Presentation Transformation

Overview

Transform basic presentations into professional, executive-ready decks using parallel multi-agent execution, comprehensive research, and corporate design best practices.

Core principle: Research → Design → Parallel Execution → Iteration → Polish

Announce at start: "I'm using the presentation-transformation skill to elevate your deck to professional quality."

Quick Reference

Phase	Key Activities	Tool Usage	Output
1. Analysis	Extract content, gather requirements	Brainstorming skill, AskUserQuestion	Requirements document
2. Research	Market data, case studies, best practices	WebSearch (3+ searches)	Research markdown
3. Design	Define color palette, typography, layouts	Design system constants	Style guide
4. Parallel Build	Launch 3 agents simultaneously	Task tool (multiple)	Generator + content + charts
5. Iteration	Fix formatting, spacing, bullets	Python-expert agent	Polished presentation
6. Documentation	Create reusable skill/templates	Write skill file	Future reusability

The Process

Phase 1: Analysis & Requirements

CRITICAL: Start with brainstorming skill to understand requirements.

1. Extract Current Content

For PowerPoint files (.pptx):

# Extract as ZIP
cd "path/to/presentations"
unzip -q -o presentation.pptx -d extracted/

# Parse slide content
find extracted/ppt/slides -name "slide*.xml" | sort | while read slide; do
  slidenum=$(echo $slide | grep -o '[0-9]\+')
  echo "=== SLIDE $slidenum ==="
  grep -o '<a:t>[^<]*</a:t>' $slide | sed 's/<a:t>//g; s/<\/a:t>//g'
done

Document findings:

• Total slide count
• Content quality (basic, intermediate, advanced)
• Design issues (overlaps, spacing, fonts)
• Missing elements (data, case studies, visuals)

2. Gather Requirements (use AskUserQuestion)

Ask about:

• Primary goal: Sponsors, education, recruitment, multi-purpose
• Design style: Modern tech, corporate professional, environmental, blended
• Content approach: Problem-led, data-driven, case studies
• Specific fixes: What user dislikes about current version

3. Research Context (3-5 WebSearch queries)

Essential searches:

• Topic-specific market data and statistics
• Real-world case studies with quantified results
• Industry trends and projections (with years)
• Competitor/alternative approaches
• Presentation design best practices (current year)

Phase 2: Design System Definition

Corporate Professional Standards:

# Color Palette
NAVY = RGBColor(26, 43, 74)      # #1A2B4A - trust, stability
TEAL = RGBColor(0, 167, 160)     # #00A7A0 - innovation
GOLD = RGBColor(212, 167, 106)   # #D4A76A - premium value
LIGHT_GRAY = RGBColor(240, 240, 240)
DARK_GRAY = RGBColor(68, 68, 68)

# Typography Hierarchy
FONT_TITLE = 44        # Main titles (not 54, causes overflow)
FONT_HEADING = 34      # Section headings
FONT_SUBHEADING = 24   # Subheadings
FONT_BODY = 15         # Body text & bullets (not 18, too large)
FONT_CAPTION = 14      # Captions, labels

# Font Families
FONT_HEADER = "Montserrat"    # Bold, modern, readable
FONT_BODY_TEXT = "Open Sans"  # Clean, professional

# Spacing Rules (CRITICAL for avoiding overlap)
MARGIN = Inches(0.5)
CONTENT_TOP = Inches(2.0)      # Room for titles
TITLE_TO_SUBTITLE = 0.7        # Minimum gap (inches)
ELEMENT_TO_ELEMENT = 0.3       # Between major elements
BULLET_SPACE_BEFORE = Pt(8)    # Vertical spacing
BULLET_SPACE_AFTER = Pt(8)
LINE_SPACING = 1.2             # Body text line height

# Layout
SLIDE_WIDTH = Inches(10)       # Standard widescreen
SLIDE_HEIGHT = Inches(7.5)
CONTENT_WIDTH = Inches(8.5)    # Maximum content width
TITLE_WIDTH = Inches(8.0)      # Prevents overflow

Alternative Palettes:

Startup Modern:

• Primary: #0066FF (electric blue)
• Secondary: #FF3366 (vibrant pink)
• Accent: #00CC88 (fresh green)

Environmental:

• Primary: #2C5F2D (forest green)
• Secondary: #97BC62 (sage)
• Accent: #F4A259 (earth orange)

Phase 3: Parallel Multi-Agent Execution

CRITICAL: Launch all 3 agents in SINGLE message for true parallelism.

