Learn to Design Your Slides like a McKinsey Presentation Deck

Designing consulting presentations – Matching McKinsey Presentation style

Businesses employ presentations for various purposes, including education, information dissemination, motivation, and training. The significance of delivering management consulting presentations is crucial to business strategy, as it allows for effective communication and collaboration between consultants and clients. Management consulting presentation services can be highly advantageous for consulting companies like any other business sector. McKinsey’s presentation deck lays out the importance of following an organized structure of slides, and many consultants across the globe follow the best practices laid out in these slide decks. Are you searching for best practices for creating ppt slides matching a McKinsey Presentation type? As discussed in this article, agencies offering management consulting presentation services widely follow the industry’s best practices.

Comprehensive Analysis of a typical McKinsey Presentation Deck

Management consulting is a specialized professional offering that aids organizations in enhancing their operational efficiency and attaining their objectives. Consulting delivery entails comprehensively explaining the firm’s diverse range of services, methodologies, and innovative resolutions to prospective clientele.

These consultants often deliver their results in consulting slides in a particular style and order, e.g., McKinsey Presentation. Some specialized agencies offer presentation design services, saving consultants precious time.

Effective consulting presentations necessitate meticulous structuring, Contraction, and an aesthetically pleasing format to captivate the audience’s attention. Furthermore, they must clearly comprehend the firm’s unique value proposition and the multiple ways it can bring substantial benefits to the client’s organization.

The 7 sequential steps of the McKinsey Presentation Deck

 

1️⃣Defining the problem

• Defining the problem requires thoroughly analyzing the client’s operations, market, and industry trends.

2️⃣Structuring the problem

• By structuring the problem, individuals and teams can focus on specific aspects and collaborate on finding appropriate solutions.

3️⃣Prioritizing issues

• By prioritizing the issues, we can provide a clear and concise presentation highlighting the most critical areas for improvement and allowing for a focused discussion on solutions.

4️⃣Developing issue analysis

• By developing a robust issue analysis, consultants can demonstrate their expertise and credibility to clients, ultimately leading to a successful and impactful presentation.

5️⃣Analysis plan

• By following a well-structured analysis plan, consultants can effectively communicate their findings and recommendations to clients, ultimately helping them make informed and strategic decisions.

6️⃣Conducting analyses

• This involves utilizing various analytical tools and techniques, such as SWOT analysis, market research, and financial analysis.

7️⃣Synthesizing findings and developing recommendations

• Synthesizing findings and developing recommendations requires practical communication skills to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

12 Expert Tips for Designing and Delivering a Winning McKinsey Presentation Style

To help you achieve this, here are 12 expert tips on delivering a compelling McKinsey Presentation style, preparation, and execution.

1️⃣Exploring the Hierarchical Structure of the Problem in Detail

• In detail, it is an essential step in practical problem-solving.
• This hierarchical approach leads to more efficient and effective solutions.

2️⃣Constructing an Outline for a Flawless Presentation

• This serves as a roadmap that organizes the content and flow of ideas, ensuring a smooth and coherent delivery.

3️⃣Record the Key Points for Clear and Concise Messaging

• This involves identifying the main purpose of the message and outlining the most critical information to convey.

4️⃣The Importance of Outlining Key Points on Slides

• Main ideas and supporting details on slides, the presenter can guide the audience through the presentation in a structured and cohesive manner.

5️⃣Unlocking the Power of Custom Templates in PowerPoint

• By creating personalized templates, presenters can save time and maintain presentation consistency.

6️⃣Approaches to Acquiring important Data

• Utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods can provide a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

7️⃣Harnessing the Potential of Effective Data Visualization

• Businesses and organizations can make informed decisions and gain valuable insights by harnessing the potential of effective data visualization.

8️⃣How Think-Cell Simplifies PowerPoint Chart Creation

• Think-Cell streamlines the chart creation process, making it an essential tool for professionals looking to enhance their PowerPoint presentations.

9️⃣Fine-tuning Individual Slides and Structure for Optimum Engagement

• This involves paying close attention to the presentation’s design, content, and flow.

🔟How to Create a Winning Executive Summary

• A well-written executive summary is essential for making a positive first impression and setting the stage for a successful business venture.

