powerpoint presentation or slide deck

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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122+ Complete Slide Deck Templates for PowerPoint

Browse a collection of complete slide decks for presentations. Find templates with useful slides for your business presentations. Combine slides from different presentations into your final slide deck and impress your audience. Under this category you can find complete slide deck templates, each PowerPoint template containing many slides so it makes it easier to insert your company logo and keep a consistent look & feel.

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A slide deck is another name for a pitch deck or a presentation deck. It refers to a group of slides that are put together to tell your business’s or startup’s story. The word ‘slide deck’ comes from an old technology where slide projectors were used to view films. The slides would be piled up just like a deck of cards to be used in the projectors.

Download stunning slide deck slide designs and Slide Deck PowerPoint backgrounds from SlideModel to use in your presentations. For guidance on how to create a slide deck that effectively communicates your story, explore our detailed resources.

What is a Slide Deck?

A slide deck is a presentation deck or a pitch deck that tells the story of a business or about its operations. Different ideas can be shared and strategies can be made with presentations using slides.

Download slide deck PowerPoint presentation templates from SlideModel to use in your business presentations.

What is a Slide Deck PowerPoint template?

A slide deck PowerPoint template is a PowerPoint presentation template that business professionals and students can download and edit to utilize in their presentations.

Simply download and edit the slide deck in your PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote, and ace your presentations

How can a Slide Deck PowerPoint template be used in a presentation?

A Slide Deck PowerPoint presentation template can be used in a presentation by downloading and editing the template in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote.

Each template comes with a description and the details about the number of slides, the colors, and the supported versions. Edit the text, colors, and size of the templates to customize it according to your preference.

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Our annual unlimited plan let you download unlimited content from slidemodel. save hours of manual work and use awesome slide designs in your next presentation..

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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WHITNEY D. WALTER

PowerPoint Vs. Slide Deck, Slide Deck Meaning & More Simple Terms

Whitney D. Walter

Introduction

The terms “PowerPoint” and “slide deck” are thrown around a lot in the business world. So much so that you might be wondering if they mean the same thing or if there is something inherently different between the two.

The most significant distinction between a PowerPoint and a deck is that a “deck” is simply a collection of slides, whereas the term “PowerPoint” often refers to the final presentation which may be delivered in the form of a speech, video, or other format.

Here are a few examples of how a PowerPoint presentation can be used:

How do you make a good slide deck in powerpoint, what is a slide deck called in google slides, what is microsoft powerpoint.

Let’s start with the basics. Microsoft PowerPoint is a digital presentation tool. It’s a software application that allows users to share information and ideas with others.

• Creating an informational slideshow to share with colleagues or clients. This might include information about a new product, project details, or company updates.
• Developing a presentation to deliver at a conference or other professional event. This could include sharing research findings, pitching a business idea, or promoting a new initiative.
• Creating an educational resource, such as a lesson plan or study guide. This might include slides with information about a topic, along with accompanying questions or activities.
• Designing a sales deck to use when meeting with potential customers or clients. This could include slides outlining the features and benefits of a product or service.

PowerPoint presentations can be created using a variety of methods, including importing images, adding text, and inserting multimedia content.

Anatomy of a PowerPoint

What is a PowerPoint presentation?

You can think of a PowerPoint presentation as a vehicle to share information with others. Some people refer to a presentation as the act of actually presenting a slide deck. This can be in the form of a recorded slideshow, speech, or another delivery method.

Others may refer to presentations simply as the completed Powerpoint deck.

A typical PowerPoint presentation consists of a series of slides, each of which can contain text , images, and other multimedia content. PowerPoint also offers a variety of features, such as animations and transitions, that can help to make your presentation more engaging.

What is a PowerPoint slide deck?

A slide deck is simply a collection of slides. It can be created using PowerPoint or any other presentation software application, like Google Slides.

However, a key difference between a PowerPoint presentation and a slide deck is that a slide deck is not necessarily intended to be presented in a linear fashion. Instead, a slide deck can be used as a reference tool or resource, or it can be presented in a non-linear fashion, such as through an interactive website or app.

Why is it called a slide deck?

At this point, you might be wondering “But why are PowerPoints called decks?”. The term “slide deck” is derived from the old days of presentations when slides were physical transparencies that were loaded into a carousel and projected onto a screen.

These physical slides would be shuffled around to create the presentation, much like a deck of cards. Thus, the term “slide deck” was born.

In modern times, slide decks are usually presented electronically, either as a PowerPoint presentation or as a PDF. However, the term slide deck has stuck and is still used to refer to a presentation, even though there may not be any physical slides involved.

Why should you use PowerPoint slide decks?

A slide deck is an important tool for any presenter. It allows you to organize your thoughts and present them in a visually appealing way.

A well-designed slide deck can engage your audience and help you deliver your message effectively.

Is a deck the same as a PowerPoint?

Honestly, you will hear the terms “deck”, “presentation”, and “PowerPoint” used interchangeably in business settings.

The key difference between a presentation and a deck is that a deck is a collection of slides and a PowerPoint presentation could be given in the form of a speech, video, or other formats.

What is a PowerPoint slide?

A PowerPoint slide is a digital version of a traditional slide that is used to convey information during a presentation.

Unlike a traditional slide, which is typically created using a physical projector and an overhead transparency, a PowerPoint slide is created using software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote. PowerPoint slides can be shared electronically with others via email or through

Simply put, consider each slide to be a digital page in your overall story.

What is the difference between a slide and a slide deck?

A slide is an individual page in a presentation deck while a slide deck is an entire presentation.

Each slide typically contains one main idea that contributes to the overall message presented with the slide deck.

At this point, you might be wondering how to make a good slide deck.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Start with a strong title slide that will grab attention and set the tone for the rest of the presentation.
• Be sure to include an agenda slide so your audience knows what to expect during the presentation. This helps with audience engagement.
• Use clean slide designs that are easy to read and understand.
• Try to limit each slide to one main point. Use images and graphics to support these points and tell the story.
• End with a strong conclusion that recaps what you covered, includes a call-to-action, provides relevant resources, and leaves your audience with a positive impression.

Creating a great slide deck takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. A well-designed slide deck can help you deliver a powerful presentation that will inform your audience and inspire them to take action.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a slide deck and a slide show.

A slide deck is a collection of slides that are typically used to give a presentation, while a slide show is may include media like images and video instead of traditional slides.

Slide decks are often created using PowerPoint or other presentation software, while slide shows can be created using a multitude of other multimedia programs.

There are many similarities between slide decks and slide shows, but there are also some important differences.

One key difference between slide decks and slide shows is that slide decks are usually static, while slide shows are often dynamic.

This means that slide decks typically don’t change much from one presentation to the next, while slide shows can be changed or customized for each individual presentation.

Slide decks are also usually shorter than slide shows, and they typically only include the most important information.

What’s the difference between a slide deck and pitch deck?

As we discussed, a slide deck is a collection of slides. The topic of these slides can be nearly anything under the sun.

A pitch deck is also a collection of multiple slides but the main difference is that all the slides are meant to serve a very specific business-related purpose.

The main idea behind pitch decks is typically to gain interest from investors. This is done by showcasing the potential of your business idea and/or product.

So while a slide deck can be about anything, a pitch deck will always cover information that will be of interest to potential business stakeholders.

The term “slide deck” is also used in reference to other presentation software like Google Slides and Apple’s Keynote .

Now that you know the difference between a PowerPoint presentation and a slide deck, you know that they are powerful tools that can be used to deliver effective presentations and engage your audience.

What tips do you have for creating effective slide decks? How have you used slide decks in your own presentations or business communications? Leave a comment and let me know!

Whitney is a recognized Professional Development Expert, professional speaker, and the founder of Harness Your Power. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Florida State University and a Microsoft PowerPoint Specialist certification. She has been featured in Yahoo Finance, AOL, Authority Magazine, Business Insider, Fox and more. Read more.

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What is a Slide Deck and how to create one

All you need to know about Slide Decks

Slide decks have become an integral part of business presentations, whether you're pitching to investors, presenting ideas to your team, or delivering a keynote speech. In this article, we will dive into the slide deck meaning, exploring its significance and providing you with a comprehensive guide on how to create captivating and effective slide decks that leave a lasting impression.

Presentation deck meaning

A presentation deck is simply a slide presentation that is typically used in business meetings to cover a specific topic of collective interest. The deck of slides that we know today as a digital file derives its name from the analog era where slides were physically printed and placed inside an apparatus that shone light through them. Presentation decks have a wide variety of uses, from corporate meetings to marketing and sales proposals. In this article, we’ll cover the most common use cases.

The purpose of slide deck presentations

Slidedecks serve as visual aids to support your presentation. They help to organize information, enhance understanding, and engage your audience. A well-crafted deck presentation can make complex concepts more digestible, reinforce key points, and create a memorable experience for your listeners. In business settings, deck presentations are mostly used for two different purposes:

• Create a business proposal or strategy: Most corporate companies, or even startups, are in constant need to present business proposals and strategies. These proposals can either be intended for internal purposes or for external clients and stakeholders. Presentation decks are the most efficient and comprehensive way to analyze, discuss, and decide the next steps in these meetings. The advantage is that by using visual resources and content queues, presenters can unpack a lot of information without disengaging audiences.
• Report progress or business performance: The second use case is to report back on these initiatives, or to cover overall business performance. Slide decks make it easier to go over charts and other visualizations that explain how a certain project is doing, or give an update on how several revenue lines have performed recently.

Understanding your audience

Before you begin creating your slide deck, it's crucial to understand your audience. Consider their level of expertise, their expectations, and their primary interests. Tailoring your content and visuals to resonate with your specific audience will make your slide deck more impactful and relevant. People often overlook this consideration and it can play a detrimental role in communicating effectively. Corporate organizations for example tend to use a lot of acronyms and insider jargon that outsiders would fail to understand. Web3 startups are also an example of companies whose very value prop depends on a lot of technical explanations that would be difficult to grasp by non-technical audiences. Leveling the playing field is key in order to have a rich and fluid conversation around these businesses.

Planning and structuring your slide deck

Start by outlining the key messages and objectives of your presentation. Divide your content into logical sections or chapters, ensuring a smooth flow from one slide to another. Begin with a compelling opening slide that grabs attention and clearly states the purpose of your presentation. Arrange your slides in a coherent sequence, using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to guide your audience through the information. The best slide decks are the ones that flow from general topics to specific ones, so spend a good amount of time in thinking about what you want to say, and how to organize these ideas in a logical way.

