the information to an audience. The slide deck is the visual aid used during a presentation to support the speaker's message.

Static vs. interactive slide deck

A static slide deck presentation includes only static content such as text and images, whereas an interactive slide deck presentation includes clickable elements, animations, or embedded media that provide a dynamic, immersive experience users can interact with.

Interactive slide decks have been shown to be much more engaging than static ones since they facilitate the reader’s active participation.

This allows readers to hide or expose content on demand, control the pace at which content is served, and see information tailored to them.

You can see the difference below:

What is a slide deck presentation in PowerPoint?

A slide deck presentation in PowerPoint is a series of static slides arranged in a fixed order.

Created in Microsoft's PowerPoint software, it allows for structured information delivery, but lacks interactive elements, limiting audience engagement during the presentation.

Here's an example of a slide deck presentation in PowerPoint:

What is a slide deck presentation in Google Slides?

In Google Slides, a slide deck presentation is a sequence of slides designed within this cloud-based platform.

It offers the convenience of online collaboration and accessibility, but like traditional tools, it primarily features static slides, limiting the potential for interactive audience engagement.

Here's an example of a slide deck presentation in Google Slides:

What is a slide deck presentation in Storydoc?

A slide deck presentation in Storydoc is more than just a series of slides. It's an interactive journey crafted within the platform using narrated design.

Unlike traditional tools, it allows for dynamic elements and user interaction, significantly enhancing audience engagement and the overall presentation experience.

Here's an example of a slide deck presentation in Storydoc:

What makes a good slide deck?

A good slide deck grabs attention through a clear narrative, compelling visuals, and concise text. It's not just about information, but also interaction.

Engaging slide decks often incorporate dynamic elements, encourage audience participation, and are crafted with an understanding of the audience's needs and interests.

What are slide decks used for in business?

Slide decks are the backbone of effective business communication. They help audiences understand complex concepts, make informed decisions, and take action.

How slide decks are used:

• To present complex data in an understandable way
• To share company updates or strategies during meetings
• To pitch ideas or products to clients or investors
• To support webinars or training sessions
• To tell compelling stories to engage and persuade audiences

What should a slide deck presentation include?

A slide deck presentation should include a clear narrative structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. It should feature compelling visuals that support your message, concise and easy-to-read text, and interactive elements to engage your audience.

Remember to include a call-to-action, guiding your audience towards the desired outcome.

Check out our dedicated guides for specific types of slide decks:

What to Include in a Pitch Deck (Slides 99% of Investors Want)

7 elements of a great sales deck structure

What should a one-pager include?

What does a marketing deck include?

What are the main types of business slide decks?

The main types of business slide decks are:

• Pitch deck presentations
• Sales deck presentations
• Product marketing presentations
• White papers
• Case studies
• Report presentations
• Education and academic presentations
• Business proposal presentations
• Sports sponsorship proposals
• Business plan presentations

Jump ahead to each type:

1. Pitch deck presentations

These slide decks are the golden ticket for startups seeking investment. They succinctly present the business idea, market potential, and growth strategy to convince investors to come on board.

Here’s an example of a pitch deck presentation:

If you want to find out more about pitch deck presentations, read these articles:

What Is a Pitch Deck? A Beginner's Guide to Greatness

Create a Winning Pitch Deck Investors Love (Examples & Tips)

2. Sales deck presentations

These slide decks showcase the unique benefits of your product or service and demonstrate why it's the ideal solution for the customer's needs.

Their main goal is to convince prospects to become paying customers of your solution.

Here’s an example of a sales deck presentation:

To learn more, check out our article on how to make a sales pitch deck that turns ‘Maybe’ to ‘Yes!’ .

3. Product marketing presentations

These slide decks introduce new products or features, highlighting their benefits and how they solve the target audience's problems, sparking interest and driving sales.

Here’s an example of a product marketing presentation:

4. White papers

These slide decks are comprehensive reports that provide an in-depth analysis of a problem and its solution, showcasing your business expertise.

Here’s an example of a white paper:

5. Case studies

These slide decks share customer success stories. They show how your product or service has helped a customer, building credibility with potential clients.

Here’s an example of a case study:

For more information, check out our blog posts:

What Is a Case Study & Customer Success Story?

5 Steps for Writing a Case Study for Business (+Templates)

12 Steps to Create a Business Case Study That Converts

Case Study Format Types: Match Format with Business Goals

These decks present complex data in an engaging way. They transform raw data into understandable insights, making information accessible to all.

Here’s an example of a report presentation:

7. One-pagers

These slide decks provide a quick overview of your product or service on the first touchpoint with a potential customer. They highlight key features and benefits in a concise, easy-to-digest format.

Here’s an example of a one-pager presentation:

To learn more about this slide deck type, read our guides:

What Is a One-Pager: Types, Benefits & Main Use Cases

Make One-Pagers That Grab Attention, Engage & Convert

Create a Sales One-Pager (Examples, Writing Tips, Templates)

Create a Business Plan One-Pager (+ Proven Templates)

How to Create a Startup One-Pager That Wows Investors

How to Create a Product One-Pager (That Gets People Excited)

8. Education and academic presentations

These slide decks simplify complex concepts and present research findings in an engaging way, fostering understanding and learning.

Here’s an example of an academic presentation:

Research proposal

This school research presentation template is perfect for students who need to present their findings from a research project. The template includes space for a title, introduction, main body, conclusion, and bibliography.