Outline the key points of the McKinsey Presentation and conclude with the main takeaway

• The main takeaway from this presentation is that effective communication is crucial for success in any organization, and it requires continuous effort and practice to improve and maintain it.

Key Points to Remember and Main Conclusion

• Emphasizing key points and having a strong main conclusion is crucial for delivering a successful and impactful presentation.

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To improve presentation design, one can get inspiration for presentation ideas through online resources. These online resources give design layouts with presentation ideas for effective and creative visualizations. By incorporating modern PPT ideas for designs, one can elevate their slides a level up to look more professional and elegant.

Designing presentations and improve them professionally requires considerable time and effort. Design agencies with a team of deck designers come up with contemporary and professional designs. The use of organizational chart in PowerPoint assumes great significance in representing the company hierarchy in a logical and easy to comprehend manner.

Often in consulting slide decks, the executive summary slide gets prime importance, as the top-level audience look at the summary and understand what the slide deck is all about.

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Explore these 11 Dynamic Charts Made with Think-cell.

PowerPoint presentation slides are an essential tool for delivering effective and visually appealing presentations. PPT slides, as they are commonly referred to, provide a structured framework for organizing content and can include text, images, charts, and graphs. To create process chart, the process flow need to be presented in an organized way. To visualize data, use suitable chart graph that effectively communicate the data flow. Explore PowerPoint samples for presentation to come up with better chart types for your particular set of data in your slide deck.

1️⃣Waterfall Chart

McKinsey & Company, which started using these charts in presentations, has attributed the invention of this Chart to it. It is a modern chart commonly used by financial firms to show financial gains and losses.

Description

• A waterfall chart presents a total value that is incremented or decremented.
• Waterfall chart helps understand how an initial value is affected by a series of positive and negative values.
• The columns are color-coded so you can quickly tell positive from negative values.
• The intermediate values used in waterfall charts can either be time-based or category-based.

2️⃣Gantt Chart

Gantt chart was introduced by Henry Laurence Gantt’s (1861-1919)

Description

• A Gantt chart is a powerful project management tool used to track and schedule tasks within a project visually.
• A Gantt chart displays tasks, their start and end dates, dependencies, and milestones with its horizontal bar chart layout.
• Additionally, Gantt charts can be shared with team members and stakeholders, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

3️⃣ Mekko Chart / Marimekko chart / Mosaic Plot

Mekko Chart was introduced by Hartigan and Kleiner in 1981 and expanded in 1994.

Description

• A Mekko Chart is also known as a Marimekko chart or Mosaic plot.
• It is a powerful data visualization tool that displays categorical data in stacked rectangles.
• This type of Chart allows for the comparison of multiple variables at once, making it helpful in identifying patterns, trends, and relationships within the variables.

4️⃣ Scatter and Bubble Chart

Fernanda Viegas and Martin Wattenberg introduced bubble charts as charts representing items by labeled circles whose areas are proportional to the displayed quantity.

Description

• A Scatter and Bubble Chart is a valuable tool for visualizing and analyzing data relationships.
• By plotting data points on a two-dimensional graph, this type of Chart allows for a quick and easy interpretation of patterns and trends.
• The scatter chart is handy in showing the correlation between two variables. In contrast, the bubble chart adds dimension by representing a third variable through the size of the data points.

5️⃣ Pie Chart

Playfair’s Statistical Breviary, published in London in 1801, contains what is generally credited as the first pie chart.

Description

• A pie chart is a graphical representation of data that is divided into slices to show the relationship between different categories.
• It is an effective tool for presenting complex information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format.

6️⃣ Line Chart

William Playfair liked line charts and used them thoroughly in his Commercial and Political Atlas, a compilation of charts and statistics on England’s trade balance, published in 1786.

Description

• A line chart is also known as a line graph and curve chart.
• It is a data visualization tool that displays information in a series of points connected by straight lines.

7️⃣ Clustered Chart

Cluster analysis originated in anthropology by Driver and Kroeber in 1932 and was introduced to psychology by Joseph Zubin in 1938 and Robert Tryon in 1939.

Description

• A clustered chart, also known as a grouped bar chart, is a type of visualization used to display and compare multiple categories of data.
• This type of Chart is beneficial when showing the relationship between different groups within a larger category.
• This Chart Is used in business presentations, scientific research, and financial reports.

