The other day I was having a casual conversation with the Founder of a VC firm, it was about creating new design guidelines for their presentations.
Founder: "We want our presentations to accurately reflect our identity—seriousness, and professionalism, just like regular finance presentations."
Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, "Why are you so inclined towards an extremely serious presentation style? What if we explore more modern creativity?"
Founder: "I've come across modern design styles online, featuring cartoonish illustrations and vibrant colors, which wouldn't resonate with our brand. We prefer the classic corporate style with a touch of blue."
Understanding the founder's perspective, I responded, "I see where you're coming from. However, opting for blue doesn't mean you have to adhere to the same old, mundane presentation style. The corporate presentation landscape has evolved considerably. Even the messaging tone has transitioned from monotonous to engaging."
Suddenly intrigued, the founder leaned in and inquired, "I'm listening. What suggestions do you have?"
So I gave a few suggestions...
In this blog, I will comprehensively outline and explore the precise suggestions I offered to the Founder.
Whether you are a finance professional specializing in asset management, investment banking, or hedge funds, this article is valuable for everyone, extending beyond VC firms. I encourage all readers to delve into the entire article to gain actionable advice.
What is a finance presentation?
A finance presentation is a visual storytelling tool that simplifies complex financial data, making it clear and actionable for decision-makers.
For example, imagine you're presenting your company's quarterly financial results to the board. A finance presentation would include key metrics like revenue, profit margins, and cash flow, illustrated with charts and graphs. It would also highlight trends, compare performance against forecasts, and provide insights for future financial decisions. The goal is to clearly communicate the financial story of the quarter, making it easy for the board to grasp the current situation and plan the next steps.
How to make a finance presentation [Boring to Interesting]
1. Change your mindset about finance presentations
If you're not open to the idea that finance presentations can be interesting, you won't be receptive to different design styles.
As a result, you'll stick to what you've always done and miss out on modernization. Embracing a new perspective allows you to break free from the past and explore fresh and engaging design options.
2. There's a wide array of professional colors, explore them!
While blue is often the default choice, there are alternative colors that can convey professionalism with a touch of creativity.
Consider charcoal gray for a sleek and sophisticated look, deep green to symbolize growth and reliability, rich burgundy for an elegant and serious tone, and navy blue for added depth and authority.
Step outside the confines of blue and explore the expanded color palette to add visual appeal to your finance presentations.
3. Experiment with new communication tones
If you can get your hands on 10 finance presentations right now, there's a possibility that all 10 of them will have an extremely formal or informative tone.
Professionalism is no doubt important, but it doesn't have to be devoid of appeal or persuasion. Remember, your audience is composed of humans, regardless of the industry. So, why not explore alternative tones to captivate and engage them effectively?
Here are a few refreshing options for your finance presentations: conversational tone, relatable analogies, storytelling approach, etc.
4. Don't be afraid of cartoonish illustrations
In my observation, fintech companies are leading the way in embracing illustrations as a valuable visual tool. While some may perceive illustrations as cartoonish, there is a growing array of professional-looking options available.
When used tastefully, these illustrations have the potential to significantly enhance your finance presentations.
Why are finance presentations different?
Finance presentations stand apart from other types of presentations due to the unique nature of the content they handle—numbers, metrics, projections, and financial strategies. While presentations in marketing, sales, or creative fields might emphasize storytelling and creative visuals, finance presentations focus heavily on data accuracy, clarity, and the ability to explain complex information in a way that’s easy to understand.
Here’s why finance presentations differ from others and what makes them stand out:
1. Data-Centric Approach
Finance presentations are deeply rooted in data. Whether it's a financial report, a forecast, or an investor pitch, numbers are at the heart of these presentations. Every slide is built around quantitative information—such as revenue, expenses, profit margins, cash flow, and growth projections—that must be presented clearly and logically.
In contrast, other types of presentations often balance data with more qualitative insights like creative ideas or customer feedback. While those might lean on visual storytelling, finance presentations demand precision in showing the financial health of a company or project.
2. Complex Terminology and Jargon
Finance presentations are laden with specialized terminology—terms like EBITDA, ROI, NPVs, balance sheets, and liquidity ratios are common. The audience for these presentations is usually familiar with these terms, but it’s crucial for presenters to ensure clarity.
This focus on technical jargon contrasts with presentations in fields like marketing, where the language is more consumer-friendly. Finance professionals must explain complex terms in a straightforward way without diluting the significance of the information.
3. Detail-Oriented and Structured Format
The structure of finance presentations is often more rigid than other types of presentations. Financial reports must adhere to specific formats that clearly break down key data points, making it easier for stakeholders to follow the flow of information. This detailed orientation means that every slide needs to be organized logically, with no room for ambiguity or creative deviations.
Marketing or product presentations may allow for more flexibility in storytelling or creative layout, but in finance, clarity, structure, and adherence to standard financial practices are non-negotiable.
4. Accuracy and Transparency
Finance presentations are held to the highest standard of accuracy. A single wrong figure can have serious consequences, whether it's misleading investors or incorrectly reporting a company’s financial performance. Presenters must double-check all calculations, charts, and financial forecasts before presenting them to ensure accuracy and transparency.
This differs from other business presentations, where minor inaccuracies might not carry the same weight or legal implications. In finance, even a small discrepancy can lead to a loss of credibility and trust.
5. Focus on Risk and Return
One of the primary objectives of a finance presentation is to communicate risk and return. Whether you're presenting a financial forecast, pitching to investors, or analyzing the feasibility of a project, understanding and explaining potential risks is crucial.
In other fields like marketing or sales, presentations may focus more on opportunities and innovation rather than risk analysis. But finance presentations require a balance between highlighting opportunities and being upfront about the associated risks, ensuring that stakeholders can make informed decisions.
6. Audience Expectations
The audience for finance presentations is typically well-versed in numbers and analytical thinking. This includes stakeholders like CFOs, investors, board members, or financial analysts who expect detailed insights, accurate data, and clear financial reasoning. They’re not looking for creative flair or entertaining visuals but rather straightforward, no-nonsense content that helps them understand the financial picture.
In contrast, presentations in creative fields might involve engaging storytelling, emotional appeal, and eye-catching design elements. While finance presentations also use visuals (like graphs and charts), they are strictly there to clarify data and not to entertain.
7. Regulatory Considerations
Unlike many other types of presentations, finance presentations may need to comply with specific regulatory requirements, especially in industries like banking, insurance, or publicly traded companies. Financial disclosures must adhere to standards set by regulatory bodies, and any misrepresentation of financial information can result in legal consequences.
This regulatory oversight is unique to finance presentations, where compliance is not just an added consideration but an essential requirement. Non-financial presentations, such as those in product development or HR, usually don't face the same level of scrutiny.
8. Data Visualization
While all presentations benefit from data visualization, finance presentations rely on it to break down complex numerical data. Charts, graphs, and tables are essential tools to help present financial trends, patterns, and forecasts.
However, unlike marketing presentations where visuals may take on a more creative or inspirational role, finance presentations require visuals that are precise, functional, and clear. The goal is to simplify data-heavy slides, making the information accessible without overwhelming the audience.
Work with us
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From sleek and professional aesthetics to innovative and engaging visuals, we'll work closely with you to find the perfect design options that fit your unique needs. Don't settle for ordinary slides - unleash the full potential of your finance presentations. Contact us today to get started.
Check out our Business Presentation Design Service.
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