For more guidance, we have an article on how to write a research proposal that includes tips and templates.

9. Business proposal presentations

These slide decks summarize your offering and demonstrate its value, helping to secure business agreements and close deals.

Here’s an example of a business proposal presentation:

If you want to create your own, make sure to check out these posts:

How to Write a Business Proposal (Examples & Templates)

Make a Winning Business Proposal Presentation in 12 Steps

10. Sports sponsorship proposals

These slide decks highlight the benefits sponsors will receive in return for their investment, helping to secure funding for sports teams.

Here’s an example of a sports sponsorship proposal presentation:

Football sponsorship proposal

This bright and energetic template reflects the dynamic nature of sports. With a combination of text-based and interactive slides, you'll easily convey the history of your organization, as well as the team's main drivers and objectives, to make sponsors instantly realize the value for their money.

11. Business plan presentations

These slide decks serve as roadmaps for businesses. They detail the company's strategy and objectives, aligning team members and attracting potential investors.

Here’s an example of a business plan presentation:

General Business Plan

This template has everything you need to create a visual summary of your business idea. Thanks to a range of interactive slides, you'll be able to convey your vision in a way that impresses investors and gets you the necessary buy-in.

Best slide deck templates to get you started

Embarking on your slide deck journey doesn't have to start from scratch. With tried and tested templates, you're already a step ahead. They’re designed to be responsive, ensuring your content shines on every device.

If you're ready to take your presentations to the next level, explore our interactive slide deck templates below, guided by AI and reader feedback. They’ll help you create professional slide decks that captivate, engage, and inspire.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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10 tips on how to make slides that communicate your idea, from TED’s in-house expert

When your slides rock, your whole presentation pops to life. At TED2014, David Epstein created a clean, informative slide deck to support his talk on the changing bodies of athletes . Photo: James Duncan Davidson/TED

Aaron Weyenberg is the master of slide decks. Our UX Lead creates Keynote presentations that are both slick and charming—the kind that pull you in and keep you captivated, but in an understated way that helps you focus on what’s actually being said. He does this for his own presentations and for lots of other folks in the office. Yes, his coworkers ask him to design their slides, because he’s just that good.

We asked Aaron to bottle his Keynote mojo so that others could benefit from it. Here, 10 tips for making an effective slide deck, split into two parts: the big, overarching goals, and the little tips and tricks that make your presentation sing.

Aaron used this image of a New Zealand disaster to kick off a slide deck from TED’s tech team — all about how they prepares for worst-case scenarios. He asked for permission to use the image, and credited the photographer, Blair Harkness. View the whole slidedeck from this presentation.

The big picture…

• Think about your slides last . Building your slides should be the tail end of developing your presentation. Think about your main message, structure its supporting points, practice it and time it—and then start thinking about your slides. The presentation needs to stand on its own; the slides are just something you layer over it to enhance the listener experience. Too often, I see slide decks that feel more like presenter notes, but I think it’s far more effective when the slides are for the audience to give them a visual experience that adds to the words. .
• Create a consistent look and feel . In a good slide deck, each slide feels like part of the same story. That means using the same or related typography, colors and imagery across all your slides. Using pre-built master slides can be a good way to do that, but it can feel restrictive and lead to me-too decks. I like to create a few slides to hold sample graphic elements and type, then copy what I need from those slides as I go. .
• Think about topic transitions . It can be easy to go too far in the direction of consistency, though. You don’t want each slide to look exactly the same. I like to create one style for the slides that are the meat of what I’m saying, and then another style for the transitions between topics. For example, if my general slides have a dark background with light text, I’ll try transition slides that have a light background with dark text. That way they feel like part of the same family, but the presentation has texture—and the audience gets a visual cue that we’re moving onto a new topic. .
• With text, less is almost always more . One thing to avoid—slides with a lot of text, especially if it’s a repeat of what you’re saying out loud. It’s like if you give a paper handout in a meeting—everyone’s head goes down and they read, rather than staying heads-up and listening. If there are a lot of words on your slide, you’re asking your audience to split their attention between what they’re reading and what they’re hearing. That’s really hard for a brain to do, and it compromises the effectiveness of both your slide text and your spoken words. If you can’t avoid having text-y slides, try to progressively reveal text (like unveiling bullet points one by one) as you need it. .
• Use photos that enhance meaning . I love using simple, punchy photos in presentations, because they help what you’re saying resonate in your audience’s mind without pulling their attention from your spoken words. Look for photos that (1) speak strongly to the concept you’re talking about and (2) aren’t compositionally complex. Your photo could be a metaphor or something more literal, but it should be clear why the audience is looking at it, and why it’s paired with what you’re saying. For example, I recently used the image above—a photo of a container ship about to tip over (it eventually sank)—to lead off a co-worker’s deck about failure preparation. And below is another example of a photo I used in a deck to talk about the launch of the new TED.com . The point I was making was that a launch isn’t the end of a project—it’s the beginning of something new. We’ll learn, adapt, change and grow.

Here, a lovely image from a slidedeck Aaron created about the redesign of TED.com . View the whole deck from this presentation .

And now some tactical tips…

• Go easy on the effects and transitions . Keynote and Powerpoint come with a lot of effects and transitions. In my opinion, most of these don’t do much to enhance the audience experience. At worst, they subtly suggest that the content of your slides is so uninteresting that a page flip or droplet transition will snap the audience out of their lethargy. If you must use them, use the most subtle ones, and keep it consistent. .