8️⃣ 100% Chart

Description

• A 100% chart visualizes data that displays categories and their corresponding values as percentages.
• This Chart is handy for comparing the distribution of different categories within a data set.
• With a professional tone, a 100% chart can be utilized in various industries, such as finance, marketing, and research, to aid decision-making and communicate crucial information.

9️⃣ Stacked Column and Bar Chart

William Playfair (1759 – 1823) is credited with the inventions of the bar, line, and area charts in 1786. His time-series plots are still presented as models of clarity. He was a Scottish engineer and political economist. Playfair is considered the founder of graphical methods of statistics.

Description

• A stacked column and a bar chart represent data commonly used in business and finance.
• Stacked columns and bar charts are commonly used in presentations, reports, and business analytics to aid in decision-making and data analysis.

🔟 Area Chart

William Playfair (1759 – 1823) is credited with the inventions of the bar, line, and area charts in 1786. His time-series plots are still presented as models of clarity. He was a Scottish engineer and political economist. Playfair is considered the founder of graphical methods of statistics.

Description

• An area chart is a type of data visualization that displays the changes in a data set over time or across categories.
• The Chart comprises a series of data points connected by a line, with the area below the line shaded in a specific color.
• This color shading allows easy comparison between groups or categories within the data set.

Area 100% Chart

Description

• It is widely used in business and finance to represent the distribution of values within a dataset.
• With its easily interpretable format, the Area 100% Chart allows for quick and accurate analysis, making it an essential tool in decision-making processes.
• The Area 100% chart can enhance data clarity and aid decision-making processes.

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PowerPoint ideas help improve professional designs

Utilizing PowerPoint examples of presentations can provide inspiration and guidance for creating a successful presentation. They provide better format for PowerPoint presentations and inspire to set a perfect design theme for your slides presentation. PowerPoint examples also give ideas for graph making and data visualization using suitable chart types.

Presentation slide backgrounds can also enhance the overall aesthetic of the presentation. Utilizing customized templates for slides can save time and provide a consistent design throughout the presentation.

PowerPoint design plays a crucial role 

PowerPoint design plays a crucial role in delivering impactful presentations. The best PowerPoint layout should be simple, clean, and easy to follow. It should include the right balance of text, images, and graphics to keep the audience engaged.

A Flow chart PowerPoint is an excellent way to present complex information in a visually organized manner. A professional presentation PowerPoint template can elevate the overall quality of the presentation. PowerPoint template professional is a must-have for any business presentation.

Implementing the Best Design Layouts for the McKinsey Presentation Deck

We give below some key design layouts that are commonly used in McKinsey Presentation Deck, especially across consulting slides design.

1️⃣ Pillar Diagram

• A pillar diagram, or a column chart, is a visual representation of data that displays information in vertical columns.
• A pillar diagram can enhance the understanding and communication of complex data, making it a valuable tool in business.

2️⃣ Matrix design

• This design allows businesses and organizations to identify patterns, relationships, and trends within their data, leading to more informed decision-making.

3️⃣ Process Flow Diagram

• It aids in communication and understanding among team members, stakeholders, and clients. As a professional, utilizing a process flow diagram can significantly enhance productivity and streamline operations.

4️⃣ Harvey Balls

• American consultant Harvey Poppel created them in the 1970s, and have since become a widely recognized symbol in the business world.
• Harvey Balls has become an essential tool for professionals in various industries to communicate data and progress effectively.

5️⃣ Venn Diagram

• Venn diagrams are widely used in various fields, such as mathematics, statistics, and business analysis, to name a few.
• Their simplicity and effectiveness make them a valuable tool for organizing and analyzing complex information.

6️⃣ SWOT analysis

SWOT analysis stands for,

S-Strengths

W-Weaknesses

O-Opportunities

T-Threats analysis

These are the valuable tools used in businesses and organizations to analyze their current position in the market.

• Conducting a SWOT analysis is crucial for achieving long-term success in their industry.

7️⃣ Market sizing visualization

• Market sizing visualization is a powerful tool businesses use to understand a particular market’s potential size and scope.

This tool not only helps businesses to understand the market landscape but also enables them to communicate their findings to stakeholders and investors effectively.