Keep it simple and visual

The golden rule of slide deck creation is to keep it simple. Avoid overcrowding your slides with excessive text or complex visuals. Instead, focus on using concise statements, keywords, and phrases that complement your spoken presentation. Incorporate relevant and visually appealing images to reinforce your message and engage your audience's visual senses. Think of the great slide deck presentations, like Steve Job’s product reveals or TED Global Talks. They have one thing in common and that is in heavily relying on visual resources to reinforce their statements, instead of trusting the slides to replicate every single word they said.

Design and visual elements

The design and visual elements of your slide deck play a significant role in capturing attention and enhancing comprehension. Choose a clean and professional graphic template that aligns with your brand and complements your content. Use consistent fonts, colors, and layouts throughout your slide deck to maintain visual coherence. Incorporate charts, graphs, or infographics to present data or highlight important statistics in a visually appealing manner. If you feel overwhelmed by designing your slides, or struggle to think visually, a good place to start is by browsing presentation templates that can give you a good starting point. You can also seek out help from professional presentation design agencies that specialize in crafting good quality slides.

Engaging content and storytelling

Great slidedecks not only inform but also tell a compelling story. Craft your content in a way that takes your audience on a journey, capturing their interest and creating an emotional connection. Use storytelling techniques, anecdotes, or case studies to make your presentation more relatable and memorable.

Rehearsal and delivery

Creating a compelling slide deck is only half the battle. Storytelling is pretty much a discipline of its own, and some people take years to fully master feeling comfortable with presenting in public. The best way to address this fear is two-fold: first, being completely comfortable with the topic you’re presenting about. This will allow you to be more relaxed, and combat imposter syndrome or shakiness in your voice. The second strategy is to practice outloud, as much as possible. This rehearsing process is not exclusively to memorize your speech (although this is quite useful), but it will also make you less reliant on your slides and a more confident speaker.

Practice is key! Rehearse your presentation repeatedly will help you maintain a confident and engaging presence. Remember, your slide deck should support your spoken words, not overshadow them.

Best Slide Deck Templates

• The Startup Slide Deck Template
• Airbnb Slide Deck Template
• Uber Slide Deck Template
• Investor Deck Template
• Sequoia Capital Slide Deck Template
• Investment Proposal Template

Check more slide deck examples here

Slide decks are powerful tools that can elevate your presentations and captivate your audience. By understanding your audience, planning and structuring your content, keeping it simple and visual, and incorporating engaging storytelling techniques, you can create slidedecks that leave a lasting impact. Remember to rehearse your presentation and deliver it with confidence. With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to mastering the art of slide deck creation.

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What is a PowerPoint Deck? An Ultimate Guide

Last updated on July 6th, 2023

Are you a businessman who needs a consistent flow of presentations for your everyday routine? Being a marketing specialist, an educationalist, and any other professional, you would always have used presentations in your life. The presentations help us convey our ideas more effectively by engaging the audience’s attention towards our main topic of discussion.

Slide decks are also presentations comprising multiple slides depicting various information and data like pictures, videos, charts, infographics, and more. One of the main objectives of the slide decks is that they break down the overall complex structure of the topic and turn it into easily understandable smaller parts. The quality of the data and information remains intact while the presenter is also facilitated due to the slide decks’ supportive interface and manageable structure.

PowerPoint Deck is a term people call a presentation or collection of PowerPoint slides . Even more, it is often used to call a collection of PowerPoint presentations. Instead of using the term presentation to refer to a .ppt file, sometimes the term PowerPoint deck is used, which stands more for the collection of PowerPoint slides rather than the presentation method using PowerPoint or the presenter standing up talking with the slides. Sometimes a deck is an unbound printout of the presentation given to the participants.

Also known as “slide deck” or just “PowerPoint deck”, the term means a presentation file or a series of presentations.

Difference between a Presentation and Slide Deck

While many of us confuse a presentation with the slide deck, there is a difference between both terms. Both terms are used interchangeably without knowing their context and meaning.

The major difference between a presentation and a slide deck is that a presentation is a process of conveying ideas, concepts, and messages through talks and speeches while the slide decks offer a visual aid to the presentations.

A slide deck is mainly used for representing organizations for sharing their projects, plans, and business strategies on various levels. Business professionals and marketers most of the time leverage the easy to manage and control process of developing and presenting slide decks.

Historical Perspective

Historically speaking, the slide decks have a very charming past as compared to other tools being used in the industry. Previously, an instrument named “Carousel Slide Projector” was used for presenting the slide show of the slides that were mainly put in the body of the projector in the form of photos and pictures.

With an amazing capacity to handle about 40 to 80 slides per show which was a great feature back then, Carousel Slide Projector was able to present a slide show in the given time according to the requirements of the presenter. However, there were some controllability issues but still, it was a great product back then and was mostly used by academics, researchers, and businessmen all over the world. The slides that were known collectively in the presentation were known as slide decks.

Are Slide Deck and Slideshow the same?

These two terms usually resonate together in the readers’ minds. But there is a clear difference between Slide Deck and Slideshow. Both terms, Slide Deck and Slideshows, are used in the context of presentations, but a slight change in the keywords creates a significant difference in the themes and concepts of these words.

A slide deck is usually known as a collection of the slides in a presentation and a slide show is a process through which these slides are presented, or described to any audience.

Usually, a slideshow covers the whole of the screen and it is not as editable as a single slide of the slide deck. The slide show is usually exposed on an electronic device or projector through which a presenter effectively shares the visuals and graphics of his presentation with the audience sitting in front of him.

What is PowerPoint?

Slide decks existed in the form of physical slides being shown on a projector, way before the revolution of digital technology. But with the passage of time, the need for the latest technologies and tools became more common in the marketplaces and everyday life due to ever-increasing developments in the business and scientific world. Hence the PowerPoint-like software were introduced to effectively design and present presentations on various PC systems like Computer, Laptops, and even tablets, etc.

Initially, it was released by Forethought Inc in 1987 that was only available for Mac OS. Later on, the entire software system was purchased by Microsoft and was rebranded as Microsoft PowerPoint and it is still present in the ownership of Microsoft.

What is a PowerPoint Template?

A PowerPoint template is a presentation file that includes information about the layouts, color, and fonts, and you can use them as a starting point when preparing a new presentation. With so many options available, you can easily find a template matching your company’s branding or the specific look you’re seeking. PowerPoint Templates (PPT templates) also save you time by providing a pre-designed layout that you can simply fill in with your own content. Best of all, PowerPoint templates are easy to use and can be applied with just a few clicks.

Many sites are offering paid & free PowerPoint templates with different themes, styles, and designs. PowerPoint also has built-in PowerPoint templates that you can use in the PowerPoint editor when you start a new presentation. Other presentation providers, such as SlideModel, offer a vast catalog of presentation templates and PowerPoint slides with stunning infographics and visual designs that you can use to save time preparing your presentations.

So if you’re looking to add a little extra polish to your next presentation, be sure to check out some of the great PowerPoint templates available online.

Slide Deck and Pitch Deck

What is the slide deck meaning? Various forms of the presentation styles that have been introduced gradually have created some confusion in the minds of the readers regarding the basic terminologies of those types and their meanings. The same is the case for the Slide deck and Pitch deck where many people will confuse the terms as similar to each other.

In the digital boom of the business world, every startup and entrepreneur needs persuasive strategies to raise funds and gain more investments for their businesses. Pitch decks are one of the great ways to do that.

While slide decks are simply the collection of the slides , the pitch decks , on the other hand, represent the specific type of presentations that are mainly used for raising funding and grabbing investments for businesses and startups, or to present an idea to investors.

You can refer to a pitch deck as a slide deck but not all slide decks are pitch decks.

PowerPoint Slide Deck

There are a number of ways to create slide decks as they are one of the most commonly used words for developing presentations, even before the evolution of technological developments.

So, what is a slide deck? Slide decks were present in the form of physical slides being shown on a projector previously but when they are designed, structured, compiled, and presented through a software named PowerPoint, then they are known as PowerPoint slide decks. Being one of the most widely used software (almost 500 million users worldwide) PowerPoint presentations are one of the most easily manageable and customizable software.

Another great feature of PowerPoint templates is that they can be used to edit, and customize the pre-made templates of the presentations to save your time and resources being spent on the designing and developing of the presentations from scratch.

Websites like Free PowerPoint Templates can be used to download thousands of professionally crafted templates for free to be used in your every possible business, marketing, educational, or any other project.

Slide Decks in Google Slides

The Google Slides, another important and well-known presentation software, is also widely used by consumers who mostly prefer a web-based software to cater to their needs. Google Slides also offer a variety of options to its users to create engaging designs and themes incorporating diagrams, graphs, charts, tables, infographics, and various other visuals available to be used for your every need.

The slide decks that are being developed in the Google Slides Software are known as Google Slides’ decks.

How to Create a Slide Deck in PowerPoint?

By following these steps, you can easily develop your next great slide deck allowing you to create a slide deck in PowerPoint.

• Start and open the PowerPoint tool
• Plan the structure and hierarchy of your presentation
• Start by creating a title slide with a persuasive title for your topic
• Develop the remaining slides by giving the relevant title to each of the slides
• You can use images, videos, and infographics too according to your project’s needs
• There are also options to add animation and transitions. The design and visual appeal of the presentation can be effectively enhanced using those options.
• End your presentation with complimentary “Thanks” and “Any questions” slides
• Save your work and keep your presentation in either a hard disk or cloud-based storage network
• Present Your amazing presentation

3 Tips to Enhance your Slide Deck’s Productivity

Your next slide deck should be your flagship project as you know almost all the important factors and terminologies related to the slide deck. However, if you need some additional boats, there are some more techniques and tips to polish your slide deck more.

Tip #1. Add Visuals

Always add more visuals to your slide deck to make it more appealing to your listeners. The attention rate of the audience is always more towards visual representation as our brain processes visual data 60,000 times faster than contextual information. Hence incorporating a considerable amount of graphics and design elements in your presentation will not be a bad idea. You can add infographics, photos, charts, tables, and much more by using Different software tools like PowerPoint and Google Slides. PowerPoint features include the possibility to insert icons, images, videos or alternatively you can create your own infographics and visual slides in PowerPoint from scratch.

Tip #2. Write Less, Speak More

Your presentation should not be as long as a research report and also not as short as a highway billboard. There should be a balance between words and imagery. But it is always recommended by experts that presentations with fewer words and more visuals help the presenter to divert its attention more towards the audience, which elevates the overall focus of the audience that boosting the productivity of the presentation.

Tip #3. Develop a Consistent Design

The design of your presentation should be confident from the start to the end. The color strategy, the font style, the anthem, and the overall message of the presentation should be maintained throughout the course of delivering a presentation to increase the overall engagement rate of the audience.

