One of the initial questions that will arise when developing a PowerPoint presentation is whether to go with a template or a custom presentation. The two alternatives have their grounds. But the decision can also significantly affect the reception of your message. Here is a practical guide to help you choose the approach that best suits your business/project.

Templates

Templates are pre-designed slide decks. They provide ready-made layouts, fonts, and color ranges. They are convenient and particularly useful when you are in a hurry or have a small budget.

Templates are ideal for:

·      Routine presentations

·      Internal meetings

·      Projects where emphasis is placed more on content than design.

A template also provides consistency if your organization already has branded slide sets. You just type in your text, charts, and images. You end up with a nice-looking deck without having to begin all over.

The only problem with templates, though, is that they can be generic. Your slides might not be unique, especially when there are many people who use the same template. Templates also provide a few options when it comes to:

·      Unique graphics

·      Complicated data

·      Storytelling that needs non-standard designs.

Custom presentations

Custom presentations are developed by considering your content, brand, and audience. An experienced PowerPoint agency can create each slide in a way that enhances the level of clarity, visual appeal, and interest. This is effective especially for:

·      Investor pitches

·      Client presentations

·      Big conferences where the first impression counts.

Custom design helps you achieve the following:

·      Convert complex data into easy-to-read charts

·      Visually represent abstract concepts

·      Have a narrative flow that guides your audience naturally.

A custom deck also allows you to customize the presentation to fit your brand and the tone of your message. This includes the style, colours, and typography.

The trade-off is time and cost. Custom presentations usually need more planning, collaboration, and design effort. However, the investment may be justified when:

·      The presentation is the driving force behind a big decision

·      You need to make a memorable impression.

When to use templates or custom slides

As a rule of thumb, it is important to take into consideration audience, purpose, and impact:

Use templates when it comes to:

·      Internal presentation

·      Updating status

·  Simple messages

·      Situations where time is limited.

Custom presentations should be used when your slides require:

·      Persuading

·      Educating

·      Impressing a critical audience.

Custom design is also advised when your content is advanced or data-intensive and needs to be told visually to make sense. A good example is medical information.

Regardless, it is important to collaborate. Using a professional agency will make sure that your slides are:

·  Accurate

·  Attractive

·  Audience-oriented.

An excellent agency will lead you through the design process and propose enhancements. They will make the presentation as goal-focused as you want it to be, using either a template, a completely personalized one, or a combination of both.

The bottom line

Consider your audience, purpose, and resources when making a choice. This way, you can make a choice that targets and resonates with your audience.