8️⃣ Map Slide

• Map Slide is a powerful tool designed to enhance presentations and communicate complex geographical data effectively.
• Map Slide is the ultimate solution for incorporating dynamic and informative maps into any presentation.

9️⃣ Organization Chart

• An organization chart, also known as an org chart, is a visual representation of the structure of an organization.
• A well-designed organizational chart promotes efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

🔟 Heat Map Visualization 

• Heat map visualization is a powerful data analysis technique that utilizes color coding to represent the intensity of values in a data set.
• As a result, heat map visualization has become an indispensable tool for professionals across a wide range of fields.

Key design principles – Consulting Presentation 

1️⃣ The Pyramid Principle

The Pyramid Principle is a tried and tested method for effective communication and logical structuring of ideas. Developed by Barbara Minto, a former McKinsey consultant, this framework is widely used in business to deliver precise and impactful presentations. The Pyramid Principle emphasizes the importance of starting with a single main idea and building a logical hierarchy of supporting points to create a cohesive and persuasive argument.

2️⃣ The MECE Principle

The MECE principle, also known as Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive, is a fundamental concept in problem-solving and decision-making. It states that in any situation, all possible options should be separate and comprehensive, leaving no room for overlap or gaps. This principle is heavily used in management consulting and business strategy, allowing for a structured and organized approach to problem-solving.

3️⃣ The KISS Principle (Keep It Short and Simple)

The KISS principle, also known as “Keep It Short and Simple,” is a fundamental concept in communication and design. It encourages individuals to convey their ideas and messages concisely and straightforwardly without unnecessary complexity or jargon. This principle is especially crucial in professional settings, where clear and efficient communication is essential for success.

The importance of PowerPoint templates

Before entering into the sections of a McKinsey presentation, it is equally important to understand why using a structured template is vital to build a consulting slide deck.

Designing a PowerPoint template with branded design layouts brings consistency to the slide designs. During the slide show, the design of slides aligned to a branded template gives consistent look and feel and create a strong brand presence in the audience mind.

Many presentation design agencies offer the service of templates for presentation slides and by seeking their support, you can be sure to get a professional looking and functional template.

For presentation designs, PPT presentation or PowerPoint presentation has gained a valuable reputation across the businesses. PowerPoint offers varied features and functions to improve the design of a slide deck.

Creating a PowerPoint presentation template sets the base layouts that can be used for future presentations. Businesses often create PPT slide templates on different occasions as per the meeting needs like investor meeting, training meetings and routine business meetings.

While designing templates for PowerPoint presentation, choose theme PowerPoint presentation that best suits with the industry. Many online resources offer templates for PPT presentation covering diverse industries.

If you are not the one looking for a general themed templates, then seek the support of a presentation design agency to deliver a custom template for building your PowerPoint slides.

The structure of a McKinsey presentation

The structure of a McKinsey presentation is carefully designed to communicate complex information and insights to our clients effectively.

A complete consulting presentation typically contains the following five overall sections:

1️⃣ Frontpage

The front page and title slide serve as the first impression and set the tone for the entire presentation. It includes the title of the presentation, the date, and the names and titles of the presenters. The front page also features the client’s logo to establish a sense of partnership and collaboration. Additionally, the front page highlights the presentation’s key objectives and key takeaways, providing a clear roadmap for the audience. This structured and professional approach ensures that our presentations are impactful, concise, and visually appealing.

2️⃣ Executive Summary

This section sets the tone for the rest of the presentation and captures the audience’s attention. The Executive Summary should be well-structured and highlight the problem, proposed solution, and expected outcomes. It should also include a brief introduction to the team, their expertise, and any relevant data or insights. A successful Executive Summary effectively summarizes the main ideas and leaves the audience with a clear understanding of the presentation’s purpose and value.

3️⃣ Body of Slides

This section typically consists of several slides containing the presentation’s leading content and analysis. These slides are meticulously designed to convey complex information clearly and concisely, using data, charts, and visuals to support key points. The body of the slides is carefully crafted to follow a logical flow and reinforce the presentation’s key messages. Each slide is strategically placed to build upon the previous one, leading the audience to a compelling conclusion and calling to action. Overall, the body of slides in a McKinsey presentation is a well-crafted and essential element that drives the overall success of the presentation.