Final Words

Slide decks deliver the message of a speaker more conveniently incorporating the visual and graphical elements in its core structure. The retention rate of the interest of the listeners can be enhanced significantly if the slide decks are designed by using the latest softwares like PowerPoint and Google Slides. The animations, transitions, tables, charts, engaging diagrams and other visuals all make the slide decks a number one choice for the marketers and businessmen to present their business plans, ideas, and future business strategies to their stakeholders effectively.

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• Presentations

20 Best Slide Deck Templates (PowerPoint Presentations & More 2024)

Do you have an important presentation coming up? Do you want to create a top-quality slideshow?

 Using premium slide deck templates is your best bet for creating professional eye-catching presentations.

Envato Elements and GraphicRiver are a great online sources for presentation deck templates . Today we'll share 20 business slide deck template designs from both sites. 

To learn more about what a slide deck is, review this tutorial:

The Best New Presentation Templates on Envato Elements (With Unlimited Use - 2024)

We've got thousands corporate slide deck templates  with stylish designs on Envato Elements. You’ll find options for  PowerPoint ,  Keynote , and  Google Slides.

What’s more:  new designs are being added every day. Check out 2024’s trending options now:

Elements offers unlimited downloads of the best slide templates, photos, and other graphic assets for a single low monthly fee. It’s a must-have option for designers and creatives everywhere.

A pro presentation deck template is a quick design jump-start. Use it to get your ideas in front of your audience fast. 

Grab one of these trending business slide deck templates. Add your information. Put the stylish new PPT slides to use. And customize your message with a great set of designs.

Best Sources for Slide Deck Templates: Which Is Right for You?

Both Envato Elements and Graphic River offer high quality presentation deck templates to help you create first class presentations . But each service is a bit different from the other. 

Use the following guide to find the right service for you.

1. Top Presentation Templates on Envato Elements

Envato Elements is hard to beat when it comes to high quality presentation templates . What makes this service outstanding is that it offers you thousands of gorgeous templates by the most talented designers in the field. And you can also download as many templates as you want, as often as you want for one flat monthly fee. 

That's right. One low monthly fee = unlimited access to the best presentation decks. What's more, that monthly fee also allows you to access thousands of premium digital assets like logos, fonts, photos, business card templates and much more.

2. Top Presentation Templates on Graphic River

GraphicRiver is another service that offers thousands of premium templates. But it works differently from Elements. While Elements is the best source when you want to buy many presentation deck templates and other resources , GraphicRiver is better for those who prefer to buy a single slide deck template at a time.

Both sites will give you access to top quality templates. So, deciding which service is right for you comes down to your needs and budget. If you regularly need a variety of slide deck presentations and other resources, Envato Elements will be the right choice. 

GraphicRiver is your best bet if:

• you do presentations infrequently
• you just need one presentation deck template for a specific event
• you're on a strict budget

15 Best Slide Deck Templates (Trending in 2024 on Elements)

Here are the best slide deck presentation templates on Envato Elements that are trending in 2024. We'll look at PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote slide deck presentations.

The Best PowerPoint Slide Deck Templates

PowerPoint is one of the most popular presentation tools, with many businesses using the Microsoft Office suite.

If PowerPoint is your presentation tool of choice, we've got some great pre-built PowerPoint deck templates for you.

Here are some of the best PowerPoint slide decks on Envato Elements:

1.  The X Note - PowerPoint Template

This gorgeous PowerPoint deck of over 40 unique slides contains four pre-made themes in light and dark, orange and green hues. The slides are all fully editable so that you can customise them to suit your needs. The layouts fit the standard 4:3 and 16:9 screen layout. 

2.  Fashioned Stylist PowerPoint

This is a super stylish template designed for those in the fashion or lifestyle industries. this PPT deck contains over 50 unique slides in the standard 16:9 ration layout. The slide deck presentation is fully editable. So, you can change colours, text, photos, shapes and every other element contained in the slides. 

3.  Aionytmplt

AIONY is a modern slide deck presentation template that'll appeal to those in creative industries. The PPT deck offers 50 stunning slides. As you can see from the slide deck examples here, this template places a heavy emphasis on images. So, it's an opportunity to really let your images speak.

Because of its formal style, the Agio slide deck presentation is probably more suited to businesses in the financial, legal, or technological industries. This corporate slide deck contains 70 unique slides with nine colour variation themes in 16:9 HD widescreen slide format. 

Just drag and drop your images to your chosen colour scheme. Add text and your presentation is ready to go. 

5.  Ever PowerPoint Template

This PowerPoint deck is versatile enough to be used by any type of business. The slide deck presentation contains a whopping 250 multipurpose sides in two aspect ratios: 4:3 and 16:9. The editable PPT deck offers a dizzying array of graphics and customisation options. So, you can create the right presentations for your needs. 

Common PowerPoint Questions, Answered (FAQs)

If you're getting started with your first PowerPoint presentation you probably have a few questions. Read  How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide) . Then, check out some of the most common questions with their answers below:

1. How can I make my PowerPoint Presentation stand out?

There are so many PowerPoint Presentations out there, but many are forgettable. Make yours stand out by following the tips in this great article:

2. How can I use PowerPoint to create a video?

Creating videos doesn't have to require a huge time and energy investment. Learn how to create engaging videos using PowerPoint's slideshow feature:

3. How can I create more engaging PowerPoint slides?

Making your PowerPoint slides more interesting without going overboard is an art. Read this article for some indispensable tips on how to walk the fine line between interesting and over the top:

The Best Google Slides Presentation Deck Templates

Google Slides is a free presentation app that's available to anyone with a Google account.

If you've chosen Google Slides for your presentation tool, there are hundreds of slide deck presentations available on Envato Elements. 

Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular Google Slide decks on Envato Elements:

1.  Travelicious

This Google Slide decks a multipurpose deck suitable for business or personal presentations. It contains three colour themes with 30 unique slides per template with dark and light backgrounds. 

The layouts come in widescreen or standard. There's good documentation included in case you need help customising your slide

2.  Alula Brush

Breathe new life into your presentations with this modern Google slide deck. The template contains five slide decks in different colours. Each deck contains 30 unique slides with every layout you could need to create a stunning and effective presentation. 

Drag and drop your images into the picture placeholders. Add text and your presentation is ready.  

3.  Hasta Google Slides Presentation

With over 40 unique slide templates, this Google slide deck has everything you need to create professional eye-catching presentations. No need for extra software. Just add images and edit your templates as much or as little as you need to.

4.  Maribor

This beautiful presentation deck can be used in a variety of ways, from pitch decks to webinar slide deck templates. The Google slide deck contains 30 Slides with a 16:9 wide screen layout. All graphics are resizable and editable. If you get stuck there's good documentation to help you figure things out. 

5.  Koffee Corporate

As you can see from the slide deck examples shown in the image above, Koffee Corporate is a gorgeous template with a wide variety of slides templates. In fact, the Google slide deck offers 35 unique slides in an aspect ratio of 16:9. Edit the deck is easily by dragging and dropping to change photos. All the graphics are resizable without loss of image quality. 

Common Google Slide Questions, Answered (FAQs)

Before getting started with Google Slides be sure to read the  How to Use Google Slides (Ultimate Tutorial Guide) . Also, check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

1. What are Google Slides and how do I use it?

If you're just hearing about Google slides but don't know what it does, this is the article for you:

2. How do I create a Google Slide presentation?

If you want to create a great Google Slides Presentation but don't know how, this tutorial will walk you through the best approach: 

3. Can I convert PowerPoint Presentation to a Google Slide Presentation?    

The short answer is yes, and we've got the perfect article to show you how: 

The Best Apple Keynote Presentation Decks

Keynote is Apple's presentation tool that works on macOS and iOS. It features a user-friendly interface and lots of other tools.

If you're an Apple Keynote user, then consider an Envato Elements subscription. Here are some of the Keynote presentation decks you can find on Elements:

If you're working on a slide deck for your next presentation, you won't want to miss these great templates:

1.  Magazine Keynote Template

Create a stunning create a slide deck with Magazine Keynote Template. The multipurpose template has 20 unique slides that can be customised for various business or personal uses. 

2.  Minimalism Keynote

This business slide deck template is dedicated to Apple Keynote users. As you can see from the slide deck examples, the template is stylish modern and minimalist. It's got over 50 unique slides that are fully customisable. You can add photos, change the colours, text, shapes and other elements as needed. 

3.  Guava Keynote

Create a slide deck with this keynote template that's highly adaptable to a variety of uses. If you're looking for webinar slide deck templates, this is one of the many templates here that you could easily adapt to your needs. 

The deck contains over 50 high quality slides. You'll find gallery and portfolio slides, which makes this deck very useful for image rich presentations. 

4.  Botany Keynote Presentation

Bring your presentations to life with Botany Keynote Presentation deck, a professional template to show off your portfolio and ideas. This stylish modern template offers over 50 unique slides that cover just about every need. 

Drag and drop to add your images. Resize shapes and graphics as needed. Add your text and your presentation is ready to go. 

5.  Lunox Minimal Keynote Template

A beautiful and versatile slide deck presentation, this Keynote template offers 30 unique 16:9 ration slides. Use it to create a slide deck that holds attention and communicates all your important information. 

The template is easy to customise. Drag and drop your images in place. Resize graphics and add your text. A PDF help file is included with the template. 

Common Apple Keynote Questions, Answered (FAQs)

New to Apple Keynote? The  How to Use Apple Keynote (Ultimate Tutorial Guide)  will get you up to speed. Also be sure to check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked question about Keynote below:

1. What Is Apple Keynote?

If you've got no idea what Apple Keynote is, this article will explain what it is and how to start using it for your presentations: 

2. How do I create a presentation using Apple Keynote?

Good question. This article will walk you through how to create your first Keynote presentation:

3. Which should I use, PowerPoint or Apple Keynote?

Confused about which application is right for you? This article compares the two and helps you decide which would serve you better:

Top Slide Deck Presentation Templates on GraphicRiver (2024)

Do you want to buy your templates one-at-a-time rather than getting an unlimited subscription? Graphic River offers slide deck templates for PowerPoint, Google Slides decks , and even presentation decks for Keynote.

Let's take a closer look:

1.  Report Multipurpose PowerPoint Template

Use this PowerPoint slide deck design for many business purposes like marketing and promotions, annual reports, for educational purposes or for personal use. The deck contains over 165 unique slides in 16:9 ratio. Detailed documentation is provided. 