• Try panning large images . Often, I want to show screen shot of an entire web page in my presentations. There’s a great Chrome extension to capture these—but these images are oftentimes much longer than the canvas size of the presentation. Rather than scaling the image to an illegible size, or cropping it, you can pan it vertically as you talk about it. In Keynote, this is done with a Move effect, which you can apply from an object’s action panel. .
• For video, don’t use autoplay . It’s super easy to insert video in Keynote and Powerpoint—you just drag a Quicktime file onto the slide. And when you advance the deck to the slide with the video that autoplays, sometimes it can take a moment for the machine to actually start playing it. So often I’ve seen presenters click again in an attempt to start the video during this delay, causing the deck to go to the next slide. Instead, set the video to click to play. That way you have more predictable control over the video start time, and even select a poster frame to show before starting. .

Lastly, I’d love to leave you with a couple book recommendations. The first is Resonate , by Nancy Duarte. It’s not so much about slides, but about public speaking in general – which is the foundation for any presentation, regardless of how great your slides are. In it, she breaks down the anatomy of what makes a great presentation, how to establish a central message and structure your talk, and more. (One of her case studies comes from Benjamin Zander’s charming TED Talk about classical music, a talk that captivated the audience from start to finish.) Think of this as prerequisite reading for my second recommendation, also by Duarte: Slide:ology . This is more focused on presentation visuals and slides.

Happy slide-making.

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105+ Slide Deck Templates for PowerPoint

Slide deck templates is a set of slides put together in the same format so that it’s easier to maintain a consistent look & feel of the presentation. It is also known as a presentation deck that is made up of individual pages or “slides.” It is a presentation that allows the presenters to share and communicate their ideas to the audience effectively. You can use these PowerPoint decks to present business ideas to the investors for your startup, pitch your ideas or products to them or even deliver educational lectures. With the help of our collection of PowerPoint or Google Slides Templates , you can build great deck slide. A well-designed slides deck can seal the deal for the growth of your project or startup.

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What is a slide deck.

You can effectively depict the story of a business or its operations with the help of power point decks. With the help of a deck, you can share different business ideas, strategies, and roadmaps with your investors. Slide deck presentation will help your message get across to your investors or audience effectively. You can build slide decks from scratch or use professionally designed  PowerPoint templates  to build your presentations. PowerPoint slide decks are a perfect way to help people remember you, your business, and your brand.

When Do You Use Slide Deck Templates?

PPT decks are often used in a variety of settings like business meetings, educational lectures, conferences, and webinars amongst others. It can be helpful in a variety of situations where you want to create a professional-looking, consistent, and efficient presentation. Slide deck PowerPoint collections are pre-designed layouts that can be helpful in a number of situations, like:

• Saving Time:  A template will help you save time by giving you a starting point for your presentation so that you don’t have to start your deck from scratch and design your own layout.
• Designing a professional-looking slide deck:  Slide deck templates are designed by graphic designers after thorough research to give a professional-looking layout.
• Following brand guidelines:  If you are creating a slide deck for a company or organization, you may need to adhere to certain brand guidelines. Using a slide deck template that is already aligned with those guidelines can save you time and ensure that your presentation is consistent with the organization’s branding.

What Font Size And Type To Use In A PowerPoint Deck?

The font size and type used in a presentation deck design should be legible, easy to read, and consistent throughout the deck. A common recommendation for font size is to use a minimum of 24-point font for the main body text and a minimum of the 36-point font for headings and titles. As for font type, sans-serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Calibri are popular choices for presentation deck templates because they are clear and easy to read on a screen. The final decision on font size and type will depend on the specific context and design of the presentation.

Why Use Presentation Decks?

• To Communicate Ideas:  It is an effective tool for communicating complex ideas and information in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner.
• To Engage the Audience:  It helps engage the audience by using visual aids and interactive elements, keeping the audience’s attention and making the information more memorable.
• To Demonstrate Expertise:  It allows presenters to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise on a subject, providing a platform for them to share their ideas and insights.
• To Support Decisions:  It can be used to provide data and insights that support business decisions, making them more effective and convincing.
• To Enhance Credibility:  Power point decks enhance the credibility of the presenter and the information being presented, as they provide a professional and well-structured platform for communication.
• To Build Relationships:  It helps build relationships by engaging the audience and making the information more accessible, thereby improving understanding and trust.

How Can A PowerPoint Slide Deck Help In Building Presentations?

Slide decks are a starting point in building impactful and engaging presentations. They not only will help you save time but also boosts presentation productivity. You can use the ppt deck in your business and sales presentations by downloading and editing the template in PowerPoint and Google Slides. You can customize the text, colors, and size of the templates according to your presentation preference.

How To Structure A Presentation Deck For Maximum Impact?

Consider the following steps to structure a slide deck for maximum impact:

• Start with a clear and concise introduction that sets the stage for the rest of the presentation.
• Define the objectives and key takeaways that you want your audience to remember.
• Organize the content into logical sections, each with a specific focus and goal.
• Use visual aids, such as images, charts, and graphs, to help illustrate your points and make the information more engaging.
• Use clear and concise language to get your message across, and avoid using technical jargon that your audience may not understand.
• End with a conclusion that  summarizes the key points  and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
• Use a consistent design throughout the deck to create a professional and cohesive look.