# Agent 1: Presentation Generator
Task(
    subagent_type="python-expert:python-expert",
    description="Build presentation generator",
    prompt="""Create complete python-pptx script:

ENVIRONMENT:
- Directory: /path/to/presentations
- Venv: pptx_env (already created with python-pptx, pillow installed)

DESIGN SYSTEM:
[Paste color palette and typography specs]

STRUCTURE:
- Create generate_presentation.py
- Include DesignSystem class with constants
- Helper functions: add_background_shape, add_title_with_accent, add_bullet_list, add_stat_box
- Slide generators: create_slide_01_title(), create_slide_02_team(), etc.
- Main function: generate_presentation(output_path)

CRITICAL Z-ORDER:
1. Backgrounds FIRST
2. Accent bars/decorative elements
3. Text boxes LAST
(This prevents overlapping)

BULLET LISTS MUST USE:
p.level = 0  # Enables actual bullets
p.space_before = Pt(8)
p.space_after = Pt(8)
p.line_spacing = 1.2

Return: "AGENT 1 COMPLETE - presentation generator created"
"""
)

# Agent 2: Content Researcher
Task(
    subagent_type="general-purpose",
    description="Research case studies",
    prompt="""Research and compile:

CASE STUDY 1: [Topic-specific example]
- Real examples with company names
- Statistical impact (percentages, dollar amounts)
- Specific timeline and results
- How problem manifested

CASE STUDY 2: [Second example]
[Same structure]

CASE STUDY 3: [Third example]
[Same structure]

For each case study provide:
- Title (concise, compelling)
- 2-3 bullet points with data/facts
- Key takeaway
- Source citations

Create: case_studies_content.md with all details

Return: Complete markdown with 3+ detailed case studies
"""
)

# Agent 3: Data Visualization
Task(
    subagent_type="general-purpose",
    description="Generate chart images",
    prompt="""Create matplotlib/seaborn charts:

ENVIRONMENT:
- Directory: /path/to/presentations
- Venv: pptx_env
- Install: matplotlib, seaborn if needed

CREATE: generate_charts.py producing PNGs:

CHART 1: Market Growth
- Bar chart showing current → future projections
- Color gradient matching palette
- 300 DPI, professional styling

CHART 2: Problem Statistics
- Pie chart showing fraud/problem percentages
- Red for problem, green for solution
- Clear percentage labels

CHART 3: Trend Over Time
- Line chart with smooth curve
- Milestone annotations
- Data points marked

All charts MUST:
- Use corporate colors: #1A2B4A, #00A7A0, #D4A76A
- High DPI (300) for print quality
- No default matplotlib styling
- Proper titles and labels
- Save to charts/ directory

Run script and return: "AGENT 3 COMPLETE - All charts in charts/"
"""
)

Launch all 3 in parallel:

• Single message with 3 Task invocations
• Agents complete simultaneously (~same time as 1)
• 3x speed improvement

Phase 4: Python Environment Setup

Virtual Environment Required:

cd "/path/to/presentations"
python3 -m venv pptx_env
source pptx_env/bin/activate
pip install python-pptx pillow matplotlib seaborn

Why venv? macOS has externally-managed-environment protection, pip3 install fails globally.