2.  Creative 3 in 1 Bundle PowerPoint Template

This 3 in 1 PowerPoint slide deck is the mother of all slide deck templates. It contains over 500 unique slides, making it the most complex and complete slide deck featured here. This PPT deck is perfect for those who regularly do complex presentations where graphs, charts, infographics, maps, icons, images, graphics etc are needed.

3.  Verzus Minimal Google Slides Template

Create a slide deck you can be proud of with Verzus Minimal Google Slides Template. This deck offers 200 unique slides in two layouts 4:3 and 16:9. Use for any number of projects, a product launch, investment presentation, annual report, e-learning or personal use. 

4.  Mountain Creative Keynote Presentation Template

Another extensive slide deck with loads of functionality is this Mountain Creative Keynote Presentation Template. The package is great for creative, personal, or business purposes. It offers 100 unique slides in four different colour templates. Extensive documentation is included to help you with customisation. 

5.  Creative Keynote Bundle 2019

Our final slide deck template is another collection of professional slides for Keynote that you'll want to get your hands on. This template offers 460 unique slides in three aspect ratios: 16:9, 4:3 and A4. There are 24 colour schemes to choose from with both light and dark backgrounds. Of course, all elements are completely customisable so that you can create exact slide deck you need for your next presentation. 

Discover More Top Presentation Designs 

If you already have a favourite presentation software and are looking for more premium templates to use, check out these ever so helpful articles below. They'll introduce you to a bonanza of top-quality templates from both Envato Elements and Graphic River.

Create An Amazing Presentation Quickly & Easily

Both Envato Elements and GraphicRiver offer top quality PowerPoint , Google Slides and Apple Keynote templates. All Envato pre-built PowerPoint decks are versatile and easy to use.

Head over to either site right now to choose your favourite templates. Start creating amazing presentations today. 

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50 Best Slide Deck Templates for a Stellar Presentation

Written by: Unenabasi Ekeruke

Whether you're pitching your business or giving a keynote presentation, a slide deck is a must-have visual aid.

Creating a powerful slide deck is a terrific way to wow your audience and secure their buy-in. It can enhance your presentation and get your message across quickly.

But how do you build a compelling and engaging presentation that captures all the key elements of your topic? Using a slide deck template can give you the creative inspiration you need.

We've put together 50 professional, easy-to-use slide deck templates to make your presentation come alive.

Keep reading!

Here’s a short selection of 8 easy-to-edit slide deck templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

Table of Contents

Category #1: business slide deck templates, category #2: education slide deck templates, category #3: finance slide deck templates, category 4: nonprofit slide deck templates, category #5: creative slide deck templates, category #6: product slide deck templates, slide deck faqs, bring your slide deck to life with visme, 1. cabcall pitch deck presentation.

Got an exciting business idea with huge potential? This template, inspired by Careem's pitch deck , is a great choice. Use it to show your stakeholders and investors what makes your startup the next big thing.

This presentation has a simple design and prioritizes your business concept and market analysis . Use the built-in graphics, statistics and figures. Or play around with design elements in Visme's editor to add more captivating details.

2. Business Plan Presentation

Are you looking to get your idea or business off the ground? This business plan slide deck template can wow your investors or prospects.

The 16 slides have a unique layout, with the design elements following a visual hierarchy. Edit the content, change the color , or add more slides with our presentation software.

3. BuffIT Pitch Deck Presentation

Here's another pitch deck template inspired by Buffer , a successful tech startup. You can use it to show how your product works, traction, business model , milestones and more. It's the perfect creative head start to help drive investors' interest in your solution.

The blue hue across the slides draws your audience in and makes your pitch deck professional. You can switch colors, fonts, icons and other design elements to match your branding.

4. Buyer Presentation

You don't need to fill your slides with text to make your slide deck impactful. This slide deck template uses compelling visuals to drive an emotional connection with clients.

With elegant images of their dream home or office, you'll definitely get a "yes" from your buyers. Visme has millions of free stock photos and 10,000+ vector icons to make your slides pop.

If you need a unique image for your presentation that you can't find anywhere else, Visme's AI image generator is your best ally.

This tool can turn your text into various styles of images, including photos, paintings, pencil drawings, 3D graphics, icons and more. It's a simple and effective way to create custom visuals for your presentation desk design.

5. Startup Index Pitch Deck Presentation

Whether you're a startup or an established business, this template is an invaluable resource. The slides are inspired by Mattermark and shed more light on what you bring to the table.

The template has a delightful color scheme , stylized content blocks and premium vector icons . It also has a variety of tools for data visualization, including bar graphs and line graphs.

6. HybCab Pitch Deck Presentation

Looking to win investors over or get stakeholders excited about their investment decision? This fully editable template inspired by Uber can tip the scales in your favor.

The template has a strong visual appeal thanks to the premium vector icons and high resolution. The rich blend of dark and bright color schemes creates a unique visual contrast.

Visualize compelling data using Visme's data visualization tools , including bar charts, timelines and pie charts.

7. EPay Pitch Deck Presentation

This beautiful slide deck is inspired by Klarna's pitch deck . Tweak it to show your goals, service process, unique value proposition and business model.

Beyond pitching, you can use this template to apply for project funding or communicate your project status . Take advantage of our slide library to manage design and information in master slides throughout many presentations

8. Marketing Plan Presentation

There's no better way to pitch your marketing plan than using this slide deck template. You can also use it to show your sales plan or achievements in the past year.

Beyond its intuitive design, it contains everything you need to wow your audience. You can edit the slides to highlight key areas such as goals , marketing analysis, marketing strategies , KPIs, budget allocation and potential for expansion.

9. Technology Presentation

There's no limit to what you can achieve with this tech-themed slide deck template. You can modify it to pitch your tech solution. It's also perfect for introducing a new work tool or technology-based keynote presentations.

Use Visme's editor to add or remove slides and switch your fonts, images and other assets to suit your needs.

Customizing your templates has never been easier with Visme "Shortcuts." Simply press the forward slash "/" key on your keyboard, and a search bar will appear. It contains all the features and design elements you need, such as animations, illustrations, text, images and more.

By eliminating the need for adding elements manually from the sidebar, this feature allows you to save time on designing and focus more on creating impactful content.

10. PixelGo Marketing Plan

Designed with a bright yellow theme, this beautiful slide deck template is one that surely catches the eye. It contains captivating visuals and design elements to help present key information.

Use Visme's timeline maker to decorate your timelines. Add charts, icons and special effects to make your slide deck designs engaging.

When it comes to creating captivating slide decks, many presenters find traditional PowerPoint templates to be plain and uninteresting. And, Visme is the ultimate solution for many users that allows for more exciting and engaging content.

According to Kendra Bradley, a Graphic Content Developer at WOW!, Visme offers a wide selection of slide templates that make the process much easier.

In her own words, “PowerPoint templates are plain and boring, and we want to create more fun and engaging content. Visme has multiple slide templates to choose from, which makes this so much easier.”

“I just made a deck recently and it took me about 15-20 minutes. I found a template I really liked and tweaked it and put it in our brand colors. In PowerPoint, it would take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half.”

Read the case study here.

11. Interior Design Presentation

Enhance your interior design presentation with captivating slide deck design ideas. Each page of this presentation slide deck features luxury visuals of your designs.

The whitespace around the design elements improves readability and aesthetics. You can use it to communicate your products and services, values, financials, portfolio and more.

Visme makes it super easy for you to collaborate with your team members . You can easily share your presentation with others and they can view, comment or edit it.

12. Sales Proposal Interactive Presentation Template

Pitch your product or service to prospective clients with the help of this interactive template. The red and white theme makes your slide look incredible and super-classy.

Bring your presentation to life with Visme's interactive and animated features. The template contains a mix of customizable charts, widgets, timelines, icons and more. You can find all and more of these design elements inside Visme's design library .

Use Visme's Dynamic Fields to easily update information throughout your projects from a single source

13. Product Training Interactive Presentation

Are you looking to educate your customers on how to make the most of your products? This attractive slide deck template is the perfect tool to jumpstart your creativity.

The presentation slide deck uses a blue background with a touch of yellow to create a solid contrast. Notice how the visuals and icons support the core message. Feel free to incorporate Visme's data visualization tools and widgets to draw attention to statistics and numbers.

With Visme, you can add a video of your product demo into your presentation. Simply upload a video from your computer or Visme's library. Or embed external videos from Loom, YouTube, Vimeo, Wistia and Vidyard.

14. Employee Handbook Presentation

This slide deck template is a valuable resource for onboarding and training recruits . You can use it to communicate company goals, values, policies and code of conduct . The blue color background and image can hook your audience in from the get-go. You'll find customizable widgets, timelines, maps and icons crafted to make your presentation slide deck shine.

15. Sample Business Plan Presentation

Looking to secure funding for your company? This business plan presentation is your golden ticket to making it happen. It covers vital sections like objectives, market summary, the team and opportunities.

Make this slide deck template yours by editing content, logo, fonts, images and other design assets. Showcase data with customizable charts and widgets from Visme's library.

You can also use this as a consulting slide deck template to showcase your expertise and guide clients through your strategic recommendations and insights.

16. Simple Business Presentation

Are you looking for slide deck examples? Creating beautiful slide decks for any department doesn't have to be a hassle. You can customize this presentation slide deck to reflect your progress in sales, marketing, finance and customer service.

The blend of the blue and white color gives the slide a professional look. Feel free to switch things up with your color, fonts, logo and other brand elements.

17. Bright Colorful Background Presentation Template

If you're looking for slide deck inspiration for your creative business or agency, we have a stunning deck design template specially made for you. Level your presentation to clients, students, or investors with this radiant and color-rich slide deck.

The dazzling design of this slide deck will leave a lasting impression on your audience. Use it to promote your art portfolio, fashion, entertainment and community events.

18. Vintage Background Presentation

With this slide deck template, you can add a classic and retro feel to your presentation. This vintage-inspired template is suitable for showcasing your antique shop or telling a story based on historical events.

Browse our rich library of retro-styled fonts, icons and colors to complement and keep your design on theme.

19. Homeshop Pitch Deck Presentation

Use this bright-themed slide deck template to let investors know how great your idea or business is.

Whether you're planning to showcase your art gallery, real estate, or home decor, this template is an excellent choice. Notice how this template uses a combination of orange, green and white colors.

Not sure how to choose the perfect color combination? Read this article on beautiful color combinations and how to apply them to your designs. Watch the video below on marketing color psychology.

20. Ecommerce Webinar Presentation

With this bright and energetic webinar slide deck, you can share valuable insights with your audience. The pitch deck explains what it takes to run a successful ecommerce brand.

Each slide contains stylized content blocks with text arranged in column grids. But you can customize the content, layout and design to fit your message perfectly using our intuitive presentation software.

