[Ian Investor]

Hello — I have lesson notes (text and a few images) and want a simple, reliable AI workflow to turn them into professional slide decks (PowerPoint or Google Slides). I’m not technical and prefer tools and steps that are easy to follow.

Specifically, I’m looking for guidance on:

• Which tools to use (free or low cost, e.g., ChatGPT, Canva, Google Slides, PowerPoint)
• Step-by-step workflow from notes → slides (including formatting, slide count, and speaker notes)
• Helpful prompts or templates I can copy and paste
• Tips for visuals (images, icons, charts) and quick polishing

If you’ve done this before, could you share a short example workflow or a prompt that worked well? Practical, beginner-friendly tips and common pitfalls to avoid would be especially helpful. Thank you!

[Jeff Bullas]

Good point — turning lesson notes into a slide deck is one of the highest-leverage tasks for teachers and trainers. It saves time and focuses your message.

Why this works: AI handles structure and first drafts. You keep the human touch: clarity, context and personality. Quick wins are possible in 30–90 minutes for a short lesson.

What you’ll need

• Clear lesson notes (bullet points or a short script).
• An AI text tool (Chat-style model) you can paste prompts into.
• A slide editor (PowerPoint, Google Slides or similar).
• Optional: simple image library or AI image tool for visuals.

Step-by-step workflow

1. Prep your notes: reduce to 3–7 key ideas. One idea = one slide.
2. Ask AI for a slide outline: get slide titles, 2–4 bullets each, and one-sentence speaker notes.
3. Refine content: edit bullets to match your voice and accuracy.
4. Add visuals: ask AI for image keywords per slide, then add icons/images.
5. Build slides: paste titles and bullets into your slide editor, add visuals and consistent fonts.
6. Rehearse: read speaker notes aloud, trim text and time each slide.

Do / Do not checklist

• Do keep one idea per slide.
• Do use 3–5 bullets, 6–8 words each.
• Do add a one-line speaker note to guide delivery.
• Do not crowd slides with full paragraphs.
• Do not skip fact-checking or localizing examples.

Copy-paste AI prompt (use as-is)

Convert the following lesson notes into a 6-slide presentation. For each slide, provide: a slide title, 3 concise bullet points (6–10 words each), a one-sentence speaker note, and 2 suggested image keywords. Keep language simple and friendly for an audience over 40. Lesson notes: “Why sleep matters; sleep stages; tips for better sleep; common sleep disruptions; when to seek help; quick bedtime routine.”

Worked example (short)

• Slide 1 — Why sleep matters
  • Restores body and mind
  • Improves memory and focus
  • Supports immune health
  • Speaker note: Briefly explain benefits and a quick stat.
  • Images: “sleep health”, “resting person”
• Slide 2 — Sleep stages
  • NREM: light to deep sleep
  • REM: dreaming and memory
  • Cycle repeats ~90 minutes
  • Speaker note: Use a simple analogy — ladder of sleep.
  • Images: “sleep cycle diagram”, “brain at night”

Mistakes & fixes

• Too much text — fix: cut bullets to 3 short phrases and move details to speaker notes.
• Generic images — fix: use image keywords matched to slide topic.
• AI errors or vagueness — fix: verify facts and add local examples.

Action plan (30–90 minute session)

1. 10 minutes: edit notes to 5–7 key points.
2. 10 minutes: run the AI prompt and get the outline.
3. 20–40 minutes: paste into slides, add images, adjust design.
4. 10 minutes: rehearse and trim.

Reminder: Aim for clarity, not perfection. Use AI to accelerate structure; your voice and examples make the deck memorable.

[aaron]

Good point — AI is great at the structure and first draft; your role is to add clarity and context.

Quick case: teachers and trainers can turn raw lesson notes into a 6–12 slide deck in under 60 minutes, then polish delivery in 10–20 minutes. That’s high leverage.

Problem: Notes are messy, slides are crowded, and non-technical users don’t know the shortest path from ideas to presentation-ready slides.

Why this matters: Faster slide creation saves time, improves learner attention, and lets you focus on examples and delivery — the parts that change outcomes.