What Is The Difference Between A Slide Deck And A Slideshow?

A slide deck is a collection of slides that can be used to present information in a visual format. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as in a business presentation or at a conference.

A slideshow is a presentation that is shown to an audience, typically using a projector or display screen.

So basically, a slideshow is the actual presentation that is given to an audience, while a slide deck is the collection of slides that is used to create the presentation.

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Introducing Slide Deck 101: A Comprehensive Guide For You

Presentation Design Services Presentations Professional Presentation Design Slide Layouts

Are you tired of spending hours trying to create an effective slide deck for your next presentation? Look no further! Our skilled designers can help. We make presentations with awesome graphics and content that grabs attention. Perfect for business pitches, conferences, or sales talks . Let us help you make a presentation that stands out. Say goodbye to the stress of creating a slide deck and let our skilled designers take the reins. With our help, you can confidently step into your next presentation knowing that you have a top-notch one to back you up. Our comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know. Learn what a slide deck is, the different types, design principles, get tips on slide design, and more!

What is a Slide Deck?

A slide deck is a collection of slides for presentations, often used in business or education. In business, it's often also called a pitch deck and the presenter uses it to present new ideas or plans to investors. It includes attractive slides with important info, data, and images to grab the audience's attention. Simply put, it's a visual tool that supports the spoken part of a presentation. There are different types and we’ll learn about them in the next section.

Types of Slide Decks

Slide decks are powerful tools for delivering information in a visually engaging way. Whether it's for business, education, or marketing, the right slide design can make a big difference in how people receive your message. Here's a look at 10 different types, each tailored for specific presentations and needs.

1. Pitch Decks

Perfect for business presentations, the presenter may use a pitch deck to introduce new ideas or plans to investors. They are concise, focused, and designed to persuade.

2. Sales Decks

These are key in sales presentations . They highlight product benefits, pricing, and why it's a great choice for the customer.

3. Educational Decks

People use these in teaching and workshops. They have clear, easy-to-understand information to help people learn.

4. Corporate Decks

Organisations use these decks to share company news, overviews, or yearly reports .

5. Conference Decks

These help experts talk about their knowledge at events. They're interesting and focus on specific topics.

6. Marketing Decks

Used in marketing, these decks show off plans, campaigns, and what they achieved, all in an attractive package.

7. Project Proposal Decks

When you want to start any new projects, use project proposal decks. They explain your goals, plans, and what you hope to achieve.

8. Financial Report Decks

Used for presenting financial data like earnings or forecasts. They make complex data understandable.

9. Product Demo Decks

These are great for introducing new products. They spotlight what the product does and why it's good.

10. Storytelling Decks

Less about data, these are used to tell a story, often more narratively and engagingly.

The right design can improve your presentations, making them more impactful and memorable. Whether you're pitching an idea or teaching a class, there's a type that's just right for your needs.

Slide Deck and PowerPoint Presentation - What's the Difference?

Though often used the same way, there's a small difference between a slide deck and a PowerPoint presentation. A slide deck is a collection of slides made with any presentation software, and it helps in giving a talk.

But, a PowerPoint presentation means the designer used Microsoft PowerPoint to create it. The big difference is the software used. You can create slide decks with different presentation design software such as Google Slides, Keynote, or Prezi. This gives you more choices in design and features. Using PowerPoint means sticking to what that program can do. Knowing this can help you make your presentation better, fitting what you need and like.

Slide Deck Vs. Slideshow - Are There Any Similarities?

When it comes to giving presentations, slide decks, and slideshows are both key in showing information visually to people. They sound similar, but they're a bit different.

A slide deck is a bunch of slides you plan to show one after another. You can make them using programs like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides. A slideshow, though, is when you show these slides to people, like in a meeting or a class. You can enhance a slideshow by using animations, transitions, and timings in each slide.

How to Create Slide Decks?

Creating an impressive slide deck is key to nailing your presentations. Whether it's for a corporate deck or a classroom lecture, a well-designed one can make a big difference. Here's how to do it:

1. Understand Your Audience

Know who you are presenting to. This helps tailor your slide deck design to their interests and needs, making your presentation more engaging.

2. Define Your Message

Be clear about what you want to say. A focused message helps keep your presentation on track and your audience tuned in.

3. Choose a Simple Design

A cluttered slide deck can distract your audience. Use simple designs and colors that make your slides look professional and easy to read.

4. Use Visuals Wisely

Images, charts, and graphs can make your slide design more interesting. But use them wisely – too many visuals can be overwhelming.

5. Keep Text Minimal

Avoid cramming too much text into your slides. Use bullet points to make key points stand out.

6. Tell a Story

People remember stories. Use your slide deck to tell a story that connects with your audience, especially in corporate deck presentations.

7. Practice Your Delivery

Knowing your content well helps you deliver a smoother presentation. Practice beforehand to get comfortable with your presentation.

8. Get Feedback

Before the final presentation, show your slide deck to someone else. Feedback can help you improve and refine your design and content.

It's important to note that an effective slide deck is more than just slides – it's a tool that, when designed and used correctly, can greatly enhance your presentations. By following these steps, you can create one that not only looks good but also communicates your message clearly and effectively.