With Visme's text animation features, you can create a dynamic and engaging presentation by animating your text animations. You get eight different animation options like fade-in, slide-in, zoom-in and more that you can apply to individual words or entire paragraphs.

21. Should University Be Free for Everyone Presentation

Educational slide decks like this one give your audience an inside scoop on interesting topics. Whether you're a keynote speaker or a student, this slide template can save you hours of work.

The template adopts a unique layout with less text and more visuals to draw in your audience. Go ahead and customize the layout and other design elements to convey your message effectively.

22. Lesson Plan Presentation

Put together an effective learning and evaluation roadmap with this slide deck template. It features top-notch images, colors and a presentation layout that make key elements stand out.

Teachers can download this presentation in PDF, PPTX, MP4 and HTML5 format. Share the slide deck online with a link or embed it on the school website.

23. Training Course Presentation

Enhance the skill and acumen of your students and employees with this slide deck template. The information is laid out in a logical, coherent way to ensure the critical elements stand out.

24. Education Support Program Presentation

Spread the word about your CSR efforts and community projects with this color-rich slide deck template. The beautiful color themes, text layout, shapes and visuals make this slide deck spectacular.

25. Communication Skills Keynote Presentation

This is another powerful visual aid to accompany your keynote presentation. The template design exudes a sense of class and beauty. Insert high-quality visuals, fonts and design elements from our library to complement your design.

26. What Is an Entrepreneur Presentation Template

Make complex topics digestible with this fully customizable slide deck template. The template features a bold, attractive cover page, creative slide layouts and an eye-catching color combination .

27. 50 Years After the Moon Landing

This educational slide deck is perfect for teachers and students looking to educate their audience on any topic. The visuals, icons, colors and overall design theme are tailored after space exploration. If you'd like to tailor your presentation to any theme, our presentation tool has everything you need.

28. Ignite Presentation Template

Use this 20-slide pitch deck to deliver a presentation that earns you a standing ovation. There's plenty of white space and a color combination that blends perfectly.

You can spice up your slides with slide transitions, animations, audio and video clips to make them even more engaging.

29. What Is Worldschooling Presentation

Are you looking to pitch new programs to parents, teachers and the school board? Or do you want to explain complex ideas or topics to a young audience? This playful and colorful slide deck puts a creative spin on your presentation.

Use the charts, maps, pictures, shapes and icons to make your slides appealing.

With Visme, you can select multiple icons and illustrations in your slide deck and make changes simultaneously, thanks to its powerful editing capabilities.

Whether you want to change the color, size or any other aspect of your design elements, Visme's simultaneous editing feature ensures that your modifications are swiftly applied across all selected items.

30. Foreign Language Thesis Presentation

Are you buzzing to deliver a killer presentation deck design that wows your audience? We've created this winning slide deck you can count on.

This slide deck presentation design is perfect for presenting a project dissertation in an academic setting. It features a geometric design pattern and captivating visuals with minimal text. You can customize this template for business and professional use.

31. Book Report Presentation

This template is perfect for giving a brief synopsis of your favorite book and exploring its themes.

Book review presentations with more visuals wield more impact. We've got timelines, graphs, images, diagrams and shapes to help you condense lengthy texts into a brief presentation.

Writing text for presentations can be a time-consuming and challenging task. However, with Visme's AI Writer, the process becomes easier and faster.

This powerful tool uses artificial intelligence to analyze the topic, create an outline and generate text for your presentation. It saves you valuable time by providing an editable copy for your designs.

Additionally, the AI Writer can help you with suggestions to improve the text flow and enhance the overall quality of your content, resulting in impactful and engaging designs.

32. Balance Sheet Presentation

Why spend hours on design when you can edit this slide deck and get your presentation underway. Communicate the value of your business, assets, liabilities and stockholder's equity with investors.

This investor slide deck template has a sleek and contemporary design. We have a variety of supporting elements, graphs, statistics and figures. You can always create accurate financial data using Visme's user-friendly editor.

33. Financial Report Presentation

Utilize the capabilities of Visme's data visualization tools to demonstrate your company's financial health. The financial information is presented using bars, charts, graphs and other visual aids.

Thanks to the dark background and bright-colored text, there's a strong visual contrast. This makes it easy for your audience to navigate and comprehend data.

34. Marketing Budget Presentation

Use this template to give stakeholders a quarterly breakdown of your marketing budget . It contains key sections like goals, financial analysis, key expenses and variance analysis.

The slide deck looks trendy thanks to the splash of yellow color over gray. You can modify this presentation to cover the bi-annual or annual marketing budget.

35. Construction Budget Presentation

Break down your project goals, strategy and budget with this simple slide deck. The minimalist design is ideal for outlining the specifics of complex projects.

Use Visme's customizable data widgets, vector icons and visual aids to further enhance the visual appeal of this presentation.

36. Financial Projections Presentation

Before starting a new project or business, you'd have to forecast your future financial outcomes. This modern presentation template is all you need to present financial forecasts to stakeholders.

To increase your presentation's impact, use our Brand Design Tool to keep it on brand. You can set strict brand guidelines and enable your team to collaborate better.

37. Nonprofit Report Presentation

The slide deck template is ideal for nonprofits and social enterprises. Students working on college projects can use it to present assessments and reports. The template has a simple design and uses visual aids to inspire confidence in your work.

38. Nonprofit Art Presentation

This art-themed slide deck presentation design is crafted to project your charitable initiatives. You can use it to inspire readers about your mission, highlight your accomplishments and thank donors for their support. Using our variety of visual aids can increase the reader's trust in the legitimacy of your message.

39. Nature Background Presentation

This slide deck template has a nature theme with a green and white color combination. You can use this template to spread the word about environmental and social issues like:

• Climate change
• Global warming
• Wildlife preservation

It features high-quality photos, vector icons, radial graphs and a process diagram . You can get these elements and brand assets from our robust design library .

40. Nonprofit Marketing Plan

This nonprofit slide deck template can be used for various purposes. Use it to share how you aim to get donors on board your project or raise awareness for your event. The brown color background, white fonts and quality photos enhance the slide's aesthetic quality.

41. Nonprofit Event Presentation

Are you planning to promote a cause and help raise funds to support it? This elegant presentation shows you how to publicize NGO projects and host fundraising events. This slide deck template can provide creative and strategic direction for your team.

42. Creative Brief Interactive Presentation

If you want to outline your creative project strategy, you'd need a slide deck like the one below. This creative slide deck template has a sleek design and uses a variety of interactive elements. Additionally, you can modify the slide deck presentation design to advertise your new product line or services.

43. Colorful Presentation

If you want to deliver an inspiring presentation about art, color and design, we've got you. Edit this color-rich slide deck template to make your presentation unforgettable. Also, you can use this template to promote creative business or youth projects.

44. Graffiti Art Presentation

With this presentation, you can teach your audience all about the art of graffiti and its history. This template has a lot of images of graffiti and energetic colors to help you stay on topic while grabbing the audience's attention.

45. Retro Neon Startup Presentation

Explore the limitless possibilities of creative deck designs with this customizable retro-themed presentation template. The template features a purple color scheme that matches both formal and informal settings. You can use it to launch your creative brand or an established company in any sector.

46. Fashion Design Presentation

Give your slide deck a creative boost with this design presentation. Use it to showcase your fashion catalog, clothing line and design ideas. With its eye-catching images, color scheme, modern layout and stylish fonts, you're sure to impress your audience.

47. Home Appliance Presentation

Use this robust slide deck template to create a captivating presentation for your consumer product. The template has everything you need to market your product. It comes with a beautiful design, vibrant color theme and intriguing fonts.

With Visme's editor, you can customize the template to reflect your brand identity .

48. SEO Tool Product Presentation Template

Promote your SaaS product and showcase its unique features with this modern slide deck template.

If you've already created a product presentation with PowerPoint, don't sweat it. You can import and edit an existing PPT presentation using Visme's presentation software.

49. WorkChat Software Presentation Template

Use this cutting-edge SaaS presentation template to promote your communication, collaboration, or productivity software. You can highlight the software feature, benefits, unique value proposition and recent updates.

The minimalistic design of the slides leaves plenty of room for customization. You can always play around with fonts or showcase visuals of your software, vital stats and data visualizations . Click here for more minimalistic and creative presentation templates to choose from.

50. Automobile Product Presentation

Put your product, services and company in the spotlight with this professional slide deck template. The modern font, stunning color scheme and stylish layout make the presentation shine.

To ensure brand consistency , apply your logo , brand colors , brand fonts and other elements to the template. You can also set up a branding kit in Visme to save and apply your branding elements to different projects.

Watch the video below to learn how to set up a branding kit in Visme.

Q. What Is a Slide Deck?

A slide deck is a collection of slides used as visual aids during a pitch or presentation. Think of each slide as a single card in a deck with unique content, meanings, value and structure.

Like a deck of cards, you can queue up your slides to tell a story about a topic. Depending on your story's angle, tone and mood, you can shuffle your slides or eliminate some of them.

Q. What Is the Difference Between a Slide Deck and a PowerPoint Presentation?

A slide deck is a group of slides put together to tell a story while PowerPoint is a software application used to create slide decks or presentations.

Q. Why Do People Call It a Slide Deck?

The term "slide decks" dates back to an era when presentations involved physically inserting slides into a carousel projector and images were cast on a wall or screen. These slides were shuffled like a deck of cards to weave a presentation narrative. Thus, the name "slide deck" has seamlessly transitioned into the modern age.

Today, the process of crafting presentations has shifted dramatically. Slide decks are now created and projected using tools like Visme, PowerPoint, Google Slides, and more. These digital platforms have replaced clunky projectors, allowing for seamless, visually captivating presentations that can be easily shared, edited, and tailored to suit diverse audiences.

Q. What Does a Good Slide Deck Look Like?

A good slide deck is like a visual masterpiece—engaging, beautiful and easy to understand. A good slide deck should have clear and concise content, relevant data, stunning visuals, consistent design and logical flow.

Q. How Many Pages Should a Slide Deck Be?

The ideal length of a slide deck can vary based on the content, audience, and purpose of the presentation. However, as a general guideline, most effective slide decks typically range between 10 to 20 slides.

We've shared easy-to-use slide deck presentation designs and templates to get your presentation ready in minutes.

Now it's your turn! Visme's presentation software makes it easy for you to customize these slide deck templates. We have thousands of high-quality photos, videos, charts, widgets and other design assets to enhance your presentation.

You can share your presentation online, make it private or download it to present offline. Track analytics to see who's engaging with your presentation.

Design beautiful slide decks you can be proud of with Visme.

