After this AI trick, my presentations changed forever!
Are you looking to take your presentation skills to the next level? Discover the significant power of AI with my latest YouTube tutorial! Explore essential tool
I rebuilt my presentation workflow after spending 2 hours on a deck that should've taken 30 minutes. The problem wasn't the slides — it was starting from a blank page without a clear argument structure. Once I added the SCQA framework and the prompts below, that same deck took 20 minutes and came out sharper.
This covers two tools — Magic Slide for Google Slides and Copilot Pro for Microsoft — but the real technique is the prompting sequence. The tools are just the execution layer.
The SCQA Framework
SCQA (Situation, Complication, Question, Answer) is the structure top consulting firms use for executive presentations. It forces you to build an argument, not just a list of slides.
- Situation — common ground, agreed-upon context the audience already accepts
- Complication — why the status quo is no longer acceptable; the pressure to act now
- Question — the specific question your complication raises
- Answer — your recommendation; how to resolve the complication
Get this structure right first. Everything else — design, transitions, animations — is secondary.
The 4 Prompts
Prompt 1 — Generate the SCQA outline
You are an expert in professional presentation. You consume the knowledge of a senior business analyst. Consider this for the rest of this conversation.
I'm preparing a presentation on [your topic].
Your task is to generate a structured outline for a 10-slide presentation using the Situation, Complication, Question, Answer (SCQA) framework used by top consulting firms. Each slide title should be specific, action-oriented, and highlight compelling data. Each slide should include 3 details supporting the slide title in bullet point format.
The goal is to convince the audience — [your audience description] — to [desired outcome].
Situation: Functions as a starting point and a common basis. Therefore it primarily contains recognizable and agreed points. Complication: Spells the reason for acting now. It contains threats / opportunities and the hurdles that need to be overcome. Question: Asks the question how the hurdles of the Complication can be overcome. How can we prevent the threat or seize the opportunity? Answer: Provides the answer on how to overcome the hurdles. Explains how this will help deflect the threats or seize the opportunities.
First, ask me 5 questions that will improve the response you will be giving me. Wait for my response before continuing.The "ask me 5 questions first" instruction is important — it prevents the model from making assumptions about your audience and context that you'd have to fix later.
Prompt 2 — Generate the Google Apps Script
Once you have the outline, use this to auto-populate a Google Slides deck:
Now, your task is to write a Google Apps Script that allows me to click a custom menu button from within a Google Slides presentation to generate these slides automatically.
Populate the slides using the slide title and supporting bullet points above.
There's no need to include placeholders. Make sure that all the text strings are defined as variables at the beginning of the code in a JSON-like format.
Remove all the comments. Confirm all functions you use in the code are real functions applicable to Google Slides.Paste the script into Google Slides via Extensions → Apps Script, run it, and the slides populate automatically.
Prompt 3 — Debug script errors
Scripts break. Use this when they do:
I ran into the following error after executing the script: [paste error here].
Your task is to fix this error, and share a revised script with the necessary corrections. Do not include presets and placeholders. Take your time and get this right. Think through this step by step.Prompt 4 — VBA for PowerPoint
If you're on Microsoft, swap the Apps Script prompt for this:
Now, your task is to write a VBA code that allows me to create a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint to generate these slides automatically.
Populate the slides using the slide title and supporting bullet points above.
There's no need to include placeholders. Make sure that all the text strings are defined as variables at the beginning of the code in a JSON-like format.
Remove all the comments. Confirm all functions you use in the code are real functions applicable to Microsoft PowerPoint.Free SCQA Template
I built a Google Slides SCQA template you can copy directly to your Drive. It has the 10-slide structure pre-built — just run the script and your content drops in.
Want to go deeper?
I work with SaaS companies, real-estate, finance, and regulated-industry teams on AI adoption. Book a 20-minute strategy call — no pitch, just a focused conversation about your situation.
I make videos like this when I have something worth explaining. Join AI Command Room and I'll let you know when the next one ships.