Phase 5: Key python-pptx Patterns

Background Shapes (Z-Order Layer 1):

def add_background_shape(slide, color, height_fraction=0.3):
    """Add colored background - RENDER FIRST"""
    shape = slide.shapes.add_shape(
        MSO_SHAPE.RECTANGLE,
        0, 0,
        Inches(10), Inches(7.5 * height_fraction)
    )
    shape.fill.solid()
    shape.fill.fore_color.rgb = color
    shape.line.fill.background()  # No border
    return shape

Title with Accent Bar (Z-Order Layer 2-3):

def add_title_with_accent(slide, title_text, subtitle_text=None):
    """Add title with teal accent bar"""
    # Accent bar (Layer 2)
    add_accent_bar(slide, TEAL, Inches(0.5), Inches(0.9),
                   Inches(0.15), Inches(0.7))

    # Title (Layer 3)
    title_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
        Inches(0.8), Inches(0.9),     # After accent bar
        Inches(8.0), Inches(1.0)      # Max width to prevent overflow
    )
    title_frame = title_box.text_frame
    title_frame.text = title_text
    title_frame.word_wrap = True  # CRITICAL for long titles

    # Style
    for p in title_frame.paragraphs:
        p.font.name = "Montserrat"
        p.font.size = Pt(34)
        p.font.color.rgb = NAVY
        p.font.bold = True

    # Subtitle (if provided)
    if subtitle_text:
        subtitle_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
            Inches(0.8), Inches(1.7),  # 0.7" gap from title
            Inches(8.0), Inches(0.6)
        )
        subtitle_frame = subtitle_box.text_frame
        subtitle_frame.text = subtitle_text
        subtitle_frame.word_wrap = True

        for p in subtitle_frame.paragraphs:
            p.font.name = "Open Sans"
            p.font.size = Pt(18)
            p.font.color.rgb = DARK_GRAY

Bullet Lists (ACTUAL BULLETS):

def add_bullet_list(slide, items, left, top, width, height):
    """Add formatted bullet list - NOT plain text"""
    textbox = slide.shapes.add_textbox(left, top, width, height)
    text_frame = textbox.text_frame
    text_frame.word_wrap = True

    for i, item in enumerate(items):
        # Create paragraph
        if i == 0:
            p = text_frame.paragraphs[0]
        else:
            p = text_frame.add_paragraph()

        # CRITICAL: This enables actual bullets
        p.text = item
        p.level = 0  # Level 0 = bullet, Level 1 = sub-bullet

        # Styling
        p.font.name = "Open Sans"
        p.font.size = Pt(15)  # Not 18, too large
        p.font.color.rgb = DARK_GRAY

        # Spacing (McKinsey best practice)
        p.space_before = Pt(8)
        p.space_after = Pt(8)
        p.line_spacing = 1.2  # 20% more than single-space

Stat Boxes:

def add_stat_box(slide, stat, label, left, top,
                 width=Inches(2.5), height=Inches(1.5)):
    """Statistics box with number + label"""
    # Background
    shape = slide.shapes.add_shape(
        MSO_SHAPE.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE,
        left, top, width, height
    )
    shape.fill.solid()
    shape.fill.fore_color.rgb = LIGHT_GRAY
    shape.line.fill.background()

    # Large number
    stat_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
        left, top + Inches(0.25),  # Padding from top
        width, Inches(0.7)
    )
    stat_frame = stat_box.text_frame
    stat_frame.text = stat

    for p in stat_frame.paragraphs:
        p.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
        p.font.name = "Montserrat"
        p.font.size = Pt(48)
        p.font.color.rgb = TEAL
        p.font.bold = True

    # Label
    label_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
        left, top + Inches(0.95),  # Below number
        width, Inches(0.5)
    )
    label_frame = label_box.text_frame
    label_frame.text = label
    label_frame.word_wrap = True

    for p in label_frame.paragraphs:
        p.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
        p.font.name = "Open Sans"
        p.font.size = Pt(14)
        p.font.color.rgb = DARK_GRAY

Phase 6: Design Best Practices (Research-Backed)