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About the Author

Unenabasi is a content expert with many years of experience in digital marketing, business development, and strategy. He loves to help brands tell stories that drive engagement, growth, and competitive advantage. He’s adept at creating compelling content on lifestyle, marketing, business, e-commerce, and technology. When he’s not taking the content world by storm, Unenabasi enjoys playing or watching soccer.

APPROACHABLE DESIGN

How to create slide decks that don't put people to sleep

Great slide deck presentations are just great stories. Learn how to avoid over-designing your deck and stuffing it with useless information.

By Nate Kadlac

Slide deck presentations are broken.

I once sat through a presentation by a CEO who had prepared two 50+ page slide decks for an important all-hands meeting.

Just the act of building two decks ensured the message would be messy. And using 50+ pages to tell a company story left everyone in the room exhausted (and confused).

Why are building slide decks so tricky? Most people think each slide needs to describe every thought in their head, even if they know better. And I bet you have read all of the articles about preparing slide decks and know this. Yet, you’re still wondering how to communicate the inspiring quote, the graph with all of this detailed data, and the story of how big your company will be if you just owned 1% of the trillion-dollar TAM.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. You can build beautiful, simple, and effective slide decks that will engage your audience and help you make your point.

And in this article, I will show you how to avoid retrofitting your content into giant presentation templates like this. (This gives me nightmares)

First, avoid opening up your slide deck app

If building a slide deck was the length of a 10k race, opening up the slide deck software would put you at the 8k mark without all of the preparation. You just skipped all of the most important work, which all happens outside of Powerpoint. (I use Figma!)

It can feel compelling to open up Powerpoint, Google Slides, Keynote, or any other fun piece of software. (I lied, Powerpoint is not fun.) But this forces you to think about the design of your slides and everything else that doesn't matter at this point.

So here's what to do first: Open up your favorite writing app and start thinking about the story you want to tell, not how your slides should look. (We'll get to that in a moment.)

Now, we'll look at ways to think about building your slide decks.

Seven tips for structuring your content for an effective slide deck presentation

Even if you're running a company and your employees are being paid to listen to your presentation, they won't. It's you against the audience, and they don't owe you anything.

Now that many presentations are given virtually, it's more important than ever to make sure every slide needs to be there. It's too easy for someone to shut their camera off and tune out.

Tip #1: Build your slide deck like a book

For a moment, think about holding a book in your hands. Just holding it in your hands, it reveals several characteristics that tell us a bit about it.

The cover creates intrigue and hints at the story before opening it.

The size of the book tells us how much time it might take us to read it.

The inner flap humanizes it by telling us about the author and showing a portrait of them

The table of contents gives us an idea of the themes discussed in the book, or the adventure it's about to take us on.

Each chapter is a milestone, asking us to pause before we continue on

Each chapter has subheaders breaking up the ideas and stories within the book.

The back of the book gives us a summary of the content and more info about who worked on it, and testimonials of the content inside.

Books are great examples of setting expectations before we even flip to the first page. Our presentations—no matter how big or small—should help our audience similarly.

We want people to know where they are, and how much time they have left. These unanswered thoughts are running through the minds of your audience, and creating a basic structure like this puts them at ease.

Your slide deck presentation should include:

Cover slide with a clear title (or hook!) of the story

Table of contents

Chapter pages highlighting where you are in the deck

Slides with a single takeaway (and supporting evidence)

An end slide with how to contact you and follow-up

Tip #2: Every presentation deck should tell a story

Most people immediately start putting too much information into slides. It's easy to make the mistake that your slide decks need a lot of information.

Instead, the story arc of a slide deck presentation should mimic a movie. You'll have a beginning, middle, and end. Each deck should communicate one large idea, and within that, you're sharing supporting ideas, each on its own slide.

How you organize your slides is up to you to create the narrative you want. If you're designing startup pitch deck templates for your business, your story will take up a large percentage of the presentation.

“Storytelling is an art combined with science. The artistic part is to understand that a story’s goal is to persuade an investor who most likely starts with the fear of losing their money, and to transition that through your story to a fear of missing out.”— Keith Teare, Accelerated Digital Ventures’ US Managing Partner

Even when trying to persuade investors, if you present a deck with too much information, it will complicate the overall story you're telling.

As Keith lays out for executing a great pitch deck to investors, the key is to answer the following questions:

What is your end game?

Why is it worth the effort?

How will you make it happen?

Tip #3: Present one takeaway per slide

It's better to have five slides, each with one main point, versus one slide with five points. One way to focus on this strategy is to title the slide with the ultimate takeaway.

This helps the overall flow of your slide deck and enables you to think only about what the audience needs to hear.

A trick is to view the slide deck presentation in outline view and read through the titles. It should have an overall flow that your audience can understand, as well as be incredibly informative.

If there's one piece of text your audience will read, it's going to be the title. Make sure it summarizes the insight.

Tip #4: Communicate your ideas using the Pyramid Principle

Your audience is busy. If you're presenting to the C-suite, you might not get through all your slides. The Pyramid Principle was created by Barbara Minto at McKinsey as a method for logically structuring your arguments.

Start with the answer first

Group and summarize your supporting arguments

Order your supporting ideas in a logical way

Starting with the answer first and then sharing your supporting ideas seems counterintuitive for many people. But it skips the preamble and delivers the message clearly while giving you time to explore the supporting ideas if there's time.

Tip #5: Avoid too many bullets (stick with 2-3 per slide)

Forgetting what to say is a common fear of giving a presentation. One bad presentation will leave you stuffing your slides with every thought you have, to avoid forgetting everything.

This is how slides with too many bullets create a false sense of safety.

When you're presenting every single thought you have, the audience has to choose one. Should they listen to you or read the words on your slide? When you're reading aloud, it will create a conflict between your voice and their internal dialogue.

This division makes for a poorly formatted presentation, making the audience choose one or the other.

Tip #6: Aim for 10 slides or less 

We should all have reasonable goals when creating a slide deck. Giving ourselves a goal to have less than 10 slides might feel impossible, but most slide deck templates tempt you to create more than necessary. 

10 slides is a good number to aim for because it forces us to focus on the most important takeaways. Remember, our slide deck creation does not need every thought we have, so start by creating your deck template with just 10 headlines or less, and see if you can still communicate what you need. 

Most of the time we spend on our presentation template is due to the number of slides we have. Also, the more slides, the longer it takes to deliver. 

Having just 10 slides means we can usually keep the presentation under 20 minutes. 

Tip #7: End with a free call-to-action reward

Aside from the main theme you want to articulate in your presentation, what action do you want them to take?

One of the biggest missed opportunities is to leave the audience without something to do at the end. Maybe it's a URL to fill out a form, or simply a way to contact you. Whatever you do, make sure you use this as the reward for listening to you speak

While asking for their information is the default use case, you can take this further and create something for your audience. If you're giving a talk about being more productive in the workplace, create a list of free ideas for them to do just that, and give them a way to download it after the presentation.

Showing up for your audience shows that you care, and it's a way to connect with those afterward.

How to design your presentation slide deck without relying on free templates

I once redesigned a website for a client, and they had never thought about creating one from scratch before. "I just thought you picked a template and filled it in."

This is what most people do with their own slide decks, which leads to an inconsistent experience and stuffing their slide decks with too much info.

My general advice is not to rely on free slide deck templates. Most are over designed, gaudy, and dated. You're also overthinking the layout , and how to retrofit your content into the templates.

This is difficult, and a waste of time.

Instead, start with one idea per slide, then we'll make simple, timeless design decisions to prevent you from redesigning your templates from scratch in the future.

Creating a simple presentation deck template using 2-3 colors, 1-2 fonts, and a basic content structure is all you need to design a slide deck that stands out.

Don't over-design your slide deck presentation

It doesn't matter what kind of slide deck presentation you're giving, you don't need to over-design your slides. This applies to all types of deck formats. A pitch deck template, a strategy deck, an informational deck... these all should be using timeless design principles.

Stick to the basics. Where do you start?

Start with a blank template

While this might seem like I’m adding more work, in the end, this reduces the amount of design decisions most slide deck apps force on you. 

Add your titles to each slide

In most apps like Powerpoint or Keynote, you can change the view to “Outline” which will let you see the title of the slide. This is another way to avoid thinking about design for as long as possible, and start putting your content into the slides. 

Even if your presentation doesn’t look great yet, don’t worry! We’ll get there, and we won’t even worry about gradients, drop shadows, video, text effects or animations to build a good looking slide deck. 

Colors: Use three colors + light and dark versions for the body text

Three colors are all you need when designing a presentation deck. If you have a brand deck, please use those colors and don't deviate from them. Building reputable brands means using the same consistent choices over and over.

Applying brand decisions should be boring.

Here's the simple formula:

One primary color (pick this first)

One neutral color (pick this second)

One accent color (pick this third)

Optional: A custom black for text and a custom white for reversed white text

I always use this combination of

Primary color

Your primary color is your main brand color. You can use this for your dark backgrounds or any other primary instances. 

This will be the color you use in 80% of cases. When in doubt, use this color for your design decisions. 

I usually bookend my slide decks with this color, using it for the cover slide and end slide. I might also use it for the Table of Contents, and then use a lighter background for the interior pages, just like a book. 

This adds a bit of personality and the sterile look and feel most slide decks have. 

Neutral color

Neutral colors are great for lowering the amount of contrast in a slide. I like to use my neutral color instead of a pure white background, which often gives the presentation a sophisticated feel.

Feel free to experiment, but neutral colors are almost white. In the example above, I'm using the hex value #F9F5F3.

Accent color

An accent color is useful when you need to call out or highlight an important word or section. If you're trying to highlight one of the most important takeaways, try using this as the slide’s background.

The purpose is not to overuse this color, but to use it strategically when necessary.

Avoid using true black and white for body text

Most templates will use pure black and white for body text. But these colors are high-contrast, and demand unnecessary attention. Pure black and white don't exist in the world because of the way light reflects off surfaces. Even shadows aren’t pure black because they absorb the color of the surface. (Unless maybe you're in a pitch-black float tank?)

Instead of just going with the defaults, I’ll pull in the ends of each just slightly, so to soften the intensity overall.

Imagine a spectrum of white and black on opposite ends. I choose colors that sit at around 95% of each end. It's hard to notice without comparing them, but that's the point. It creates a more soothing experience, even if no one can tell you're not using pure black and white.

Fonts: Choose a maximum of one or two fonts

First, if your company or brand already uses specific fonts, use those and forget this section! Consistency matters, and you'll only make it more difficult when everyone is choosing a font that matches their attitude that particular day.

