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Description

PowerPoint Intermediate: Structure the Message, Design and Present

Design presentations that carry a message rather than slides crowded with text

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

Presentations are often prepared under time pressure: entire paragraphs are copied across, charts are stacked one after another and animations are added to compensate. The result tires the audience and forces the presenter to read from the slides, which draws attention away from the message they intended to convey.

These two days combine building the argument with mastering the tool: structuring the message, laying out slides through the slide master, turning data into readable charts and using animation to support the demonstration. Each participant reworks one of their own presentations during the session.

Learning objectives

  • Structure the message of a presentation before opening the software
  • Configure the slide master to ensure consistent formatting
  • Build readable diagrams and charts from data
  • Use animations and transitions to support the demonstration
  • Prepare handouts and make use of presenter view

What makes this programme different

Each participant leaves with one of their own presentations fully reworked
The slide master is built with the organisation's colours and fonts
Slides produced are tested at viewing distance before being approved

Programme

1Building the Message

Decide on the argument before choosing a layout

  • Analysing the audience and the intended objective
  • Building the storyline and the outline
  • One message per slide and titles that carry meaning
  • Choosing the level of detail and the place of appendices
  • Planned duration and slide pacing

2Slide Master, Templates and Layout

Save time and stay consistent

  • Slide master and custom layouts
  • Colour and font schemes
  • Positioning reference elements and using guides
  • Inserting and editing images
  • Creating a reusable template

3Data, Diagrams and Visuals

Show rather than describe

  • Choosing the chart type suited to the message
  • Stripping back charts and highlighting the key point
  • Building diagrams and process representations
  • Readable tables and alternatives to dense tables
  • Linking to data from a spreadsheet

4Animate, Distribute and Present

Supporting the demonstration through to delivery

  • Useful transitions and animations and effects to avoid
  • Revealing an argument step by step
  • Presenter view, speaker notes and managing delivery
  • Custom slide shows for different audiences
  • Export formats, printing and remote distribution

Who is it for

Managers, sales professionals, project managers, trainers and administrative support staff who regularly design professional presentations.

Prerequisites

Ability to create a simple presentation in PowerPoint and enter text on a slide.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.