Important Slide Deck Design Principles You Need To Know

Creating a strong and impactful slide deck is essential for effective presentations. Understanding key design principles is crucial for making yours stand out. Here's a rundown of important design principles you should know:

a. Consistency in Design

A consistent design keeps your slide deck looking professional. Use the same fonts, colors, and layouts throughout. This not only makes your presentation impactful but also helps in maintaining a cohesive look.

b. Visual Hierarchy

Your slide layouts should guide the audience's attention to the most important parts. Arrange elements in a way that leads the eye from the most to the least important information. This hierarchy makes your presentation easy to follow.

c. Color and Typography

The right combination of colors and fonts can make your slide deck lively and engaging. A colorful presentation attracts attention, but remember to keep the contrast high for readability. Choose fonts that are easy to read and fit your presentation's tone.

d. Using Images and Graphics

Well-chosen images and graphics can enhance your message. They help you create a more dynamic and visually appealing presentation. Make sure the visuals are relevant and support your content.

e. Incorporating Data and Charts

When presenting data, use charts and graphs for clear data visualisation. They help in making complex information easier to understand. Ensure that these visual elements are simple and not overloaded with data.

In short, knowing these design principles is important for making good presentations. They help your slides look nice and get your point across clearly. A well-designed one can impact how people see and remember what you present.

Design Tips for Better Slide Decks

Designing a great slide deck can be a game-changer for your presentations. Here are 10 simple tips to help your slides stand out and leave a lasting impression:

• Keep It Simple: Avoid clutter. Use clean layouts and minimal text for clarity.
• Consistent Theme: Stick to one theme throughout for a cohesive look.
• Contrasting Colors: Use colors that stand out against each other for easy reading.
• Readable Fonts: Choose large, clear fonts so everyone can read your slides easily.
• Quality Images: Use high-resolution images that relate to your content.
• Limit Bullet Points: Too many bullet points can overwhelm your audience. Stick to key points.
• Use Charts Wisely: Charts are great for explaining data, but keep them simple.
• Engage with Stories: Use storytelling elements to make your content more engaging.
• Slide Deck Templates: Consider using slide deck templates for a professional start when creating your slide deck.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse prior to presenting to ensure smooth delivery.

Remember, the goal here is to support your message, not overshadow it. With these tips, you can create one that’s both effective and memorable.

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After reading through "Slide Deck 101," you now know how to create a great one. But if it's still tough or you want to do even better, Deck Sherpa can help. We're a top agency for creating unique presentation design  for all kinds of businesses, both locally and globally. Our skilled designers are ready to turn your ideas into reality. We make sure your presentations look amazing and share your message well. Need a standout slide deck for a big business meeting, a school talk, or a sales pitch? Deck Sherpa is here to help. Get in touch with the team, and let's make your next presentation one that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Your audience is waiting for something great – let's create it together! You can email - [email protected] , call - 1800 121 5955 (India), or even WhatsApp , to speak to someone from the team.

Slide Deck FAQs

Q. Why do people call it a 'slide deck' ? A. People call it a slide deck because it's like a deck of cards; each slide is a different "card" with information, presented in order. Q. What does a good slide deck look like? A. A good slide deck is clear, visually appealing, and concise. It has easy-to-read text, relevant images, and a consistent design. Q. How many slides should a slide deck have? A. The number of slides in a slide deck depends on the topic and presentation length, but generally, it should be as concise as possible. A standard presentation contains around 10-20 slides.

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How to Make a Slide Deck in PowerPoint

If you’re looking to create compelling presentations, then learning how to make a slide deck in PowerPoint is an essential skill to have. Possessing dynamic, visually appealing slides can help you capture your audience’s attention, convey your message, and deliver a successful presentation. To help you get started, this article will cover everything you need to know about creating powerful slide decks in PowerPoint.

Table of Contents

The Importance of a Well-Designed PowerPoint Presentation

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the importance of a well-designed PowerPoint presentation. A successful presentation should be informative, engaging, and visually appealing. A poorly designed slide deck, however, can cause you to lose your audience’s attention. These days, most people are used to consuming information quickly and efficiently; therefore, you need to deliver a convincing presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

Additionally, a well-designed PowerPoint presentation can help you establish credibility and professionalism. A visually appealing slide deck can make you appear more organized and prepared, which can help you gain the trust and respect of your audience. Furthermore, a well-designed presentation can also help you communicate your message more effectively, as it can help you highlight key points and make complex information easier to understand.

Understanding the Basic Features of PowerPoint

If you are new to PowerPoint, it’s essential to get familiar with the basic features of the software. PowerPoint is a slideshow presentation program that allows you to create professional-looking slides using text, images, and multimedia elements. The program offers various tools such as slide layouts, shapes, themes, and animations. Familiarizing yourself with these basic features can help you create an effective slide deck for your next presentation.

One of the most useful features of PowerPoint is the ability to collaborate with others on a presentation. You can share your presentation with others and work on it together in real-time, making it easier to create a cohesive and polished final product. Additionally, PowerPoint offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your presentation to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re creating a presentation for work, school, or personal use, PowerPoint is a versatile and powerful tool that can help you communicate your ideas effectively.

Choosing the Right Template for Your Presentation

PowerPoint offers a wide range of templates that can be overwhelming to choose from. The first step to creating a slide deck is to choose a template that matches the tone of your presentation. Consider the topic, audience, and message you want to convey, and then select a template that aligns with your goals. It’s also possible to customize your template by editing the color scheme, fonts, and overall design.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a template is the type of presentation you will be giving. If you are presenting data or statistics, a template with charts and graphs may be more appropriate. If you are giving a creative presentation, a template with unique design elements may be more fitting. It’s important to choose a template that not only matches the tone of your presentation, but also enhances the overall message you are trying to convey.