You only need one typeface, as long as it has multiple weights. A typeface with multiple weights means it has bold, regular, semi-bold, black , and so on. Those give you a much more flexible family to work with than typefaces with just one.

If you need to use two fonts, you'll want to pick fonts with contrast. This creates visual intrigue, and it’s easy to accomplish using a serif or sans-serif combination. Like, Helvetica and Georgia. 

Avoid picking two fonts that look too similar, like Helvetica and Arial. These two in particular look similar, but they’re slightly different. This makes the overall design look confusing or off .

Use images that have a clear meaning

If you're in a pinch for a photo, try to resist the temptation to find a generic or cheesy stock photo. They make your slide deck look unprofessional and dated. It's better to use no photo than one that adds skepticism to your presentation deck.

If you do use images, make sure they support your story. They should also touch the edges of your slide deck, without any white padding. This will help give your slide deck a more polished feel and help the placed images avoid looking like clip art. 

Illustrations can be useful

I won’t lie and say illustrations can’t be powerful and creative. I’ve used them in my decks. But they aren’t necessary to communicate a good story. The problem with stock illustrations is that they usually look off-brand, or confuse the message more than anything. I try to avoid them at all costs unless you have the budget to hire an illustrator to build them specific to your business. ‍

Charts and graphs

Charts or graphs can be extremely useful to tailor a story with data. Most of the time you’ll end up using screenshots or displaying other existing work, but if possible, try to create these yourself using your brand colors and aesthetic. 

I use Figma to create all of my charts, but there are plenty of great creative tools like Canva, Keynote, and Figma. (If you want to learn more about using Figma, you can learn more here .)

Use simple grid layouts in your slide deck

Laying out content can always cause a bit of a struggle. It’s best to keep things simple for your content. 

Use a simple grid structure

Imagine your slide deck divided between 1-4 equally spaced columns. This gives you a basic grid when planning how to lay out content in your slide deck. 

Don't add a logo or copyright information on every page

Many slide deck templates will have a spot for brand logos, page numbers, and other elements to make your slide deck feel more professional.

If you need to add copyrights, page numbers, or disclaimers, reserve that for a printed copy of the slide deck. Or go ahead and make a duplicate deck for sharing purposes, because that won't help you during a live presentation, and gives the audience more to look at during your presentation.

Presentation takeaways

During that long presentation with two prepared slide decks and over 100+ slides, we all left that conference room confused and unsure of what we should do next.

So in your next slide deck presentation, remember to do these things:

Start by writing a list of insights to talk about, in a story format. (These will be your slide deck titles)

Add any supporting details under each point.

Use the Pyramid Principle to make better arguments

Aim for 10 slides of less, and one insight per slide

Add your cover slide and a closing slide with a CTA

Open your slide deck software and pick 1-2 fonts (Don’t use a deck template)

Choose 3 colors (Primary, neutral, and accent)

Layout your slides using 1-4 columns

Use accent or primary colors for your most important slides

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Introducing Slide Deck 101: A Comprehensive Guide For You

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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.

Get Premium Slide Deck Design with Deck Sherpa

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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Create captivating, informative content for PowerPoint in just a few minutes—no graphic design experience needed. Here's how:

1. Find the perfect PowerPoint template

2. Customize your creation

3. Show it off

Let's create a powerpoint design, frequently asked questions, where can i find slide templates and themes that i can customize.

To find customizable slide templates and themes, you can explore the business presentations templates or search by PowerPoint templates . Once you find a template that resonates with you, customize it by changing its color scheme, add in your own photos, and swap out the font.

How do I use pre-made PowerPoint templates?

After you've chosen a PowerPoint template to use, customize it. Explore [design tips] on how to customize a deck that resonates with your brand while putting emphasis on the topic at hand. Play with other design elements, like photo shapes, to make each slide unique.

How can I make or edit my own custom PowerPoint templates?

Start from scratch by creating your own PowerPoint template . Follow tips for designs and business presentations so that your unique template is cohesive and relevant to your brand. Incorporate your brand's color scheme and graphics so that all your slides aren't text only.

What kinds templates can I get online for PowerPoint?

You can get PowerPoint templates that have modern designs, animated ones, or even hand-drawn art in each slide. The color schemes range from bold to subtle. Each template's slides are also organized based on what you may want to include in your presentation . You can use the template as a starting point and customize its specific details from theme.

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10 Tips for Mastering the PowerPoint Deck

Whether we enjoy it or not, at many points in our marketing careers, we’ll have to stand up and make a presentation. PowerPoint is rather a necessary evil in business today, but, used well, it can play an important role in communicating a story. As a Consultant at DemandGen, many of my deliverables are PowerPoint decks, and I want to share some recommendations that I’ve learned over time.

1. Know your audience

Marketing 101! Practically the first blank in any creative brief is to enter in your target audience. Does your audience need a broad overview of the story, or the fine details? Should you employ a lot of striking imagery, more text, or more charts and tables? Thinking through these types of questions will drive not only the story you tell, but how you tell it.

2. Structure your slide deck

You also need to be cognizant of how long you have to present. You need to provide time for questions and decide whether you want to allow them mid-presentation or only at the end. A simple rule for determining the maximum number of slides needed in your deck is to approximate two minutes per slide. For example, if you have 30 minutes in total, assume 5-7 minutes for questions and therefore 10-12 slides maximum in your deck.

Place the most meaningful, compelling information, such as your conclusion or recommendations, at the front of your deck. Don’t save it for the end (although you should restate this information again there), in the event you run out of time or lose your audience.

3. Be consistent

Consistency is a familiar theme to marketers — we’re often referred to as the “brand police” (or “brand coaches,” if you’re more polite about it). This mantra should also be applied to your slides: same colors, same fonts, same image style, same chart formatting, etc. If your company has a corporate PowerPoint template, use the built-in layouts, colors, and fonts. Only go outside of those guidelines when you want to call out something important in your slide — it’ll stand out more.

4. Write great slide titles

If you’ve read any best practices on web page design, you might be familiar with the concept of the “ golden triangle ” — the  upper left corner of the page — where the eye goes first. That’s the most valuable real estate on your slide, and where your slide title resides. Unfortunately, I often see slide titles that read like a caption for the image or chart in the body, when they should really be telling your story. An easy test is to read through only the titles of your slides, ignoring the body, to see if the storyline is complete and understandable.

5. Follow “less is more”

The body of your slide should be used to prove or illustrate the slide title (not the other way around) using supporting points such as examples, diagrams, charts, well-ordered bullet points, etc. And, as I’m sure you’re aware, the information presented here should be succinct. If your slide contains hundreds of words, as a viewer, I’m naturally going to start reading them — and I’m no longer listening to what you’re saying. Also, never read your own slides.

A simple rule of thumb is 5-5-5: no more than five words per line of text, five lines of text per slide (including the title), or five text-heavy slides in a row. This exercise can be very challenging, and it sometimes does make sense to break that rule (for example, if your slides will be shared with others who did not attend the presentation). If you have a lot of information to support your story that you feel is critical for those secondary audiences, I suggest putting it in an appendix at the end of the deck.

6. Find quality images

It’s easier than ever to find great, free images for your slides. PowerPoint has the Bing search engine built right in, but I prefer Google Images because of the additional filtering tools it offers. In Google Images, I suggest opening the Tools menu bar and finding the largest size images with a transparent background. This will generally give you results with the sharpest images, and no background that may conflict with your template.

Another handy trick is for when you find an image that’s really close to what you need, but not quite: you can simply click and drag the image itself into the search bar. The Search by Image feature is also a great example of how machine learning is now being applied in the real world.

If you’re purchasing images only for use in your PowerPoint, you can save money by selecting the largest image (measured in inches or pixels) with the lowest resolution (measured in dpi, or dots per inch). Large, high-resolution images are only necessary if you’re also using them for print materials or you absolutely need the sharpest quality.

7. Make easy-on-the-eyes charts

Increasingly, marketers are becoming data-driven in their decisions and planning. As a result, you’re likely going to need to include charts or tables on your slides. PowerPoint and Excel can easily take you down a slippery slope of adding interesting but distracting elements into your visualizations with their Chart Styles options. Again, less is more: avoid formatting such as gradients, drop shadows, 3D, background colors or patterns, and even gridline and axis labels. Do use the colors and fonts in your PowerPoint template to keep things consistent.

Give yourself space on slides with visualizations to add commentary — don’t leave the analysis solely to the audience. Tell the story that the visualization is supporting: are things trending well or poorly, what caused the outliers (if any), and what’s the next action based on the data?

8. Maintain white space

Give your slide elements room to breathe by creating space between them. “White space” is simply empty space (it doesn’t have to be white) on your slide, and it improves consumption and comprehension of the content. Don’t feel compelled to fill every part of your slide; in fact, you can drive more impact with your content by giving it more white space.

9. Keep an eye on file size

Adding large, high-resolution images or copying slides into your deck from other decks (this will pull over the templates from those decks, too) can substantially increase the size of your PPT file. If you need to send your file as a follow-up to the audience, this can be problematic if there are restrictions on attachment size for the recipients. I recently accessed a PPT file that was over 160 MB! Fortunately, PowerPoint has the capability to easily compress and discard cropped parts of images during the Save process:

10. The most important tip

It may sound contradictory, but the best thing you can do with your PowerPoint deck is to edit it down. Take out the slides that simply look interesting (but provide no real value), veer from the message, or distract from the point you’re making. Your slide deck should support your story — not be the story. As Coco Chanel once famously said regarding fashion design, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” The fewer focal points in your story, the more likely the audience will retain them.

At DemandGen we love helping marketers tell a story — especially with their data ! In fact, we conduct an Executive Business Review for every client engagement, and come back with a PowerPoint deck — following the tips outlined above — detailing the story unique to your project and your organization’s success. Many clients in turn share this with their key stakeholders and executive team to build support, track progress, and measure results. What story can we help you tell?

March 4, 2019 at 12:37 am

Great tips! Love the easy-on-the eyes charts… all of those 3D and shadowed effects are so annoying.

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How many slides does your presentation need?

How many slides does your presentation need?

When you’re creating a presentation, it’s important to consider the amount of information you’re sharing with your audience. You don’t want to overwhelm them, but you also want to be comprehensive and ensure that you’re covering all your bases. Whether you’re giving a 10, 15, or 30-minute presentation, see how many slides your presentation needs to get your point across.

Rules and guidance for PowerPoint presentations

PowerPoint is a powerful visual aid for introducing data, statistics, and new concepts to any audience. In PowerPoint, you can create as many slides as you want—which might sound tempting at first. But length doesn’t always guarantee a successful presentation . Most presentations last around 10-15 minutes, and anything longer than that (such as a 30-minute presentation) may have additional visual aids or speakers to enhance your message.