What I’ve learned: Keep one idea per slide, move detail to speaker notes, and use AI to produce a repeatable outline (title, 3 bullets, one-line speaker note, image keywords). That pattern scales.

What you’ll need

• Lesson notes (bullet form or 200–400 word script)
• Chat-style AI tool (copy/paste prompt)
• Slide editor (PowerPoint / Google Slides)
• Optional: simple image library or AI image generator

Step-by-step (fast workflow)

1. Prep (10 min): Cut notes to 4–7 key ideas. One idea = one slide. Expect: a 6-slide skeleton.
2. Run AI for outline (5–10 min): Paste the prompt below. You’ll get slide titles, 3 bullets each, speaker notes, image keywords and suggested slide timing.
3. Edit voice & accuracy (10–20 min): Replace jargon, add local examples, verify facts.
4. Assemble slides (15–30 min): Paste titles/bullets into slides, add 1 visual/image per slide, set consistent font and template.
5. Rehearse (10–15 min): Read speaker notes aloud, time each slide, cut content to hit your total time.

Copy-paste AI prompt (use as-is)

Convert these lesson notes into a 6-slide presentation for an audience aged 40+. For each slide provide: slide title, 3 concise bullets (6–10 words each), 1 one-sentence speaker note, 2 image keywords, and a suggested slide duration in seconds. Keep tone clear, practical, and friendly. Lesson notes: “[PASTE YOUR NOTES HERE]”

What to expect: 8–60 minutes to a first-pass deck depending on length; visual polish + rehearsal adds 15–30 minutes.

Metrics to track (use these KPIs)

• Time to first draft (target: <60 minutes)
• Slides per lesson (target: 4–8)
• Average words per slide (target: <20)
• Rehearsal time per slide (target: 30–90 seconds)
• Learner engagement proxy: Qs per session or post-training survey score

Common mistakes & fixes

• Too many ideas on one slide — fix: split into two slides or move detail to notes.
• Generic images — fix: use the image keywords AI provided and pick photos showing context.
• Blind trust in AI facts — fix: quick fact-check and add a local example.
• Overlong speaker notes — fix: reduce to a single prompt sentence plus one example.

1-week action plan (practical)

1. Day 1: Pick one lesson, edit notes to 5 key points (10–15 min).
2. Day 2: Run the AI prompt, review the outline (10–20 min).
3. Day 3: Build slides and add visuals (30–45 min).
4. Day 4: Rehearse and time delivery; tweak speaker notes (15–20 min).
5. Day 5: Deliver to a small group or record and collect feedback (20–30 min).
6. Days 6–7: Iterate based on feedback; create a template for future lessons.

Keep it simple: structure + human examples = effective slides.

Your move.

[Jeff Bullas]

Great point — your clear, repeatable pattern (one idea per slide; title + 3 bullets + one-line speaker note) is exactly the high-leverage move. Here’s a compact, practical add-on that helps non-technical users get from notes to a polished deck fast.

Quick context: Aim for speed and clarity. Use AI for structure and drafts. You keep the teaching: examples, tone, verification.

What you’ll need

• Lesson notes (bullets or a 200–400 word script)
• Any chat-style AI tool you can paste prompts into
• Slide editor (PowerPoint or Google Slides)
• Optional: image library or simple AI image generator

Step-by-step workflow (30–60 minutes)

1. Prep (10 min): Edit notes down to 4–7 key ideas. One idea = one slide.
2. Generate outline (5–10 min): Use the prompt below to get slide titles, 3 bullets, one-sentence speaker note, 2 image keywords, and suggested timing.
3. Quick edit (10–20 min): Swap jargon for everyday language, add a local example, and fact-check one or two claims.
4. Build slides (10–20 min): Paste titles and bullets into slides, add one image per slide, use a clean font and consistent layout.
5. Rehearse (10 min): Read speaker notes aloud; trim to hit your total time.

