What you will be able to do
- Identify the decision-maker and condense any presentation into a single message of one sentence
- Structure a persuasive storyline using situation–complication–resolution or problem–solution–benefit
- Write sentence titles and design slides with one idea each and a clear visual hierarchy
- Choose and simplify charts so each one makes a single, obvious and honest point
- Rehearse, deliver and adapt the same story for meeting rooms, video calls and stand-alone pre-reads
Who it is for
- Managers, consultants and analysts who present proposals, results or plans to decision-makers
- Founders and sales leads pitching to investors, partners or clients
- Designers and marketers who build decks for others and want them to persuade, not just look good
Before you start
- Working knowledge of a slide tool such as PowerPoint, Keynote or Google Slides
- A real presentation you need to give in the next few months, to use as your course project
Curriculum
4 modules · 12 lessons · 3h 26m
Module 1Message and Storyline3 lessons · 49 min
Pin down who you are persuading and what you want them to do, then build a storyline that makes your recommendation feel necessary before you open any slide software.
- Your audience and your single messageIdentify who decides, what they already believe and what you want them to do, then compress your presentation into one message you could say in 15 seconds.15 min · free preview · worked example · exercise
- Situation–complication–resolutionUse the situation–complication–resolution structure to create the tension that makes your recommendation feel necessary, and put the answer first for senior audiences.18 min · worked example · exercise
- Problem–solution–benefit, and choosing a structureUse problem–solution–benefit for pitches and proposals, choose the right structure for your situation and storyboard the deck before designing a single slide.16 min · worked example · exercise
- Module quiz4 questions with explanations
Module 2Slides That Carry the Argument3 lessons · 47 min
Write sentence titles, give each slide a single idea and use visual hierarchy so the audience sees what matters first.
- Slide titles as sentencesReplace topic labels with sentence titles that state each slide’s point, so the deck makes its argument even when people only read the titles.14 min · worked example · exercise
- One idea per slideSplit crowded slides so each carries a single idea, and move supporting detail to speaker notes, builds or the appendix.15 min · worked example · exercise
- Visual hierarchy on a slideUse size, position, contrast, grouping and white space to control where the eye goes first, second and third on every slide.18 min · worked example · exercise
- Module quiz4 questions with explanations
Module 3Typography, Colour and Data3 lessons · 1h
Make slides readable on any screen, choose charts that prove one point and simplify data without distorting it.
- Typography and colour for slidesChoose readable type sizes, limit your fonts and build a small colour palette with enough contrast for projectors, screens and colour-blind viewers.20 min · worked example · exercise
- Charts that make one pointChoose the chart type from the comparison you need to show, and design every chart so the audience sees your conclusion within seconds.22 min · worked example · exercise
- Simplifying data without distorting itReduce the data you show to what supports the point, round sensibly and add context, while keeping the full detail available and the message honest.18 min · worked example · exercise
- Module quiz4 questions with explanations
Module 4Deliver It Anywhere3 lessons · 50 min
Rehearse and deliver with confidence, separate reading documents from presented slides and adapt your presentation for video calls.
- Delivery and rehearsalRehearse in stages, prepare a strong opening and close, and manage pace, voice and questions so your delivery supports the message.20 min · worked example · exercise
- Handouts versus slidesSeparate the deck you present from the document people read, so neither has to do both jobs badly.14 min · worked example · exercise
- Presenting remotelyAdapt your slides, setup and delivery for video calls, where attention is shorter, screens are smaller and you cannot read the room.16 min · worked example · exercise
- Module quiz4 questions with explanations
