How to Make a Presentation Deck that Doesn't Stink | Christine vs. Work

I’m staring at a blank slide deck in agony. Now what?

Making slide deck presentations (you know, Powerpoint and the like) is a common task on the job—but how do you deliver a slideshow that really blows people away? If you’re not a graphic designer or a superstar at presentation software, what’s the best way to approach building a deck? And how do you succeed at putting on a good show?
In this episode, Christine speaks with Dan Zedek, professor of journalism and media innovation at Northeastern University and design professional, about how to write and design a presentation with energy and impact.

00:00 Is making a slide deck painful for you, too?
01:35 Let's talk about that first blank slide.
02:20 What are the common mistakes?
02:43 How long should a single slide last?
03:28 How much personality be in my presentation?
04:02 How does the audience change how I design my slides?
04:45 Ok, where do I really start?
05:35 Teach me how to be a designer, please.
07:33 A Slide Deck About Slide Decks

#presentations #slidedeck #powerpoint

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[harvardbusinessreview]

Making slide decks! Love 'em? Hate 'em? —Christine

[MsKongful]

“The sweet spot for designers is understanding content, and how to organize information.” What a good reminder.

As a designer I sometimes tend to overdo on the graphics and alignment, this is such a good reminder to go back to basics and focus on the main thing - content!

[willyslaps]

As someone who teaches presentations, this is on the money.

[jessicalyons]

This is great. I work with college students who make slide decks (bad ones) all the time, and this is such a clear, concise resource for them. Thanks! And for the future, I'd love to hear you tackle "professionalism" and what that looks like in 2021.

[starcookie]

I am literally making a deck for work right now. Well done YouTube..you’ve outdone yourself!

[ferriferoustourmaline]

Great video!

Since you asked for feedback on your presentation at the end -- I liked the yellow/black/white colour scheme but felt the pink title slides jarred with it a bit.

[dmalikat]

“How to organize content and consider the audience who is key” so helpful as a first step.

[idachoy]

Agree. I love finding a simple visual to get the message across. I often see meaningless icons just to be there. Duarte’s Slideology is a good reference. A good check “would you want to sit through this presentation?”

[katieforsythe]

Yay, a new video! I am really enjoying this series and look forward to watching new videos. Seriously, I keep this YouTube tab open on my computer and refresh the page (at least) once a day. Thank you, Christine! You are a bright spot in my work-from-home-by-myself existence.

[juliaheatherwick]

This series with Christine is fantastic! I'm a coach and share resources with my clients. You are top on my resource list! Please keep your hard work going.

[cheyenneify]

Thank you! Great presentation, by the way. Previously, I thought animated presentations were better. My presentation lasts 5–10 minutes per slide.
This video indeed shows me how to make basic, straightforward, non-boring presentations.

[SitComCritic]

Nice one! Good basic set up. One addition: practice makes perfect, always train you presentation in private or save home setting before you go for an audience!

[EliseRobertsTV]

Great information. I have a presentation for a big client in a couple of days and I was obsessing over it (hence my being here). This really helped!

[CreativeVenus]

Very informative. The way you explained is also very good. I like it.

[Christine-vjgt]

You’re awesome Christine ! Thank you for being you and being a great help with your videos . So grateful for you !!

[Miaosi]

Brilliant presentation, Christine! It would be super helpful for my upcoming presentations - have been staring at the blank screen for quite a while now... Would love to hear more from you on managing office politics, speaking truth to power with authenticity in your future sessions!!

[sandymitchell]

Like this. Sent this by the organizer of the conference I'm speaking at. Listen to it just before a group call on putting together the presentation! Told them to all go view.

[Natsume-fan]

Very well done! Much of this advice is reminiscent of taking speech 101. It’s the advice rolling in my head when I have to talk to a group on a subject. Thank you so much for this engaging advice!

[RebeccaLMorgan]

As a professional speaker for 40 years, you shared the major points that I teach, too. One thing I'd add is to bump the font size. Seriously. You have to think about the many, many people who are watching on their phones. Nearly all presenters have way too small fonts. Some of mine are 250 pt. Really. Design for the worst possible viewing scenario and those watching on larger screens will be fine, too.

[carolwilliams]

This is so good! Thank you! I am in L&D and create a lot of presentations. You asked about areas help is needed...how nice of you! Here is my ask...we are all awkward right now returning to face to face life. The handshake has always been a cultural norm for the US. There is information out there about the foot tap, elbow bump, etc., and feedback I have received is people don't like the alternatives, and they are not comfortable shaking hands any more. What do we do? Thank you for your consideration!