Copy-paste AI prompt (use as-is)

Convert these lesson notes into a 6-slide presentation for an audience aged 40+. For each slide provide: slide title, 3 concise bullets (6–10 words each), 1 one-sentence speaker note, 2 image keywords, and suggested slide duration in seconds. Keep tone clear, practical, friendly, and suitable for in-person or recorded delivery. Lesson notes: “[PASTE YOUR NOTES HERE]”

Worked example (3-slide extract)

• Slide 1 — Why sleep matters
  • Restores brain and body overnight
  • Boosts memory and focus next day
  • Supports immune and heart health
  • Speaker note: Mention one local stat or simple story.
  • Images: “sleep health”, “resting person”
• Slide 2 — Simple bedtime routine
  • Same bedtime each night
  • Wind down 30 minutes before bed
  • Avoid screens and caffeine late
  • Speaker note: Give one example routine you use.
  • Images: “bedtime routine”, “no screens”

Common mistakes & fixes

• Too much text — fix: move detail to speaker notes and keep 3 bullets only.
• Generic visuals — fix: use the image keywords AI suggested or pick a contextual photo.
• Trusting AI facts blindly — fix: quick fact-check and add a local example.

Action plan (one-session)

1. 10 min: Narrow notes to 5 key ideas.
2. 10 min: Run AI prompt and review output.
3. 25 min: Build slides, add visuals, set font/template.
4. 10 min: Rehearse and trim.

Reminder: Use AI to do the heavy lifting on structure. Your clarity, examples and voice turn a draft into teaching that sticks. Try one lesson today and iterate — small wins scale fast.

[aaron]

Yes — that pattern (one idea per slide; title + 3 bullets + one-line note) is the leverage point. Here’s a faster, tighter version with a couple of pro moves to eliminate formatting friction and keep your slides within a clear “slide budget.”

5‑minute quick win: Paste the prompt below into your AI tool with your notes. You’ll get a clean, ready-to-paste slide skeleton that respects word counts and timing.

Copy-paste AI prompt (use as-is)

Turn the following lesson notes into a presentation outline for an audience aged 40+. Output exactly 6 slides separated by lines of three dashes (—). For each slide, provide: Title (Title Case), Three bullets (6–8 words each, sentence case), One sentence speaker note (max 18 words), Two image keywords, Suggested slide duration in seconds. Keep language plain, friendly, and specific. Total talk time target: 7 minutes. Notes: [PASTE YOUR NOTES]

Problem: Most people lose time formatting, over-write bullets, and exceed their talk time. The result: crowded slides and rushed delivery.

Why it matters: A consistent slide budget + structured AI output cuts build time by half, improves attention, and makes delivery calmer and clearer.

What works (lesson learned): Two-pass prompting with constraints wins. Pass 1 creates a tight skeleton. Pass 2 adjusts tone, examples, and accuracy. Then import to slides in one go.

Steps (from notes to deck)

1. Set your slide budget (1 min): Choose total talk time. Rule of thumb: 60–75 seconds per slide. Example: 7 minutes → 6 slides.
2. Generate the skeleton (3–5 min): Use the prompt above. Expect: 6 tidy slide blocks, each with 3 short bullets, one speaker note, image keywords, and timing.
3. Voice & accuracy pass (5–10 min): Run this follow-up prompt on the AI output: “Rewrite bullets in plain language for adults 40+, swap any jargon, add one local example in each speaker note, keep word counts the same.” Quick fact-check one claim.
4. Import fast (5–10 min): Copy Titles and bullets into your slide editor. Pick one clean theme, large fonts (Title 36–44pt, Bullets 24–28pt), high contrast. Add one image per slide using the provided keywords.
5. Rehearse and trim (10 min): Read notes aloud. If you exceed time, remove the weakest bullet, not the whole slide.

Insider trick: frictionless import

• Paste each slide’s Title + bullets into a blank slide (Title and Content layout). This is faster than designing first.
• Use one visual style across all slides (e.g., “simple flat icon, high contrast”). Your image keywords already cue this.
• Keep bullets visually scannable: one line each; avoid wrapping.

Premium prompt (polish pass)

Audit and tighten this slide outline. Enforce: 3 bullets per slide, 6–8 words each; remove filler words; convert vague verbs to specific ones; ensure every speaker note includes one practical example or question. Flag any bullet exceeding 8 words and rewrite it shorter. Return the revised slides using the same format.

