Playbook: Stand-alone decks

Why are stand-alone decks important?

Stand-alone decks have replaced long documents. Examples of these are business plans, analysis of stocks, and research reports. People prefer decks because they are easier to consume, more concise (one main message per slide), and use more imagery and diagrams. When startups are raising money, they don't give investors a long business plan. Instead, they'll send investors a short deck (10-20 slides). For consulting companies like McKinsey, they'll build stand-alone decks for their clients, which includes all their recommendations and analysis. Basically, stand-alone decks have become one of the most important communication tools.

When to use it

Build a stand-alone deck when you have lots of information to communicate. You do not need to present this deck in person. You should make it so that the reader can understand all the information without you being present.

When not to use it

If you're giving a high-level overview of something, use a 1-pager or email. If you're giving the presentation, use a presentation style deck.

Steps to build a good stand-alone deck

  1. Do research and get a ton of information and data.
  2. Analyze that data and draw implications.
  3. After you have all the information, then start building your storyboard.
  4. Draw out your storyboard, including what message you want to convey on each slide. Make sure the slides flow well. Your deck should tell a cohesive story. Only include the information and data that is relevant and useful for the reader. Don't worry about design, just focus on content.
  5. Choose your template.
  6. Build your deck in Google Slides.
  7. Get Feedback.
  8. Iterate, improve.
  9. Get feedback again.
  10. Convert final version to PDF.

Best Practices

Content

  • Your content and story is the most important part of the deck. You need to make sure you've done your research and gathered strong information. Get data, find numbers, and/or talk to experts.
  • Make sure the reader can easily follow your story. Each slide should build on each other.

General Design

  • Choose the right slide template that fits your message.
  • Find graphics that you can edit to help convey your message better.
  • Use different slide layouts throughout your deck.
  • Use images that fit with your slides.

Common Mistakes

  • Many people try to add their own design to the templates, and it ends up looking worse.
  • Examples: changing font style, font size, moving graphics, etc.
  • Some people focus too much on design and they forget about their content. Remember content is the most important part of your decks.
  • Don't have information overload. Think about what the relevant information and data is, and only include that. What you keep out is just as important as what you put in.
  • Get feedback! Your first version is rarely your final version.

Resources