A handy rule to keep in mind is to spend about 1-2 minutes on each slide. This will give you ample time to convey your message, let data sink in, and allow you to memorize your presentation . When you limit each slide to this length of time, you also need to be selective about how much information you put on each slide and avoid overloading your audience.

For 10-minute presentations

Ten minutes is usually considered the shortest amount of time you need for a successful presentation. For a shorter 10-minute presentation, you’ll need to be selective with your content. Limit your slide count to approximately 7 to 10 slides.

For 15-minute presentations

When preparing for a 15-minute presentation, concise and focused content is key. Aim for around 10 to 15 slides to maintain a good pace, which will fit with the 1-2 minute per slide rule.

For 30-minute presentations

A longer presentation gives you more room to delve deeper into your topic. But to maintain audience engagement, you’ll need to add interactivity , audience participation, and elements like animations . Aim for around 20 to 30 slides, allowing for a balanced distribution of content without overwhelming your audience.

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Using the 10-20-30 rule

The 10-20-30 rule is an effective way to structure your presentation. It calls for no more than 10 slides and no longer than 20 minutes (as well as a 30-point font).

Tips for crafting an effective presentation

No matter how long a presentation is, there are guidelines for crafting one to enhance understanding and retention. Keep these tips in mind when creating your PowerPoint masterpiece:

• Avoid overload: Ensure that each slide communicates a single idea clearly, avoiding cluttered layouts or excessive text.
• Pay attention to structure: Think of slides as bullet points with introductions, endings, and deep dives within each subject.
• Add visual appeal: Incorporate images, charts, and graphics to convey information without using too many words to make your audience read.
• Engage with your audience: Encourage interaction through questions, polls, or storytelling techniques to keep your audience actively involved.
• Put in the practice: Familiarize yourself with your slides and practice your delivery to refine your timing and confidence.

Ultimately, the ideal number of slides for your presentation depends on the allocated time frame and how detailed your content is. By striking a balance between informative content and engaging delivery, you can create a compelling presentation that can teach your audience something new.

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Duration: 1 minute 14 seconds

Discover how Copilot in PowerPoint effortlessly creates captivating presentations in just a few prompts and access the full power of Microsoft Designer to bring your ideas to life with professional graphics.

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How to create an effective PowerPoint presentation (2024 guide)

Jun 24, 2024

Posted by: Regine Fe Arat

Creating a compelling PowerPoint presentation is an essential skill in today's professional world. 

Whether you're presenting to colleagues, clients or a large audience, a well-designed and engaging presentation can make a significant impact. 

This guide will walk you through making a powerful, effective PowerPoint presentation. Let’s get straight into it with the most important part of all: Your audience.

Understanding your audience

Effective, tailored communication is the foundation of any successful presentation. 

To connect with your audience and deliver your message effectively, you must understand:

• who they are, 
• what they care about and
• what they hope to gain from your presentation. 

Researching your target audience and adapting your content ensures you create a presentation that resonates with them on a deeper level. This connection means you’re more likely to keep them engaged and motivated throughout. 

Let’s look at the key steps to understanding your audience and crafting a presentation that speaks directly to their needs and interests.

Analyzing your target audience

Before creating your presentation, it's crucial to understand your target audience. Consider factors such as their background, knowledge level, interests and expectations. 

For example, if you're presenting to a technical audience, you may include more detailed information and jargon. If you’re presenting to children, you might want to add some fun slide transitions that you wouldn’t use in a corporate environment.

Tailoring the presentation to the audience

Once you understand your audience, tailor your presentation accordingly. Adjust the content, language and tone to resonate with your audience. 

If you’re presenting to a client, can you align your presentation with their branding and messaging to create a sense of harmony? How can you create a compelling call to action if it's a business presentation ?

Use relevant examples, stories and case studies your audience can relate to, and always present the information in a way that’s easy to understand and engage with.

Planning and organizing content

A well-structured presentation is essential for effectively communicating your ideas and engaging your audience. 

The key to success is carefully planning and organizing your content before creating your PowerPoint slides.

Take time to develop your key ideas, structure your presentation flow and create a clear outline to deliver a compelling and memorable presentation. Let’s look at how to do that.

Developing key ideas

Start by identifying the key ideas and messages you want to convey in your presentation. Focus on the most critical points and organize them logically. 

Use mind maps, outlines or brainstorming techniques to organize your thoughts and ensure your presentation has a clear structure.

Structuring your presentation

Once you have your key ideas, craft your presentation to flow smoothly and engage your audience.

Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction, followed by the main content divided into clear sections or topics. 

Use transitions to seamlessly move from one section to another, and end with a strong conclusion that reinforces your main points.

Designing visual elements

Your PowerPoint presentation’s visuals play a big role in capturing your audience's attention and reinforcing your key messages. 

Carefully designing your slides can create an engaging and visually appealing presentation that effectively communicates your ideas.

Be mindful of your audience. They will appreciate it if you can include an element that represents them. It could be a color combination of a company’s logo or a symbol that represents a group. 

Let’s explore the principles of effective slide design to ensure your visual elements enhance your presentation.

Choosing the right fonts

Select easy-to-read, visually appealing fonts. Stick to a maximum of two or three font styles throughout your presentation for consistency. 

Use font sizes large enough for your audience to read, typically 24 points or larger for body text and 36 points or larger for titles.

Using engaging backgrounds and themes

Choose backgrounds and themes that complement your content and enhance the look of your presentation. 

Skip the distracting backgrounds that take away from your message. 

Incorporating high-quality images and videos

Incorporate visuals such as images, charts, graphs and videos to make a more memorable and engaging presentation. 

Use high-quality images that are relevant to your topic and add visual interest to your slides. Avoid too many decorative elements that can clutter your slides.

Using PowerPoint effectively

PowerPoint is the perfect tool for creating dynamic, engaging presentations. However, to make the most of this software, it's essential to understand its features.

In this section, we'll explore everything from animations to best practices for supporting your key messages and keeping your audience engaged .

Utilizing slide layouts and templates

PowerPoint offers various slide layouts and templates to save time and ensure consistency. Choose a layout that suits your content and conveys your message effectively. 

Customize the templates to fit your presentation style or branding, but avoid overloading your slides with too much text or information.

Adding animations and special effects

Use animations and special effects sparingly to emphasize key points or catch the audience’s attention. Too many animations can be distracting and take away from your content. 

Stick to simple animations that enhance your message rather than overpowering it. Use animations consistently throughout your presentation to maintain a cohesive look and feel.

Applying color schemes and design themes

Choose a color scheme that aligns with your branding (or your client’s) and creates a visually appealing presentation. Contrasting colors for text and backgrounds ensure readability. 

Applying design themes consistently throughout your presentation creates a polished and professional look.

Proper formatting and citations

Ensure that your presentation follows proper formatting guidelines and includes accurate citations for any external sources. 

Bullet points or numbered lists break down information into easily digestible chunks, making it easier to keep your audience interested. 

Including slide numbers and a clear agenda or table of contents helps your audience navigate your presentation. 

Always proofread your slides for any typos before finalizing your presentation.

Delivering an engaging presentation

Delivering an engaging presentation is more than just creating great slides; it also requires strong communication skills and the ability to connect with your audience. 

In this section, we'll focus on presentation delivery, providing you with techniques and strategies to captivate your audience and effectively convey your message. 

Enhancing presentation skills

Work on your presentation skills to become a confident and compelling speaker. Regular practice is one of the best ways to become a great speaker. 

Go beyond boring slides and speeches and use storytelling techniques to make your content more relatable and memorable. 

Practice active listening and reply to your audience's reactions and questions. If they seem bored, jazz it up a little with humor. 

Impromptu speaking is also ideal for engaging your audience. While it can be scary to move away from your script and slides, it can be very effective. 

Using effective body language and eye contact

Good body language is vital in engaging your audience. Maintain a confident posture, use gestures to highlight key points and make eye contact with your audience.

Avoid reading from your slides — use them as visual aids to support your message. 

Consider what side of the slides you want to stand on. Generally speaking, you want to be to the audience’s left of the screen. You want the audience to listen to you before looking at the slides. 

Using voice and tone to engage the audience

Vary your voice and tone to keep your audience interested and engaged. 

Use pauses for emphasis, adjust your speaking speed and modulate your volume to create a dynamic presentation. If you have an impactful slide, let the audience sit with it for a moment.

It’s also important to speak clearly. Properly pronouncing words and not mumbling ensures your audience understands your message.

Tips for a successful presentation

Creating and delivering a successful PowerPoint presentation requires careful planning and practice.

In this section, we'll provide you with valuable tips and best practices for elevating your presentation skills, from rehearsing to gathering feedback.

Preparing and practicing beforehand

Preparation and practice are key to delivering a successful presentation. 

Work backward when planning your presentation: What date is the presentation? Plan weekly milestones to ensure you don’t feel overwhelmed with everything you need to do.

Give yourself time to research your topic, gather relevant information and organize your content.

Rehearse your presentation multiple times to grasp the flow and timing. Practice in front of a mirror, colleagues or friends for feedback to make necessary improvements.

Tips for dealing with technical issues

Technical issues can disrupt your presentation and cause unnecessary stress. Be prepared with backup copies of your presentation on different devices or online platforms. 

Familiarize yourself with the presentation equipment and venue beforehand to minimize potential technical problems. 

Have a plan in case of unexpected issues. Printing handouts and preparing to deliver your presentation without slides are great ways to get ahead of issues.

Engaging the audience with Q&A sessions

If you can, allocate time for a Q&A session at the end of your presentation to engage with your audience and address their questions. 

Encourage participation by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses. 

Be prepared to handle challenging questions with grace and professionalism. Use the opportunity to clarify any unclear points or provide additional insights.

The last card

Creating a good PowerPoint presentation requires effective design, careful planning and engaging delivery. 

Understanding your audience, organizing your content, effectively using visuals and enhancing your presentation skills can captivate your audience and leave a lasting impact. 

Keep exploring the Pip Decks website and our resources to discover more tips, tutorials and templates for even better PowerPoint presentations. 

What is the 10 20 30 rule of PowerPoint?

The 10-20-30 rule is a guideline for effective PowerPoint presentations. 

It suggests: 

• using no more than 10 slides, 
• limiting the presentation duration to 20 minutes and 
• using a font size of at least 30 points for optimal readability.

What are the 5 golden rules of PowerPoint presentations?

The five golden rules of PowerPoint presentations are:

• Keep it simple and concise
• Use visuals to enhance your message
• Maintain a consistent design and color scheme
• Use clear fonts
• Practice and prepare for a confident delivery

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