Tips for Creating Engaging Slides with Images and Videos

Using images and videos on your slide deck is a powerful way to capture your audience’s attention and convey your message effectively. When adding images, ensure that they are high-quality, relevant, and not distracting. Videos can also be an effective tool to use, but it’s vital to note that they should be brief, engaging, and add value to the presentation.

Another important aspect to consider when using images and videos in your slide deck is to make sure they are accessible to all audience members. This means using alt text for images and providing captions or transcripts for videos. Additionally, it’s important to use images and videos ethically by obtaining proper permissions and giving credit where credit is due. By following these guidelines, you can create engaging slides that not only capture your audience’s attention but also ensure that everyone can fully participate in your presentation.

Using Animations and Transitions to Enhance Your Presentation

Animations and transitions can help make your presentation more engaging, by adding visual interest and enhancing the flow of information. However, it’s essential to use them sparingly and appropriately. Avoid overly flashy transitions or animations that can distract from the content of your presentation. Instead, use them to gradually reveal information or transition between slides smoothly.

Another important consideration when using animations and transitions is to ensure that they are consistent with your overall presentation style. If your presentation has a formal tone, flashy animations may not be appropriate. On the other hand, if your presentation is more casual or creative, you may be able to use more playful animations. It’s also important to test your animations and transitions beforehand to ensure that they work properly and don’t cause any technical issues during your presentation.

How to Add Charts, Graphs, and Tables to Your Slides

Charts, graphs, and tables can be an effective way to convey complex data in a clear and concise format. When using them, ensure that they are legible, concise, and relevant to your presentation. It’s also beneficial to use contrasting colors to help make the information stand out. PowerPoint has built-in tools that make it easy to create charts and graphs directly in the program.

Another important consideration when adding charts, graphs, and tables to your slides is to choose the appropriate type of visual aid for the data you are presenting. For example, a bar graph may be more effective for comparing quantities, while a line graph may be better for showing trends over time. Additionally, it’s important to label your visual aids clearly and provide context for the data being presented. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your audience understands and retains the information you are sharing.

How to Incorporate Audio and Narration into Your Presentation

Adding audio and narration to your slide deck can help you deliver a more professional and engaging presentation. PowerPoint allows you to record and add audio or narration to your slides, making it easy to include background music, sound effects, or voiceover narration. When using audio, ensure that it complements and enhances the information being presented.

One important consideration when incorporating audio into your presentation is the quality of the sound. Poor quality audio can be distracting and take away from the overall effectiveness of your presentation. Make sure to use high-quality audio files and test them in advance to ensure they sound clear and crisp.

Another way to incorporate audio into your presentation is to use it to break up the content and add variety. For example, you could include a short audio clip between each section of your presentation to provide a transition and keep your audience engaged. Just be sure to keep the clips short and relevant to the topic at hand.

Tips for Delivering a Successful PowerPoint Presentation

The success of your PowerPoint presentation not only depends on the quality of the slide deck but also on how you deliver the presentation. Ensure that you rehearse your presentation to familiarize yourself with the slides, timing, and narrative. Remember to speak clearly, use gestures, and make eye contact with your audience. Lastly, be aware of your body language and posture.

How to Share Your Slide Deck with Others in Various Formats

After creating your slide deck, you’ll need to be able to share it with your audience. PowerPoint allows you to save your presentation in various formats, including PDF, JPEG, and PowerPoint Show. Consider the best format for your audience and the platform you’ll be presenting on. It’s also essential to ensure that your slide deck is compatible with different devices and operating systems.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Designing a PowerPoint Presentation

Designing a PowerPoint presentation can be challenging, and it’s easy to make common mistakes. Avoid common errors such as using too many fonts or colors, cluttering your slides with too much information, and not practicing your presentation. Additionally, ensure that your slide deck is accessible to all audiences and that you’ve tested it before presenting.

Tips for Editing and Revising Your Slide Deck for Maximum Impact

After creating your slide deck, it’s essential to edit and revise it to ensure maximum impact. Review your presentation and make edits for clarity and consistency. Ensure that each slide aligns with the overall theme of your presentation and that it follows a logical flow of information.

Advanced Techniques for Customizing Your PowerPoint Slides

If you’re looking to take your slide deck to the next level, consider using advanced techniques to customize your PowerPoint slides. These include using multimedia elements such as audio and video, using interactive features such as hyperlinks and navigation buttons, and customizing slide transitions and animations.

Best Practices for Creating a Consistent Look and Feel Throughout Your Presentation

Creating a consistent look and feel throughout your presentation is crucial. This includes using the same font, color scheme, and style throughout your slide deck. Ensure that the graphics, images, and multimedia elements seamlessly integrate into the overall design of your presentation.

How to Create Interactive Slides with Hyperlinks and Navigation Buttons

Creating interactive slides with hyperlinks and navigation buttons can help keep your audience engaged and allow them to navigate through your presentation smoothly. Use hyperlinks to link to external sources or previous slides within your presentation. Navigation buttons can also be used to allow users to easily move back and forth within your presentation.