From McKinsey/BCG/Deloitte Analysis:

1. 6×6 Rule for Bullets

• Maximum 6 bullets per slide
• Maximum 6-8 words per bullet
• Condense verbose text aggressively

Before: "No Universal Standards: Fragmented markets lack unified verification protocols" After: "Fragmented markets lack unified verification standards" (7 words)

2. Visual Hierarchy

• Clear size differences: Title > Heading > Subhead > Body
• Minimum 1.5x size ratio between levels
• Use color to reinforce importance

3. Whitespace is King

• Generous margins prevent cramped feeling
• Better to split into 2 slides than cram 1
• Empty space signals professionalism

4. Typography Rules

• Sans-serif for screens (Arial, Calibri, Open Sans)
• Line spacing: 1.15-1.5 for body text
• Never below 14pt font size (readability)

5. Data Visualization

• Use charts for numbers, not text bullets
• Color-code for instant comprehension
• Professional styling (customize matplotlib defaults)

6. Consistency Throughout

• Same fonts, colors, spacing across all slides
• Reusable helper functions enforce this
• Predictable layouts aid comprehension

Phase 7: Common Issues & Fixes

Issue: Text Overflow / Titles Running Off

Symptoms:

• Titles cut off at right edge
• Text disappearing

Fix:

# Reduce title width
title_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
    Inches(0.8), Inches(0.9),
    Inches(8.0), Inches(1.0)  # Was 8.5, now 8.0
)

# Enable word wrap
title_frame.word_wrap = True

# Reduce font if still too large
p.font.size = Pt(34)  # Was 44

Issue: Overlapping Elements

Symptoms:

• Accent bars on top of text
• Backgrounds covering content

Fix:

# CORRECT Z-ORDER:
# 1. Backgrounds first
add_background_shape(slide, NAVY, 0.5)

# 2. Accent bars second
add_accent_bar(slide, GOLD, ...)

# 3. Text boxes last
title_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(...)

Issue: Poor Readability

Symptoms:

• Text feels cramped
• Hard to scan quickly

Fix:

# Reduce body text size
p.font.size = Pt(15)  # Not 18

# Increase line spacing
p.line_spacing = 1.2

# Add vertical spacing
p.space_before = Pt(8)
p.space_after = Pt(8)

Issue: Cramped Layouts

Symptoms:

• Elements touching each other
• No breathing room

Fix:

# Increase top margin
CONTENT_TOP = Inches(2.0)  # Was 1.8

# Add spacing between elements
stat_top = CONTENT_TOP + Inches(0.3)
bullet_top = stat_top + Inches(2.0) + Inches(0.3)  # 0.3" gap

Debugging Process:

1. User reports formatting issues
2. Read current generate script
3. Launch python-expert agent with specific fixes
4. Regenerate presentation
5. Open in PowerPoint and verify
6. Repeat until beautiful

Phase 8: Modular Architecture

Structure for Flexibility:

Core Pitch Deck (10 slides):

• Slide 1: Title / Hook
• Slide 2: Team
• Slide 3: Problem
• Slide 4: Market Opportunity
• Slide 5: Solution
• Slide 6: Proof (case study)
• Slide 7: Why Now
• Slide 8: Governance / How It Works
• Slide 9: Timeline / Roadmap
• Slide 10: Contact / CTA

Module A: Market Deep-Dive (3-5 slides):

• Detailed market analysis
• Competitive landscape
• Regulatory environment

Module B: Case Studies (3-5 slides):

• Detailed case study 1
• Detailed case study 2
• ROI analysis

Module C: Technical Details (3-5 slides):

• Architecture overview
• Integration pathways
• Security model

Module D: Commercial (2-3 slides):

• Pricing / Membership tiers
• Benefits breakdown
• Next steps

Benefits:

• Customize for audience (exec vs. technical)
• Remove/include modules as needed
• Easy to update individual sections

Phase 9: Iteration Protocol

First Generation:

• Expect issues (overlaps, overflow, spacing)
• Normal - first draft is never final

User Feedback:

• Listen for specific issues
• "Overlapping elements" → z-order fix
• "Titles running off" → width/font fix
• "No bullets" → p.level = 0 fix
• "Cramped" → spacing increase

Fix Pattern:

1. Identify specific problem
2. Launch python-expert agent with fix instructions
3. Regenerate
4. Verify in PowerPoint
5. Repeat 2-3 times typically

Quality Bar:

• No overlapping elements ✓
• No text overflow ✓
• Consistent spacing ✓
• Professional color usage ✓
• Actual bullets (not plain text) ✓
• Research-backed content ✓
• Clear narrative flow ✓

Research Checklist

Before designing, web search for:

• Topic-specific market data with years
• Real case studies with company names and results
• Industry trends and growth projections
• Competitive/alternative approaches
• Regulatory landscape and timeline
• Presentation design best practices (current year)
• Typography and spacing recommendations
• Color psychology for corporate presentations

Tools & Technologies

Required:

• python-pptx (PowerPoint generation)
• pillow (Image handling)

Optional but Recommended:

• matplotlib (Charts)
• seaborn (Statistical visualizations)
• pandas (Data for charts)

Environment:

• Python 3.8+
• Virtual environment (required on macOS)
• Works on macOS, Linux, Windows

Success Metrics

Visual Quality:

• No overlapping elements
• No text overflow
• Consistent spacing throughout
• Professional color usage
• Proper bullet formatting

Content Quality:

• Research-backed statistics
• Real case studies with results
• Clear narrative flow
• Actionable takeaways
• Quantified benefits

Technical Quality:

• Clean, readable code
• Reusable helper functions
• Fast generation (<30 seconds)
• Easy to modify/extend

Files Generated

Typical output:

• generate_presentation.py - Main generator
• case_studies_content.md - Research
• generate_charts.py - Chart generator
• charts/*.png - Visualization images
• Final_Presentation.pptx - Output deck

Reusability Pattern

To adapt for other presentations:

1. Clone structure

   • Copy generate_presentation.py template
   • Update DesignSystem colors/fonts
   • Modify slide generator functions

2. Research phase

   • Web search for new topic
   • Gather statistics, case studies
   • Create content markdown

3. Generate charts

   • Topic-specific visualizations
   • Match color palette
   • Export as PNG

4. Customize slides

   • Update slide functions
   • Keep helpers (generic)
   • Maintain consistency

5. Test & iterate

   • Generate → Review → Fix
   • User feedback loop
   • Polish until professional

Anti-Patterns

❌ Don't skip research - Generic content looks amateur ❌ Don't overcrowd slides - Violates 6×6 rule ❌ Don't use default colors - Creates amateur look ❌ Don't ignore z-order - Causes overlaps ❌ Don't use tiny fonts - Minimum 14pt ❌ Don't skip iteration - First draft never final ❌ Don't work sequentially - Use parallel agents

Key Learnings

Speed: Parallel agents = 3x faster than sequential Quality: Research-driven content >> guessing Design: Follow proven rules (6×6, hierarchy) Iteration: Expect 2-3 rounds of fixes Documentation: Capture process for reuse

Example Session Flow

1. User: "Transform presentation from zero to hero"
2. Extract current slides (unzip .pptx)
3. Ask requirements (AskUserQuestion)
4. Research topic (3-5 WebSearch queries)
5. Launch 3 parallel agents (single message)
6. Agents complete simultaneously
7. Generate initial presentation
8. User: "Overlapping elements, text overflow"
9. Fix formatting (python-expert agent)
10. Regenerate
11. User: "Better but bullets need work"
12. Research typography best practices
13. Fix bullets + spacing
14. Regenerate
15. User satisfied
16. Document as skill

This skill transforms good presentations into HERO-LEVEL decks through systematic research, parallel execution, and professional design principles.