4️⃣ Recommendation / Next Steps

Recommendation/Next steps slides in a consulting presentation summarize the key findings and insights from the analysis and propose a course of action for the client. These slides typically outline specific recommendations for improving performance, addressing challenges, or capitalizing on opportunities. The next steps section may include a timeline, resource allocation, and potential risks. The purpose of these slides is to guide the client towards actionable steps that can help them achieve their goals or solve their problems.

5️⃣ Appendix Section

The appendix section in a slide deck serves as a valuable resource for additional information and supporting materials. It is crucial in any professional presentation, allowing the audience to delve deeper into the topic and gain a more comprehensive understanding. This section typically includes graphs, charts, images, and other visual aids that enhance the overall presentation and thoroughly explain critical points. A typical McKinsey presentation consists of the Appendix section.

Common errors that go unnoticed while creating a Consulting Presentation

The common errors that go unnoticed in the creating and designing of consulting slides can be classified into

1. Work planning
2. Document structuring
3. Slides content creation
4. Formatting

Let us explore each one of them, highlighting key factors to consider to perfect the consulting slide design and presentation.

Key errors in work planning

1️⃣ Jumping in without a plan

When jumping into a plan first start writing the recommendation, finding relevant information, or conducting any analysis.

• Are you clear about your intended objectives?
• What is the important question under consideration?
• What category of document are you intending to compose?
• What assumption will guide your investigation?
• What data is required to demonstrate your assumption?
• How will you acquire the necessary information?

It is noteworthy to start preparing your deck creation process with the below pointers for getting structured and organized data and content plans.

1. Skipping the hypothesis
   The hypothesis serves as the foundation for the entire study, providing a clear direction and purpose for the research. Skipping the hypothesis in a research study can have serious implications on the validity and reliability of the findings.
2. Summary page
3. Skeleton document
4. Identify the essential data to be included in each slide.
5. Plan your execution.

Key errors in Document structuring 

1️⃣ Leading with the analysis, not the answer

Regarding problem-solving and decision-making, leaders must prioritize analysis over simply providing an answer. While a quick solution may seem efficient, it is often the result of rushed and potentially biased thinking.

2️⃣ Not structuring the document logically

Not structuring a document logically can greatly hinder its effectiveness and impact on the intended audience. When information is not organized logically and coherently, it can be difficult for readers to follow and comprehend the main points and messages. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and a lack of interest in the document.

3️⃣ Not organizing the document

Organizing a document can lead to clarity and efficiency in the workplace. With a clear structure, important information can be noticed and included. This can result in delays errors, and ultimately impact the overall productivity of a team.

Key Errors in Slides Content Creation

1️⃣ Cramming too much on each slide

Cramming too much information on each slide during a presentation can be detrimental to the overall effectiveness of the presentation. Not only does it overwhelm the audience, but it also makes it difficult for them to retain the key points being presented.

2️⃣ Writing weak action titles

These weak titles need more power to grab the reader’s attention and convey the essence of the content. They often contain vague and generic phrases that do not entice the audience to read further. As a result, the overall impact and effectiveness of the writing could be improved.

Weak title: Top Strategies for Business and Beyond. Strong title: The Ultimate Guide to Creating Engaging Business Presentations with Impactful Visuals and Messaging

3️⃣ Including irrelevant charts

Charts should support and enhance the presented information rather than being added for visual appeal. To maintain a professional and effective presentation, it is crucial to include charts directly related to the topic.

Key errors in formatting

1️⃣ Inconsistent formatting

Inconsistent formatting can significantly impact a document or presentation’s overall appearance and readability.

• PowerPoint template
• Font
• Font size
• Chart color
• Textbox color
• Color palette
• Client logo

2️⃣ Missing details

Please include details to make the document appear complete and professional.

• Chart title
• Chart axis title
• Chart legend
• Sources
• Footnotes (e.g., assumptions)
• Page number
• Client logo

3️⃣ Adding unprofessional visuals

The use of unprofessional visuals can significantly detract from a document’s overall effectiveness and credibility. While visual aids can enhance a piece’s visual appeal and comprehension, they must be utilized professionally.

