Short course
The Art of the Pitch Deck
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
01/03/2027 - 01/03/202709:00 - 17:00
Study format:
Short intensive
Fees:
£695.00
Writing, designing, and presenting a compelling pitch deck is a crucial skill for any startup founder or entrepreneur seeking investment. A well-designed pitch deck signals a clear business vision and captures the interest of potential investors.
This course is designed to help you understand the structures that investors look on favourably. It also teaches you how to articulate the problems you want to solve by understanding the influence of excellence in visual, written, and spoken communication.
In exploring visual communication, you will explore why design matters in business, the principles behind creating an impactful presentation, and strategies for conveying complex ideas using data visualisation.
In written communication, you will learn how to write with clarity and concision, build a strong narrative thread, and use simplicity to make your message more powerful.
In the spoken communication module, you will develop ways to open and close a pitch with impact, use persuasive and non-verbal communication effectively, and apply the 3 rules of 3.
The final part of the course is practical. You will bring your learning together by preparing a 5-minute presentation of your business idea. You will then present this to the course facilitator and your peers, who will share constructive feedback.
By the end of the course, you will have a clear understanding of how to structure your pitch deck, what will make it memorable, and how to psychologically engage with potential investors.
Book this course
The registration deadline for this course is 1pm UK time on 15 February 2027, or when the course is fully booked – whichever occurs first. You can sign up for course news for updates on future courses.
Course aims
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The course is suitable for anyone with a business idea they feel will benefit from investment from a private investor, a bank or a venture capitalist. This could be pre-seed, seed or a Series A, B or C venture round.
The course is relevant to anyone who:
- Is looking to raise investment for a business idea
- Is unfamiliar with how to structure a pitch deck
- Wants to know how to engage potential investors
- Wants to know how to raise the quality of their presentation
- Wants to improve their pitch deck presentation skills
- Is looking for theoretical and practical pitch deck advice.
Programme details
Module 1: Pitch Deck Structures & Appearance
- What investors don’t want
- Being investment stage specific
- Structures & templates (Sequoia & Y Combinator)
- What each slide should aim to do
- Why design matters
- CRAP Design Principle
- Working with designers
Module 2: Written & Spoken Communication
- Clarity & Concision
- Applying SAS Communication
- Creating a memorable narrative
- The Power of ‘You’
- Presentation skills essentials
- The 3 Rules of 3
- The art of persuasion
- Opening & Closing techniques
- Non-verbal communication
- Managing nerves
Module 3: Pitch Deck Preparation (Practical)
- Preparation of a 5-minute pitch deck based on Modules 1 – 2
- Facilitator and peer support
Module 4: Pitch Deck Delivery (Practical)
- Delivery of 5-minute presentation
- Facilitator and peer feedback
Joe Pélissier
Joe Pélissier is a branding and communications consultant who designs award winning training programmes across multiple formats. He began his career at Video Arts, the innovative training film company founded by John Cleese. Since 2007, in addition to writing web content, he has advised and trained teams on their written and spoken digital communication skills. His international client base includes the European Council, Commission and Parliament, Sony PlayStation, England Rugby, Nespresso, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Joe is also a mentor to founders, entrepreneurs and directors looking for an external perspective on their marketing, branding and communication strategies. He speaks French and Italian.
To be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criterion will be emailed a link and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate after the end of the course.
The certificate will show your name, the course title, and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | £695.00 |
Payment
Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunch. The price does not include accommodation.
All courses are VAT exempt.
Register immediately online
Click the ‘Book now’ button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.
Request an invoice
If you require an invoice for your company or organisation, please email business@conted.ox.ac.uk to request an online enrolment form. Payment is then accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer.
Recommended reading
Pitch Anything, Oren Klaff
The Art of the Pitch, Peter Coughter
The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, Carmine Gallo,
Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations, Nancy Duart
Essential pitch deck structure – Pitch.com
Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.
To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website.
Enrolled students are entitled to discounted accommodation rates for the purpose of study, at Rewley House, and can contact the administration team for the promotional code to use for making online accommodation bookings via the website.
Module code: O26C069M8Y
Please apply by clicking the ‘Book Now’ button below.
If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please email us at business@conted.ox.ac.uk.