Strategies for Engaging Your Audience with Interactive Polls and Quizzes

Interactive polls and quizzes can help you engage your audience and keep them actively involved in your presentation. These can be used to gauge your audience’s understanding of the materials, obtain feedback, or encourage participation. Consider using third-party tools such as Poll Everywhere or Kahoot in conjunction with your PowerPoint presentation to create polls or quizzes.

How to Use PowerPoint Add-Ins to Enhance Your Productivity When Creating Presentations

PowerPoint add-ins are additional programs that can be integrated into PowerPoint to enhance productivity when creating presentations. Common PowerPoint add-ins include Grammarly and Office Timeline. These can help you create professional-quality slides, improve grammar and punctuation, and streamline your workflow. It’s also worth noting that Slide Master is a built-in feature of PowerPoint that allows you to create uniformity in design and layout across your slides.

The Benefits of Collaborating on PowerPoint Presentations with Others

Collaborating on PowerPoint presentations with others can help you produce high-quality slides more efficiently. PowerPoint allows multiple users to edit and contribute to a presentation simultaneously, making it easy to delegate tasks, provide feedback, or work on a project collaboratively. Ensure that everyone is on the same page, and establish clear communication guidelines.

Understanding the Differences Between PowerPoint on Windows and Mac Operating Systems

It’s important to note that PowerPoint operates differently on Windows and Mac operating systems. If you’re operating on a Mac, consider consulting tutorials or resources specifically designed for Mac users. Additionally, be aware that some features may vary between operating systems.

In conclusion, learning how to make a slide deck in PowerPoint can be a valuable skill that can help you deliver effective presentations that engage and inform your audience. Ensure that you consider the important elements of a well-designed presentation, including your template, multimedia elements, transitions, and content. Remember to rehearse and edit your presentation to maximize its impact.

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Wondering why PowerPoint presentations are called decks? (Now you know)

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking

Why PowerPoint presentations are called decks , a question that lingered in my mind for a long time until I decided to jump on to finding out exactly why! And here I am to share all that I have learned about why PowerPoint presentations are called decks.

But before we dive deeper into understanding PowerPoint decks, it is very important to refresh our knowledge of some of the basics.

What are presentations?

Presentations are a way of conveying some information, idea, or opinion to your audience either with or without the use of visuals, in most cases PPTs .

While most of the time, we are bound to confuse presentations with PowerPoint presentations, they aren’t the same thing.

Presentations are a much wider spectrum that includes PowerPoint presentations as a part of it.

What are PowerPoint presentations?

PowerPoint presentations are slide decks created on the specific software called Microsoft PowerPoint that was released by Microsoft (duh!) in the year 1987 . PowerPoint helps create easy and effective digital slide decks; since it is so widely used, it has become synonymous with presentations at large.

It is similar to how we call photocopies Xerox!

(pst if you don’t understand the analogy, check out what we are trying to say here )

Why are PowerPoint presentations called decks?

Decks in presentations are a collection of slides (individual pages in PowerPoint) . And since PowerPoint presentations are nothing but a collection of well-laid-out slides, they are called decks.

Now to understand it better, let’s begin with the fundamental structure, shall we?

Assuming you go to PowerPoint right now, what is the first thing you’ll see?

A blank template that would prompt you to add text, right? That is a slide. As you keep adding slides to your PowerPoint, the collection of these slides, in the end, is what we call a deck.

But then again,

Why is it called a PowerPoint deck?

A PowerPoint deck is similar to a deck of cards. In a deck of cards, a deck is composed of 52 cards; Similarly, in PowerPoint, a deck or pile of slides is what is known as a PowerPoint deck.

So, does this mean that the presentation is important only in its entirety and not as individual slides?

Absolutely no!

Just like in a game of cards, the ace carries its importance and so does a card of jack; In PowerPoint decks too, each slide carries with it its unique importance . However, when separated the slides would lose their meaning.

Again, what would you do if you find a queen card lying on your room’s floor? slide it under the bed? I mean it would be ideal considering you don’t know where the rest of the cards are!

Similarly, individual slides gain their meaning when they are compiled with other slides.

This means each slide carries its own different set of information that helps in conveying an idea at the end .

When did PowerPoint presentations become decks?

PowerPoint presentations became decks on the day they came into being, that is in 1987.

Presentations had been made using stacks of papers or sheets filled with information even before digital presentations came into being.

As shocking as it may be, presentations already involved the use of decks in some form or the other from the very initial day of the specification building our communication skills.

While we started with rock paintings or carvings, we can include them as a form of presentation but not as decks.

Later came the use of sheets or paper to deliver information. This was done using flip paper cards .

There is evidence that presentations using flip charts became very common during the 1940s. These sheets or posters would be joined together with the help of metal fasteners. The speaker or presenter would then flip from one page to the other to share information.

Sounds very similar to our digital presentations, doesn’t it? Except we don’t have to tire our arms by flipping pages. We can simply click to move on to the next slide. How convenient!

Coming back to the last bit of our history of slide decks, somewhere in the 90s -2010’s PowerPoint as a software gained major attention from the public. The slide decks started to be created on PowerPoint exclusively and that is how we moved from saying slide decks to PowerPoint decks.

Going over it again

What is a slide deck in powerpoint.

A slide deck in PowerPoint is nothing but a collection of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is a PowerPoint slide deck?

It is just another way of saying Slide decks in PowerPoint!

Why are PowerPoint slides called decks??

Since PowerPoint gives you a collection of slides or a deck of slides, it is known as decks.

