Presentation Design Skill
Reading Existing Presentations
python
from pptx import Presentation
prs = Presentation('presentation.pptx')
for i, slide in enumerate(prs.slides):
print(f"\n=== Slide {i+1} (layout: {slide.slide_layout.name}) ===")
for shape in slide.shapes:
if shape.has_text_frame:
for para in shape.text_frame.paragraphs:
if para.text.strip():
print(f" {para.text}")
if shape.has_table:
table = shape.table
for row in table.rows:
cells = [cell.text for cell in row.cells]
print(f" | {' | '.join(cells)} |")
Extract Speaker Notes
python
from pptx import Presentation
prs = Presentation('presentation.pptx')
for i, slide in enumerate(prs.slides):
if slide.has_notes_slide:
notes = slide.notes_slide.notes_text_frame.text
if notes.strip():
print(f"Slide {i+1} notes: {notes}")
Slide Type Selection Guide
Available Types
| Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
title | Opening slide — main title + subtitle |
section | Topic transition / divider |
content | Core information with bullets (max 6) |
key_findings | 3-5 most impactful discoveries |
stat_callout | Single metric focus (stat_value + context) |
comparison | Side-by-side: before/after, A vs B |
timeline | Sequential events (4-6 max) |
chart | Data visualization (bar, line, pie, horizontal_bar) |
recommendations | Action items near the end |
closing | Final slide — thank you / next steps |
Design Principles
Content Hierarchy
- •One idea per slide — two topics = two slides
- •Title carries the message — audience should get the point from the title
- •Bullets support, don't repeat — expand on title, don't restate it
- •Progressive disclosure — build complexity through sequence, not within one slide
Visual Storytelling Flow
- •Hook (title + context): Why should the audience care?
- •Evidence (content + data): What does the data show?
- •Insight (findings + stats): What does it mean?
- •Action (recommendations): What should we do?
- •Close (closing): Memorable takeaway
Data on Slides
- •Never put a full data table on a slide — summarize or visualize
- •If you must show a table, max 5 rows × 4 columns
- •Always state the "so what" — don't make the audience interpret raw numbers
- •Use chart slides with actual data_labels and data_values
Speaker Notes
- •Write as if briefing a presenter who hasn't read the source material
- •Include: key talking points, data sources, anticipated questions
- •Keep to 3-5 sentences per slide