If we had to describe the most intricate and thoughtful approach we’ve taken as a presentation design agency, financial services presentations would top the list. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill slides where emotional storytelling or vibrant design can sway the audience. The stakes are high, and the audience is a tough one—analytical, skeptical, and always seeking substance over flair.
Crafting such a presentation requires more than creativity; it demands precision, a deep understanding of the subject, and a methodical process. Before even designing a single slide, a clear strategy must be established. In this blog, we’ll delve into the challenges of financial services presentations, the problems we’ve observed, and the unique approach we recommend creating one.
What's the biggest challenge with financial services presentation?
The biggest challenge with financial services presentations lies in balancing complexity with clarity.
Financial data, by nature, is dense, intricate, and often accompanied by regulatory requirements that demand absolute accuracy. Presenters are tasked with making this information accessible to diverse audiences—some of whom may have deep industry knowledge.
The risk is twofold: oversimplifying data can undermine credibility, while overwhelming the audience with jargon and raw numbers can lead to disengagement.
How to Make Financial Services Presentation
Every presentation is unique, shaped by its purpose, audience, and the complexity of the data involved. At our agency, we’ve had the privilege of designing financial presentations for 8 firms, and over time, we’ve developed a unique methodology that consistently delivers results. It’s a slightly unconventional approach, but one that’s proven effective. Here’s how we do it.
Step 1: Gather All Information, Data, and Analysis
A financial presentation is only as strong as the information it’s built upon. Your first step should be gathering all relevant data, stats, and analysis. This is the foundation of your presentation. Include everything that will build a compelling case for your firm—ROI figures, growth analysis, cost-benefit comparisons, market trends, and risk assessments.
Be Comprehensive: Don’t leave out any information that could add credibility. Even details you think might be too technical could be crucial for certain audience segments.
Organize Your Data: Use tools like Excel or data visualization software to organize and clean up your numbers before translating them to slides. Clear data leads to clear communication.
Highlight Key Metrics: Identify the metrics that matter most to your audience. For example, investors might care about EBITDA, while clients might focus on cost savings.
Example
Imagine presenting to potential investors for a fintech startup. Your data might include charts showing 3-year revenue growth, ROI projections from your newest tool, and benchmarks comparing your performance to competitors. Place this information on slides for reference, but avoid making it visually overwhelming at this stage.
Step 2: Build a Story Around the Data
Once your data is in place, it’s time to craft a narrative that ties everything together. Financial presentations require a data-first, story-second approach. This ensures your story is firmly rooted in evidence, enhancing its credibility and impact.
Define the Core Message: What’s the single most important takeaway you want your audience to leave with? For instance, “Our firm’s growth trajectory outpaces the market by 20%.”
Create a Logical Flow: Think of your presentation as a journey. Start by setting the context, present the problem, and show how your data supports the solution.
Add Human Context: Use relatable anecdotes or client stories to humanize the data. For example, “One of our clients, a mid-sized retail chain, saw a 30% reduction in operational costs after adopting our services.”
Example
For a wealth management presentation, your story might begin with a brief overview of market challenges, followed by your firm’s innovative approach, backed by data proving its effectiveness. The story concludes with a strong call to action, like investing in your solution.
Step 3: Refine Your Content and Seek Feedback
Raw data and a rough narrative are just the beginning. Refining your content ensures clarity, conciseness, and coherence. This step is crucial, especially if you’re developing the presentation in-house.
Simplify Language: Financial presentations are often dense. Use plain, accessible language to ensure your message resonates with a broader audience.
Focus on Key Points: Avoid overwhelming your slides with information. Instead, focus on the 2-3 most important takeaways per slide.
Seek Third-Party Feedback: A fresh set of eyes can spot inconsistencies or areas for improvement. If you’re unsure, reach out to your clients for feedback or consult with presentation experts like us.
Example
After drafting your presentation, share it with a trusted colleague or client. Ask for specific feedback on whether the data is clear and the story flows logically. Incorporate their suggestions to ensure the final presentation feels polished and professional.
Step 4: Align the Design with Your Brand Theme
The design of your financial presentation is as important as its content. In financial services, where trust and credibility are paramount, the design should reflect these values. A minimal, professional approach works best, allowing your content to shine without distractions.
Stick to a Minimal Theme: Use clean layouts, ample white space, and a restrained color palette that aligns with your brand. Avoid overloading slides with visuals.
Use Brand Fonts and Colors: Maintain consistency with your firm’s branding. This builds trust and reinforces your identity.
Avoid Trendy Design Elements: While illustrations and playful graphics might work for startups, they can detract from the seriousness of financial presentations. Stick to charts, graphs, and tables.
Use Data Visualization Tools: Bar graphs, pie charts, and heatmaps can simplify complex data and make it easier to digest.
Example
For a private equity firm, a minimal slide design might include a navy blue background (aligned with the brand) and white text with accent colors for key data points. Graphs showcasing ROI or market share should be sleek and straightforward, avoiding unnecessary frills.
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