What is the purpose of a Slide deck in a presentation?

Slide decks help the presenter present his/her/their topic more effectively. It aids the presenter in giving the speech by providing prompts or hints to maintain a flow in their speech. On the other hand, it helps the audience visualize as they listen to the speaker.

Out of the many purposes that a slide deck can serve a presenter, here are a few that we would like to address in this article:

• To pitch new ideas or products
• To explain or introduce a concept
• To share one’s opinions or views

1. To pitch new ideas or products

Slide decks happen to be a very crucial part of making pitches to attract your clients, or to make them understand what your product/ services are all about and how they can be beneficial to them.

Some of the ways we can try to win over or convince the client/ customer to agree to your terms are by showing charts or graphs of your previous success rates or giving out statistics on the problem that your company or product provides a solution for.

2. To explain or introduce a concept

Slide decks being used to explain a concept is something that I believe we have all experienced in schools or colleges.

With smart classrooms, the blackboards have found their place in restaurants and cafes and presentations have made their way to now be a widely used way of delivering lectures.  

3. To share one’s opinions or views

Be it in conferences or competitions or even in your college when you are presenting on a topic, it is mostly with the purpose of sharing your opinions, views, or findings through slide decks.

How do you create a deck in PowerPoint?

When it comes to creating decks in PowerPoint, there are two things that we need to take a look into, the technical aspects and the aesthetic ones. 

When we talk about the technical aspect of creating a deck in PowerPoint, we mean ensuring that you have the software installed in your system, be it a laptop or even your phone.

Head to AppStore or play store and install it. 

Though we have been taught how to create PowerPoint presentations since very early days, we still suggest you take a minute and understand the various features offered by the software like the layouts, themes, and more. Having an understanding of some of the basic features can help you in creating a basic template easily!

If, however, you are looking for ways to create a slide deck other than on PowerPont, then head to some of the most resourceful sites that provide you with a number of templates!

A few such sites are Canva , Evanto , and more

Now when we talk about the Aesthetics of creating a PowerPoint, we first need to accept and appreciate the fact that the aesthetics or look of your presentation can add extra points to your entire presentation. 

We have a list of 5 tips for the same. And if you follow them, you will surely be able to find an answer to..

Why are PowerPoint presentations effective?

A few tips for creating presentations:

1. Less is more

We have all heard this one a gazillion times and more, especially when it comes to Powerpoint presentations, Less is more!

Provide very precise information in your PowerPoint. To make your points short. You can stick to using the 5 by 5 model . The model suggests that you must not add more than 5 points to a slide. And each point must contain no more than 5 words. 

If you still have no idea what you should add, try adding your headings and subheadings in your PowerPoint to make it more on point.

2. Quality over quantity 

Again, adding less content doesn’t mean that you compromise on the quality of information that you share through your presentation. Add short points that make sense and add value to your audience or help in putting your point across in the best way possible. 

3. Keep the curiosity alive

What does it mean when we say keep the curiosity alive? We mean, try not to share your entire slide to your audience in one go. Add effects or transitions to focus only on the point you are speaking on at that point. 

We can say the same in the case of adding too much information to your PowerPoint. Do not add big paragraphs as you shatter your viewer’s curiosity who thanks to you ar enow more engrossed in reading the slides than listening to your presentation. 

4. Neutralize your PowerPoint

By neutralizing we mean adding complementing slides to your PowerPoint decks. If you have selected a more dark theme, try neutralizing it with light-toned slides even if it is used as a transition slide. 

5. Add visuals as and when possible

Ask yourself, can the information that you have added in your PowerPoint presentation be presented in the form of a graph, a table, or a diagram? If yes, then always choose to do it. Switch to visuals as it not only makes your content crisper but also is more appealing to the viewers.

This brings us to our next point, 

Why PowerPoint presentations are not effective?

There are many reasons why PowerPoint can not be very effective. We have listed down about 3 reasons here. Go over them and try to not make the same blunders if you want to be an effective presenter!

1. Tons of Content

Adding more content to your slide may indeed help you remember the content better but it might bore the audience to death.

So just as we discussed, try to add content to your presentations in the form of short pointers. Or least try to make use of keywords and avoid writing entire paragraphs about your topic on the PowerPoint presentation.

An example of what simply copy-pasting a paragraph from your speech to PowerPoint could look like.

2. Poor color/ theme

The last thing we want is for the audience to struggle reading or seeing what we are trying to show them through the presentation. And this situation can possibly happen when there was little to no thought put into either selecting the right theme or use of overlapping colors.

Check out the example below if you want to take a look at what we are talking about!

3. Poor font choice

Another way of making it difficult for your audience to understand your presentation is by using fonts like the one shown in the picture below. Such fonts may surely be a little different, and to some extent aesthetic but it requires lots of effort from the viewers to actually understand what is written on the slide!

Final words

Let us try to summarize the entire blog for you in a couple of lines.

So essentially call it decks, slide decks, or presentation decks, they all mean the same. It is simply a collection of slides. And when such a collection is made on Microsoft’s PowerPoint, what do we call it?

Yes! you guessed it right (Hopefully?)

It is called PowerPoint decks or slide decks on PowerPoint.

There are tons of ways of making a PowerPoint deck. However, focusing on the template, and theme, and adding precise and quality content can help you go a long way.

That’s about it for now! Check out Frantically Speaking for more information on similar topics.

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