5 key approaches to building consulting slides like a McKinsey Presentation

1️⃣ Craft a Compelling Storyline

A presentation’s primary and most crucial measure entails crafting an enthralling storyline that immediately captivates your audience’s attention.

• Discern the pivotal message you intend to convey and meticulously arrange your content following it.
• Implement storytelling methodologies to infuse vibrancy and engagement into your presentation.
• Assure a coherent progression between disparate sections, crafting a harmonious expedition for your esteemed audience.

2️⃣ Data-Driven Insights

• Enhance the robustness of your recommendations by including dependable data, verifiable facts, and pertinent statistics to bolster their credibility.
• Employ relevant charts, graphs, and visual aids to communicate intricate information concisely and understandably effectively.
• Adopt the McKinsey approach of delivering presentations rooted in data-supported insights, thereby establishing trust and credibility with clients.
• Validate the soundness of your findings by ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of your data.

3️⃣ Visually Stunning Slides

• Craft visually captivating slides that enhance your content and reinforce your core messages, effortlessly facilitating the audience’s comprehension of intricate ideas.
• Maintain a minimalist, sleek, organized, and polished design to prevent potential distractions.
• Employ top-notch visuals, cohesive typography, and color palettes that resonate with the client’s brand or subject matter.
• Integrate influential visuals thoughtfully to fortify your key points and leave a memorable imprint on your audience.

4️⃣ Know Your Audience

• Conduct a thorough audience analysis in advance, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their distinctive requirements, obstacles, and areas of interest.
• Craft a personalized presentation that effectively addresses their concerns and offers insightful solutions.
• Incorporate industry-specific vocabulary and terminology that resonates profoundly with your audience.
• Tailor your illustrative examples and case studies to enhance the credibility and relevance of your presentation, thereby elevating its impact and relatability.

5️⃣ Interactive Elements

• Incorporate dynamic polls and surveys into your presentation to foster active audience engagement.
• Foster audience participation and address their inquiries by hosting interactive Q&A sessions in real time.
• Enhance the liveliness and engagement of your presentation by integrating interactive quizzes or games aligned with the topic.
• Interactive polls and surveys sustain audience engagement and yield valuable insights for more impactful delivery.

Recommendation

Whether presenting to potential clients or pitching a new idea to your team, designing high-impact slides is essential for making a lasting impression. By learning to craft your slides like a McKinsey presentation deck, you can elevate your presentations and effectively convey your message. With the right combination of compelling visuals and concise information, you can captivate your audience and leave them with a lasting impact. So, next time you have a big presentation, remember the key elements of a McKinsey presentation deck and watch as your slides become more engaging and impactful.

Do you feel tense about wasting your time on slide design? Save time, assign your design tasks to our experienced team, and craft the perfect consulting slide deck matching McKinsey presentation standards.

FAQs

1. How do you create a consulting slide?

To create a consulting slide, start by defining the objective or key message of the slide. Then, gather and organize relevant data, facts, and insights that support your message. Use clear and concise language, along with visual elements like charts, graphs, or diagrams to communicate information effectively. Structure the slide in a logical and visually appealing manner, with a title, introduction, main points, and conclusion. Remember to keep the slide simple, avoiding excessive text or clutter.

2. What is a consulting style presentation?

A consulting style presentation is a type of presentation that is focused on providing expert advice, recommendations, and solutions to a specific problem or challenge. It typically involves a consultant or a team of consultants delivering the presentation to a client or an audience. The presentation style is typically informative, persuasive, and interactive, with the goal of delivering valuable insights and actionable strategies to the audience. Consulting style presentations often include data analysis, case studies, and practical examples to support their recommendations and help clients make informed decisions.

3. What do you mean by consulting?

Consulting refers to the practice of providing expert advice and guidance to individuals or organizations in a specific field or industry. A consultant is someone who has specialized knowledge and experience in a particular area and uses that expertise to help clients solve problems, make decisions, and improve their performance. Consultants may work independently or as part of a consulting firm, and their services can range from strategic planning and business development to process improvement and project management.

4. How does McKinsey create a presentation?

A complete consulting presentation typically contains the following five overall sections:

5. What are the 5 P’s of consulting?

The 5 P’s of consulting are Purpose, Process, People, Product, and Profit. These elements are essential for a successful consulting engagement and help consultants deliver value to their clients.