Presentation Analysis Framework

Deep content analysis for effective slide deck creation.

1. Message Hierarchy

Identify the core message structure before designing slides.

Core Message (One Sentence)

• What is the single most important takeaway?

• If the audience remembers only one thing, what should it be?

• Can you state it in ≤15 words?

Supporting Points (3-5 Maximum)

• What evidence supports the core message?

• What sub-topics must be covered?

• Prioritize by audience relevance, not source order

Call-to-Action

• What should the audience DO after viewing?

• Is it clear, specific, and achievable?

• Where does it appear (slide position)?

2. Audience Decision Matrix

Question	Analysis
Who is the primary audience?	[Role, expertise level, relationship to topic]
What do they currently believe?	[Existing knowledge, assumptions, biases]
What decision do we want them to make?	[Specific action or conclusion]
What barriers exist?	[Objections, concerns, missing information]
What evidence will convince them?	[Data types, credibility sources, emotional hooks]

Audience Adaptation

Audience Type	Content Focus	Visual Treatment
Executives	Outcomes, ROI, strategic impact	High-level, clean, data highlights
Technical	Architecture, implementation, specs	Detailed diagrams, code, schematics
General	Benefits, stories, relatability	Visual metaphors, simple charts
Investors	Market size, traction, team	Growth charts, milestones, comparisons
Learners	Step-by-step, examples, practice	Progressive reveals, exercises

3. Visual Opportunity Map

Identify which content benefits from visualization.

Content-to-Visual Mapping

Content Type	Visual Treatment	Example
Comparisons	Side-by-side, before/after	Feature comparison table
Processes	Flow diagrams, numbered steps	Workflow illustration
Hierarchies	Org charts, pyramids, trees	Organizational structure
Timelines	Horizontal/vertical timelines	Project milestones
Statistics	Charts, highlighted numbers	Key metrics with context
Concepts	Icons, metaphors, illustrations	Abstract idea visualization
Relationships	Venn diagrams, networks	Ecosystem or dependencies
Lists	Structured grids, icon rows	Feature bullets with icons

Visual Priority

Rate each piece of content:

• Must Visualize: Complex data, key differentiators, memorable moments

• Should Visualize: Supporting evidence, secondary points

• Text Only: Simple statements, transitions, minor details

4. Presentation Flow

Structure for impact and retention.

Opening (First 2-3 Slides)

Element	Purpose
Hook	Capture attention (surprising stat, question, story)
Context	Why this matters now
Preview	What audience will learn/gain

Middle (Content Slides)

Pattern	When to Use
Problem → Solution	Introducing new products/ideas
Situation → Complication → Resolution	Complex business cases
What → Why → How	Educational content
Past → Present → Future	Transformation stories
Claim → Evidence → Implication	Data-driven arguments

Closing (Final 2-3 Slides)

Element	Purpose
Synthesis	Tie back to core message
Call-to-Action	Clear next steps
Memorable Close	Resonant quote, image, or statement

Transitions

• Each slide should answer: "What comes next?"

• Use narrative connectors between sections

• Build logical progression, not topic jumps

5. Content Adaptation

Decide what to keep, transform, or omit.

Keep (High Value)

• Core arguments and evidence

• Unique insights or data

• Audience-relevant examples

• Memorable quotes or statistics

Simplify (Medium Value)

• Technical details → Visual summaries

• Long explanations → Bullet hierarchies

• Multiple examples → Best 1-2 examples

• Background context → Brief framing

Visualize (Transform)

• Data tables → Charts or highlighted numbers

• Process descriptions → Flow diagrams

• Comparisons in text → Side-by-side visuals

• Abstract concepts → Concrete metaphors

Omit (Low Value)

• Tangential information

• Redundant examples

• Excessive caveats

• Background the audience already knows

6. Analysis Checklist

Before outline creation, confirm:

Message Clarity

• Core message stated in one sentence

• 3-5 supporting points identified

• Call-to-action defined

Audience Fit

• Primary audience identified

• Existing beliefs mapped

• Desired decision clear

• Evidence matches audience needs

Visual Planning

• Key visualizations identified

• Chart/diagram types selected

• Visual priority assigned

Flow Design

• Opening hook defined

• Middle pattern selected

• Closing approach planned

• Transitions considered

Content Decisions

• Keep/simplify/visualize/omit applied

• Source material fully processed

• No important content overlooked