What are some best practices for creating and delivering a cohesive slide deck?

Creating and delivering a cohesive slide deck is a key skill for group presentations, whether in school, work, or other settings. A well-designed and well-presented slide deck can enhance your message, engage your audience, and showcase your teamwork. However, it can also be challenging to coordinate with your group members, align your content, and avoid common pitfalls. In this article, we will share some best practices for creating and delivering a cohesive slide deck that will help you work effectively in a team and impress your viewers.

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1 Plan ahead

The first step to creating a cohesive slide deck is to plan ahead with your group. You should agree on the purpose, scope, and structure of your presentation, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each member. You should also set deadlines and milestones for each stage of the process, such as research, design, rehearsal, and feedback. Planning ahead will help you avoid confusion, duplication, and inconsistency in your slide deck.

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Audra (Audie) Murphy

Manager of Contracts Dept, Contracts Administrator, Real Estate, Corporate Paralegal, HR
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Be sure to avoid a common pitfall of scope creep.Ensure that you have the appropriate contributors on the team. Set parameters for each contributor. Use a variety of tools in the presentation, such as videos, facts and check with your audience periodically to ensure message is clear.

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2 Use a template

The second step to creating a cohesive slide deck is to use a template that reflects your presentation theme and style. A template is a pre-designed layout that you can apply to all your slides, which will ensure a consistent look and feel throughout your slide deck. You can choose a template from your presentation software, or create your own custom template. A template will help you save time, avoid clutter, and create a professional impression.

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Aaron Tsai

MBA Candidate at UCLA Anderson
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Templates are a great start, but if you can personalize it towards your audience that is more preferred. For instance, if you are presenting a slide deck proposal to a potential client, formatting it in your client's scheme (logos, typography, etc.) goes a long way.

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3 Align your content

The third step to creating a cohesive slide deck is to align your content with your group's message and audience. You should make sure that each slide has a clear and relevant point, that the transitions between slides are smooth and logical, and that the overall flow of your slide deck is coherent and persuasive. You should also use appropriate language, tone, and visuals for your audience, and avoid jargon, slang, and distractions. Aligning your content will help you communicate clearly, concisely, and confidently.

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4 Practice together

The fourth step to creating a cohesive slide deck is to practice together with your group. You should rehearse your presentation several times before the actual event, and check for any errors, gaps, or inconsistencies in your slide deck. You should also practice your delivery, such as your voice, body language, and eye contact, and coordinate with your group members on how to introduce, transition, and conclude your presentation. Practicing together will help you polish your slide deck, improve your performance, and boost your confidence.

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5 Seek feedback

The fifth step to creating a cohesive slide deck is to seek feedback from others. You should ask for honest and constructive feedback from your group members, peers, instructors, or mentors, and use it to improve your slide deck and presentation. You should also be open to giving and receiving feedback within your group, and respect each other's opinions and suggestions. Seeking feedback will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, learn from your mistakes, and grow as a presenter.

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6 Adapt to the situation

The sixth and final step to creating a cohesive slide deck is to adapt to the situation. You should be prepared for any unexpected changes, challenges, or opportunities that may arise during your presentation, such as technical issues, audience questions, or time constraints. You should also be flexible and responsive to the feedback and reactions of your audience, and adjust your slide deck and delivery accordingly. Adapting to the situation will help you cope with stress, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some best practices for creating and delivering a cohesive slide deck?

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1 Plan ahead

2 Use a template

3 Align your content

4 Practice together

5 Seek feedback

6 Adapt to the situation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Group Presentations

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