Note: Creating your slide deck involves a few different activities so I’ve broken it into two main action steps.
This first action step gets you to the point where you’re ready to start planning your lesson and creating the content.
Ready? Let’s start!
1) Choose your slide creation software
To create your slide deck you’ll need to choose your slide creation software.
You may already have a favourite software program, but here are some popular options for creating your slides:
- PowerPoint – if you already own it and are familiar with it
- Keynote – if you have a Mac (it comes free!)
- Google Slides – if you want simple, free and flexible
Some other good alternatives:
- Canva – this popular online design tool also support presentations
- Slides.com – this tool is great for creating simple decks quickly
2) Choose your slide template
Next, you’ll need to choose a base template for your lesson.
Usually, you’ll have a few different options:
- Choosing one of the default templates provided by your software
- Buying a premium template from a marketplace like GraphicRiver or Envato
- Hiring a designer to create a custom template for you
Tip: Initially one of the default templates provided by your chosen slide creation software tool should be just fine.
3) Pick a topic for your lesson
Next, pick a topic to be the focus of your lesson.
Here are some options:
- A topic from an online course you have already mapped out
- A standalone topic that your audience would find valuable
- A simple test topic, like “About my Cat” or “My Favourite Book”
4) Create your “North Star”
Next, write a one-sentence OUTCOME and BENEFIT for your lesson.
If you’re planning your lesson directly inside your slides software (recommended), create a new slide for your North Star.
Review your outcome and benefit and make sure they give your lesson a clear direction.
Example: Creating an Effective Twitter Profile
- OUTCOME: You’ll learn a simple template for creating an effective Twitter profile.
- BENEFIT: Your profile will be more eye-catching and attract more of the right followers.
Relevant lesson(s):
5) Give your lesson a title and subtitle
Then, based on your lesson’s outcome and benefit, brainstorm some ideas for titles.
Pick two or three of the strongest and (optionally) brainstorm some corresponding subtitles.
Remember that strong titles:
- Make the lesson topic clear
- Make people want to find out more
- Are written in a concise, snappy way
Tip: If you’re already working inside your slide deck, add the title and subtitle to a new title slide and drag it to the front of the deck.
Relevant lesson(s):