Using AI to build clearer presentations faster
By TechlyUpUpdated 2 min readProfessionals who present
Quick answer
Use AI to turn your notes into a storyline, draft slide titles that state conclusions, and write speaker notes — then build the slides yourself or with a design tool. Supply your data rather than asking AI for numbers, and check every chart and figure against the source before presenting.
Start with the storyline
Ask for the key message, the three supporting points, and the decision you want from the audience. A clear storyline matters more than slide design.
Audience: leadership team, 10 minutes. Goal: approve a 3-month AI pilot in customer support. Notes: [paste your notes]. Draft a storyline: one-sentence key message, 3 supporting points with evidence from my notes, the ask, and likely objections.
Write action titles
Slide titles should state the takeaway: “Ticket backlog doubled in Q3” rather than “Q3 data.” Ask AI to rewrite your titles this way.
Speaker notes and rehearsal
AI can draft speaker notes and suggest questions the audience may ask. Rehearse with the questions and prepare honest answers, especially where data is limited.
Verify every number
Charts built from AI-provided numbers are a common source of embarrassing errors. Use your own data and double-check labels, units, and time ranges.
Presentation mistakes AI can make worse
Speed can amplify these problems.
- Too many slides because generating them is easy.
- Charts built on numbers the AI suggested rather than your data.
- Generic stock-style images that add nothing.
- Speaker notes read word for word, which sounds unnatural.
Worked example: a 10-minute pitch for a pilot
A support manager needs approval for an AI pilot. Using the storyline prompt, they settle on one message: “A four-week pilot could show whether AI drafts reduce response time without hurting quality.” Three supporting slides follow: current response times from their own reports, the pilot design with human review, and how success will be measured.
They ask AI to list likely objections — data risk, quality, cost — and prepare an answer for each. The final deck has five slides, every number comes from their own data, and the decision requested is clear.
Try it yourself
Take your next presentation and ask AI for a storyline and action titles. Compare with your current draft and keep what's clearer.
Frequently asked questions
Can AI make the slides for me?
Some tools generate slides; they're useful for a first layout. You still need to check content, data, and branding.
How many slides for a 10-minute talk?
It depends on content, but fewer, clearer slides generally work better than many dense ones.
Should I disclose AI-generated visuals?
Follow your organisation's rules. Be careful with generated images of people or brands.
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Sources and further reading
Examples are authored practice material, not measured learner outcomes. Tool behavior can change. Found an error? Contact TechlyUp with the page URL and correction.