Deck

Core principle

A deck is not a document with pictures. It's a sequenced argument. Every slide answers one question and hands the reader to the next question. If a slide doesn't advance the argument, it doesn't belong. The structure is the product — nail that before touching a design tool.

Step 1: Understand the presentation before structuring anything

Answer these before writing slides:

1. Audience: Who is in the room? What do they already know? What do they care about?
2. Goal: What decision or action do you want from this presentation?
3. Format: Live presentation, leave-behind, or async read? (Changes density and annotation needs)
4. Time: How many minutes? Rule of thumb: 2 minutes per slide for live presentations.
5. Context: Is this the first time this audience is seeing this topic, or a recurring update?

Step 2: Choose the deck type

Different decks follow different spine structures. Match the type first.