What to expect: 10–15 minutes to a clean outline; 15–25 minutes to build slides and visuals; 10 minutes to rehearse. Total: ~40–50 minutes for a 6-slide lesson.

Metrics to track (results & KPIs)

• Time to first draft (target: <15 minutes)
• Total build time to delivery-ready (target: <50 minutes)
• Slides per 10 minutes of talk (target: 7–10)
• Average words per slide (target: <20 total)
• % slides with one visual (target: 100%)
• Rehearsal time variance vs plan (target: ±10%)
• Learner engagement proxy: number of questions or a one-question post-session rating

Common mistakes & fixes

• Bullets too long — Fix: “Compress each bullet to 6–8 words; keep verb first.”
• Generic images — Fix: Add context words to keywords (e.g., “bedtime routine, no screens, warm light”).
• Over-stuffed slides — Fix: Move extra detail to the speaker note; never exceed 3 bullets.
• Inconsistent tone — Fix: “Rewrite for adults 40+: clear, respectful, zero slang.”
• Time overrun — Fix: Cut one bullet per slide first; don’t read notes verbatim.

1‑week action plan

1. Day 1: Pick one lesson. Run the skeleton prompt. Set slide budget.
2. Day 2: Voice & accuracy pass; add one local example per slide.
3. Day 3: Build slides with one clean theme; add images via keywords.
4. Day 4: Rehearse with a timer; trim to hit time.
5. Day 5: Deliver to a small group; collect one-line feedback.
6. Day 6: Apply feedback; save this deck as your reusable template.
7. Day 7: Repeat process on a second lesson; aim to beat your build time by 20%.

Bonus: copy-paste prompt for images

For each slide title and bullets below, suggest one image concept that is simple, high-contrast, and context-specific. Return: Slide number, Image concept (7–10 words), Alt text (under 12 words), and a short keyword string for search.

Pick one lesson and run the skeleton prompt now. The structure does the heavy lifting; you supply the clarity and examples that make it stick.

[Steve Side Hustler]

Nice call — the slide budget and two-pass approach are exactly the parts that save time and keep your delivery calm. Here’s a compact, actionable micro-workflow you can run in a single, focused session when you’re short on time.

What you’ll need

• Lesson notes reduced to 4–7 ideas (bullets or a short paragraph).
• Any chat-style AI tool you can type into.
• Slide editor (PowerPoint or Google Slides).
• Optional: simple image library or image search for one photo/icon per slide.

20-minute power session (fast first draft)

1. Set the slide budget (1 min): Pick total talk time and divide by 60–75 seconds per slide. e.g., 6 slides for a 7-minute talk.
2. Prep notes (4 min): Trim to 4–7 key ideas, one idea = one slide. Write each idea as a single short sentence.
3. Ask the AI for a skeleton (5 min): Request slide titles, 3 short bullets, and one-line speaker note per slide. Keep tone plain and practical for adults 40+ (don’t paste long prompts — keep it conversational).
4. Quick edit (5 min): Replace jargon, add one local example to a speaker note, and flag any questionable fact for a fast check.
5. Import fast (5 min): Paste Title + bullets into blank slides (Title & Content layout). Add one image per slide using the AI’s image keywords or a quick search.

Polish session (optional — +20–30 min)

1. Set fonts: Title 36–44pt, Bullets 24–28pt; use high contrast.
2. Run a second AI pass to tighten language and add a practical example to each speaker note.
3. Rehearse with a timer; trim by removing the weakest bullet first if you overrun.

What to expect

• 20 minutes → usable first draft (titles, bullets, speaker notes).
• 40–60 minutes → delivery-ready slides with visuals and rehearsal.
• Cleaner slides, clearer delivery, and a reusable template for next lessons.

Common friction & quick fixes

1. Bullets too long — shorten to 6–8 words and start with a verb.
2. Generic images — add context words (location, object, mood) to the keywords.
3. Time overrun — cut one bullet per slide rather than a whole slide.

Micro-habit: run the 20-minute power session once this week on a single lesson. Keep the skeleton as a template — speed comes from repetition, not perfect first drafts.

[Author]

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