01
Determine the target before choosing a template
Write down one phrase: “After viewing, the audience should...”. For example: agree on a pilot, select an option, understand instructions, or schedule the next conversation. If the phrase does not work out, the problem is still in the content, and a new template will not solve it.
Example: A team wants to pilot a new application process. The audience wants a problem, a proposed change, a measure of success, a cost, and a specific solution. Don't start with a long history of the company if the viewer first needs to understand why the pilot is being discussed in the first place.
| Slide | Audience Question | What to show |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Proposal | What do you propose? | Short thesis and expected result |
| 2. Problem | Why is this necessary? | One verified example of the current difficulty |
| 3. Solution | What will change? | Simple diagram of the before and after process |
| 4. Check | How will we understand what happened? | Metric, data source and observation period |
| 5. Resources | What will it take? | Responsible, time and confirmed costs |
| 6. Next step | What decision should I make? | Specific action and time limit for response |
02
Select one template and set design rules
Canva offers presentation tools and pre-built layouts. Choose a template based on your content: If you need diagrams and tables, a set of full-screen photos may require too much rework. Build the two most complex slides first - this way you will quickly understand whether the chosen system is suitable.
For a working draft, two levels of headings, one main font and a small set of colors are enough. Give the accent color a meaning: for example, it only highlights the solution and the next step. Don't use a random color for each block. If there is a brand book, first apply its rules and check the availability of the necessary tools in your plan.
Keep margins and title positions consistent across similar slides.
Use one way to highlight a key idea, rather than using boldness, a frame, and a bright background all at the same time.
Make text contrast sufficient for projector and small screen.
Check the length of Russian headings: the translated template may not support their size.
03
Shorten the text and make the numbers verifiable
The title “Results” tells almost nothing. The title “A pilot should be evaluated by the time it takes to process an application” already sets the meaning. Below it is enough a measurement diagram and a short explanation. Place the detailed methodology in an appendix or accompanying document if it interferes with the main story.
For each number, store the source, period, and unit. If this is a plan or hypothesis, sign it as such. Don't turn a rough estimate into an exact percentage for the sake of a pretty chart. On the graph, check the axis labels and scale: the viewer should understand what exactly is being compared and where the countdown begins.
AI can be asked to shorten text or suggest heading suggestions, but not fill in missing data. Useful request: “Reduce this text to one conclusion and three arguments. Keep all numbers unchanged. Don't add facts. If the meaning is lost, explain what cannot be removed.” After that, compare the result with the source.
An example of the structure in the article is educational. It does not contain results from a real pilot, fictitious testimonials, or evidence of the effectiveness of a specific product.
04
Images and access: what to check before publishing
An illustration should help to understand the idea. A diagram is more useful for a process, a clear snapshot for a product, and a neat table for comparison. A decorative picture can set the mood, but does not replace evidence. Eliminate details that compete with the main message.
Use of Canva elements is subject to license; Having a paid subscription does not mean unlimited rights to any distribution method. Please check the terms and conditions of the specific content and intended format before commercial use. Your own photos and client materials also require the necessary rights. If you send a link, check who can view and edit the design.
05
How to select a format and check export
Choose a format based on the recipient's task. For relaxed reading, PDF is often convenient, for demonstrating animation - show mode, for further editing - a supported editable format. Check the availability of the required export in your design and plan before final assembly.
The exported file must be opened separately from the editor. Compare line breaks, fonts, images, links, and page order. If the file will be shown in another program, check it there: the same extension does not guarantee the same animation and layout. For an important presentation, prepare a backup static version.
View all slides in reduced size: is the logic of the story visible?
Open the display and read the text from a distance similar to the real demonstration.
Check names, dates, numbers, sources and contacts.
Download the selected format and open the individual file in the target program.
Check access via link on behalf of the recipient without editor rights.
Save the final version with a clear title and date; Leave the editable source separately.