Putting Together a Persuasive Presentation

1. Importance of Planning Slides

• Slides should complement the speech, not replace it.
• Avoid the mistake of jumping straight into making slides without first structuring the message.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Persuasive Presentation

1. Start with a Clear Objective

• The title slide should state the objective of the presentation.
• Include your name, role, and relevant details.

2. Develop Key Content Slides

• Identify the most critical points from your script.
• Each slide should have:
  • A strong title that conveys the message.
  • Bullet points with concise, well-researched content.
  • Visuals that reinforce the message (charts, images, statistics).
  • References and footnotes for credibility.

3. Create a Call-to-Action Slide

• Clearly state what action the audience should take.
• Provide alternatives and highlight the benefits of following the recommendation.

3. Two Versions of Slide Decks

• Presentation Slides (Live Speech) – Minimal text, strong visuals, and T ÷ 2 Rule (5-min speech = max 2-3 slides).
• Email Version (Self-Reading) – More detailed, covering all potential audience questions with additional slides.

4. Refining and Finalizing Slides

• Check design consistency – Keep colors, fonts, and formatting simple and professional.
• Proofread for errors – No spelling or grammatical mistakes.
• Ensure logical flow – Storyboard the slides for smooth transitions.
• Use visual aids strategically – Avoid distracting animations and excessive text.

5. Key Takeaways

• Slides should align with the speech and support persuasion.
• Use structured storytelling to guide the audience.
• Keep slides clean, focused, and visually engaging.
• Refine and innovate for a more polished and impactful presentation.

By following this approach, the presentation becomes a persuasive tool, ensuring clarity, engagement, and effectiveness.