How to Structure a Pitch Deck

Structuring a pitch deck actually has a unique and intricate process to it. After creating a skeleton, revisit it and make any necessary revisions. Most people begin by thinking very broadly, then move to a more specific level. You’ll need to jump between rich thinking patterns and more abstract thinking patterns to craft the critical stories of your presentation. Repeat this process as often as necessary until you have the right balance of content and structure. Now you’re ready to start creating your pitch deck!

10/20/30 rule of PowerPoint

If you’re planning to create a pitch deck for your business, you should follow the 10/20/30 rule of PowerPoint. Initially, this rule was created by a venture capitalist and author named Guy Kawasaki. It specifies that a presentation should have at least ten slides and should last no more than 20 minutes. It also recommends using a font size of no less than 30 points.

Peter Theil, the co-founder of Paypal, a silicon valley legend, made this rule famous. He believed that a pitch deck should contain ten slides and 20 minutes of presentation time. A successful pitch deck keeps the presentation logical and straightforward. On the other hand, a pitch deck with too many slides will leave the audience dizzy and unfocused. To keep your presentation simple, stick to the 10/20/30 rule of PowerPoint.

Storytelling

Whether your story is fictional or real, there are some essential elements. A great pitch deck starts with a hero or a problem. Then, it divides into bite-size chunks. And like any story, it must have a beginning, middle, and end. Here are a few tips for a powerful storytelling pitch deck. A simple example of a story that works is an introductory slide.

Keep it short and sweet. You should present one idea per slide. You can use charts, graphs, and other visual elements to illustrate your point. You can also use icons to distinguish different sections. Use images to evoke an emotional connection with your character. Images can be of team members, customers, competitors, or even celebrities. Make sure you use relevant, high-quality images. This way, your audience can relate to your character.

Using visual elements

Adding images to your pitch deck is an easy way to break up the text and make your presentation look more appealing to potential investors. In addition, using images is an effective way to tell a story since people are more likely to remember visual content than text. While it’s tempting to use images in every slide, it’s better to keep them to the most essential sections of your pitch deck so they don’t overwhelm your audience. Using images will also help you tell your story more concisely.

Using visual elements to structure a pitch is a powerful way to inject personality into your pitch deck. Images are great for conveying information quickly and effectively without using words. They act like headings, allowing your audience to skim through your content quickly. In addition, you can use visuals to communicate your target market and business activity. For example, a company may use a graphic that outlines the attributes of its competitors. By using this graphic, Thom shows a graph that positions each competitor’s logo according to the attributes of their company.

Ideal pitch deck size

A good pitch deck size is anywhere from 10 to 15 slides. Less than ten slides will look incomplete, while too many will feel cluttered. Also, remember that you only have a limited amount of time for a one-hour meeting. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes, so you have enough time to answer questions. Finally, using the three-act structure can help you make your pitch deck as effective as possible. Here are some tips for making a great pitch deck:

First, make sure your pitch deck contains all the information the VC needs to decide whether or not to invest in your company. Many VCs spend less than four minutes reviewing a deck, and 99% of their time is spent in the appendix. If you have a lot of additional information in your pitch deck, it could turn off the investor, making them pass. As a general rule, make your pitch deck less than five slides and more than three pages.

Tailoring to your audience

Customizing your pitch deck to your audience is crucial for giving a good presentation. Tailoring your pitch is about establishing common ground with your audience by starting from their current position and pointing them in the direction you want them to go. A pitch deck is only as good as its audience, so consider their needs and requirements before you start creating it. Below are some tips to help you tailor your pitch deck to your audience.

Your pitch deck should reflect the personality of your business. Use your brand voice and incorporate pastel colors or child-like design elements. Use consistent fonts and colors, and ensure that your headers and images match your overall branding. You can also connect with the event’s team to learn more about the type of attendees they will likely be. In addition, tailor your pitch to fit in with their tastes and preferences.