In consulting, PowerPoint slides are more than just visual aids, they are the chosen medium for presenting insights, analyses, and recommendations. A well-structured slide not only communicates effectively, but also enhances the overall professionalism of your message.
In this guide, I’ll take you through anatomy of a consulting slide, breaking it into key elements: slide title, subtitle, section name, footnote, footer, and page number. Each of these components serves a unique purpose and, when used correctly, result in a polished and consistent presentation.
As a reference, here is a content slide that showcases the key elements I’ll discuss below. Content slides are ones that, as expected, deliver content. They are supported by a title slide, a table of contents, and section dividers that help structure the deck.
If you would like other slide layouts to leverage in your decks, you can download 10 free editable template slides here. These were built using the principles outlined in this guide, and you won’t need to share your email to download them.
Slide title: The headline
The title serves as the headline of the slide, immediately informing the audience about its content and purpose. It sets the focus for the material presented below and helps orient the reader.
Depending on your firm and project, you may opt for descriptive titles or action titles. For example, a slide about market trends could have the descriptive title: “Market trends over the past decade.” Alternatively, to convey key insights or recommendations right away, an action-oriented title would be more appropriate. For instance, a slide proposing a strategic direction might be titled, “Focus on emerging markets to achieve 15% growth.” This action-oriented title clearly conveys the ‘so what’ of the slide (i.e., the takeaway), making it immediately actionable for the audience.
If you use a descriptive title, consider including a subtitle for added clarity on the slide’s takeaway. The subtitle can expand on the title with a full sentence, such as “This analysis highlights three key trends driving market growth that the client should focus on.” However, subtitles are unnecessary when using action-oriented titles, as they may dilute the impact.
The choice to opt for an action title or descriptive title is completely up to you. However, you’ll want to make that same choice for all slides to avoid an inconsistent and unprofessional deck.
Subtitle: Adding depth or insight
As seen above, the subtitle provides additional context and insights to complement a descriptive title. Its purpose is to deepen the audience’s understanding of the slide’s focus, ensuring clarity and precision.
Subtitles are best used sparingly to avoid visual clutter. When used, they should align closely with the title, reinforcing the slide’s purpose rather than introducing unrelated ideas. For example, a subtitle accompanying the title “Trends in Renewable Energy Adoption” might read, “Investment in solar and wind technologies has doubled over the past five years.”
Slide contents: Delivering the argument
The heart of a consulting slide lies in its content – the analysis and insights that drive your argument. This section should flow logically, starting with context to frame the problem, followed by the core analysis, and ending with a clear conclusion that ties back to the slide title. For example, if presenting market trends, you might start with a brief overview of the data source, highlight key trends through a chart, and conclude with actionable recommendations.
Visual clarity is key to effective communication. Use charts, tables, and concise bullet points to present data and insights in a way that supports your narrative. Ensure every element reinforces the slide’s key message, making it easy for the audience to grasp and act on your insights.
Section name: Context within the deck
The section title helps situate the slide within the broader narrative of the presentation. It ensures the audience understands where they are in the flow of ideas, particularly in larger or more complex decks.
This element is usually placed in the header or the top-left corner of the slide. For example, a slide in the middle of a strategy presentation might have the section title “Market Analysis,” signaling that the current focus is on understanding the market landscape. Section titles should be concise but descriptive enough to provide clear context without overshadowing the main slide title.
Footnote: Sources and notes
The footnote is a vital component of the slide, providing the foundation for its credibility. It is used to cite sources, offer clarifications, or include disclaimers, ensuring transparency and professionalism.
All data presented on a slide should be backed by clear source citations, formatted in a standard manner. For instance, a data point might reference, “Source: McKinsey Global Institute, 2024.” Footnotes can also clarify assumptions or provide additional context. For example, if the slide includes forecasted data, the footnote might note the methodology used. However, it’s important to avoid overwhelming the footnote with excessive detail, as it should support the slide rather than compete with its primary content.
Footer: Branding and project context
The footer ties the slide to the deck’s overarching identity, providing details about the project and the organization for which the deck was made. It serves as a subtle reminder of the presentation’s professionalism and credibility.
The footer should include the name of the client firm, typically with a logo, as well as the project name or client name. For instance, a footer might read, “XYZ Client | Corporate Strategy Review” Maintaining consistency in the footer design across all slides reinforces the deck’s cohesion and professionalism.
Page number: Navigation and organization
The page number is a simple but essential element that ensures your slides are easily referenced, particularly in longer decks. It helps maintain organization during presentations or discussions.
Page numbers should be placed consistently, typically in the bottom-right corner of the slide. They should be legible without being distracting, using a small but clear font size. When preparing a slide deck, ensure that the page numbering aligns with any table of contents or agenda provided at the beginning of the presentation.
The balance of form and function
Each element of a consulting PowerPoint slide serves a specific purpose, and together they create a cohesive and effective communication tool. The title and subtitle establish the slide’s focus, the footnote adds credibility, the page number aids navigation, the section title provides context, and the footer ensures professionalism.
Designing slides with these elements in mind requires balancing clarity with simplicity. By following these guidelines, you can create slides that not only look polished but also deliver insights in a compelling and organized manner. This is a lot to balance so most consultants never start a slide from a blank page. I recommend you go through your old decks, identify your favorite slides, and add them to your template deck. However, if you want to cheat a little, you can kickstart your deck with the 130+ template slides PowerTools pulled together.
