Title-First Slide Framework

A framework for creating more effective presentations by leading with the key message in slide titles, rather than generic descriptive labels.

Core Concept

• Most presentations fail due to poor messaging rather than design/aesthetics
• The title of each slide should communicate the main takeaway, not just label what's on the page
• Bad example: "Our Team" as a title when showing team member photos
• Good example: "Our team has had 3 successful exits" as the title to emphasize the key point

Benefits of Message-First Titles

• Forces presenter to identify the core message they want audience to remember
• Guides the narrative and talking points for that slide
• Helps audience immediately grasp the key point
• Makes presentations more compelling and persuasive
• Improves retention of key information

Implementation Tips

• Ask "If people remember one thing from this presentation, what should it be?"
• Put that key takeaway on slide 1
• Make the main message the title of each slide
• Let the title guide what content belongs on that slide
• Focus on the message you want to convey rather than just describing what's shown

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using generic labels as titles (e.g., "Background", "Data", "Team")
• Burying the key message in bullet points
• Focusing on slide design over message clarity
• Making audience work to figure out the main point
• Assuming audience can derive the key message from the content alone

AI-Assisted Improvement

• AI could help by:
  • Prompting questions about the core message
  • Suggesting stronger title alternatives
  • Helping restructure content around key takeaways
  • Identifying when titles are too generic
  • Ensuring message consistency across slides