HOW TO WRITE ACTION TITLES - Action Titles for PowerPoint management presentations (consulting)

Summary

In this video, Heinrich from 'Firm Learning' explains the importance of crafting effective action titles for PowerPoint presentations. He emphasizes that these titles, which summarize a slide’s content in a complete sentence, are crucial for conveying the key message quickly and clearly. The tutorial introduces the 'So what?' concept to help determine the relevance of each slide and provides practical exercises to improve action titles. Heinrich offers insights into creating concise, compelling slides like those used by top consulting firms, encouraging viewers to refine their presentation skills for a professional edge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Action titles are key components of PowerPoint slides, summarizing the content of a slide in a clear and concise sentence.
• 😀 Good action titles help viewers understand the key message of a slide without needing to read all the details.
• 😀 Action titles are different from basic slide titles as they are complete sentences that convey the core message directly.
• 😀 Crafting effective action titles takes time and experience, especially in consulting, where they are vital for clear communication.
• 😀 The 'So what?' concept is crucial for determining the relevance of a slide and shaping its action title, ensuring it addresses the slide’s implications.
• 😀 If you're struggling to come up with an action title, asking 'So what?' can help you clarify the slide's core message and guide your title formulation.
• 😀 A strong action title will allow the audience to grasp the slide’s key message at a glance, making the rest of the slide secondary.
• 😀 A good action title should ideally quantify results or details when possible, adding precision to the message.
• 😀 Action titles should be concise, avoiding overly wordy phrases that could distract from the main message.
• 😀 When crafting action titles, aim to be specific about the subject matter and avoid generic phrases to make your title more informative and impactful.
• 😀 Reviewing multiple examples of action titles, such as in exercises, helps you understand the difference between good and poor titles and refine your skills.

Q & A

What are action titles in PowerPoint presentations?

Action titles are headers in PowerPoint presentations that summarize the content of the slide by formulating a complete sentence. They convey the key message of the slide, making the title itself sufficient to understand the main idea without needing to read the rest of the slide.

Why are action titles important in professional presentations?

Action titles are crucial because they allow the audience to grasp the key message of the slide quickly, even without reading the detailed content. This helps in creating a clearer and more effective presentation, especially in consulting environments where efficiency is key.

What is the 'So what?' question, and why is it important for action titles?

The 'So what?' question asks why the information on the slide matters and what its implication is for the business or project. It is important because it helps clarify the purpose of the slide and ensures that the action title conveys the slide's key message clearly.

What makes a good action title?

A good action title is clear, concise, and summarizes the slide's content in a complete sentence. It avoids being too vague or generic and includes relevant details that help the audience quickly understand the key message, sometimes quantifying the data presented.

How does an action title differ from a regular slide title?

Unlike regular slide titles, which may only hint at the content, action titles summarize the content in a full sentence that clearly communicates the key message. This allows the audience to understand the main idea without reading the entire slide.

What is the common mistake people make when creating slide titles?

A common mistake is writing titles that are too short, vague, or incomplete. For example, simply writing 'Action Title Definition' or 'Expansion Potential' does not convey the full message of the slide and forces the reader to go through the content to understand it.

Why is it better to quantify information in action titles?

Quantifying information in action titles makes the message more specific and impactful. It allows the audience to grasp the significance of the slide’s content immediately, such as knowing the exact potential value or financial impact (e.g., '22 million Euro EBIT potential').

Can action titles be too long or detailed?

Yes, action titles can become too wordy or detailed. While it is important to be clear, brevity is key. A well-crafted action title should be concise and still convey the key message, avoiding unnecessary details that may distract the reader.

How can one improve their ability to write good action titles?

To improve, practice writing action titles that are specific, concise, and relevant. Ask yourself the 'So what?' question to ensure the title summarizes the slide’s key message, and strive to quantify data whenever possible to make the title more impactful.

What did Heinrich suggest at the end of the video regarding learning more about PowerPoint presentations?

Heinrich encouraged viewers to check out his full course on creating professional consulting-style PowerPoint slides, which covers more than just action titles, offering comprehensive guidance on designing effective presentations like those used by top consulting firms.