3 pt

8 Tips for
using Microsoft
Powerpoint
for Visualisting
Theories of Change

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 01
Choose the Right
Slide Layout
Open PowerPoint and start with a
blank slide.

Select a slide layout that suits

your ToC visualization needs.

Blank slides or ones with content

and title placeholders work well
for custom designs.

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02
Create Text Boxes
Use text boxes to label each
component of your ToC (inputs,
activities, outputs, outcomes, and
impact).
Go to the "Insert" tab and click
"Text Box."

Click and drag on the slide to create

a text box, then type in your labels.

Adjust the font size and style to

enhance readability.

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03
Add Shapes and Arrows
PowerPoint has a variety of arrow, connector and line tools to link
elements together and demonstrate causality, conditions,
interventions and other relationships within your model.

To insert a shape, go to the "Insert" tab, select "Shapes," and choose

the one that fits your purpose.

Experiment with different styles to accentuate certain flows. For

example, use plain arrows to show straightforward causality; chose
dotted lines and question marks where relationships have
uncertainty.

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 04
Call Out Explanations
PowerPoint text boxes allow you to call out
explanations, caveats and assumptions next to
diagram elements without cluttering your core
visual.

Use these judiciously to annotate and expand—

too many will overwhelm the graphic simplicity.
 05
SmartArt Graphics
For a more organized and visually appealing
ToC, consider using SmartArt graphics.

Go to the "Insert" tab, click on "SmartArt,"

and choose a graphic layout that aligns with
your ToC structure (e.g., a process flowchart
or hierarchy).

Enter your ToC elements into the SmartArt

graphic's text pane, which will automatically
create a visually pleasing diagram.

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06
Utilize Icons
and Symbols
Icons and symbols can provide
visual cues and enhance the
clarity of your ToC. You can
insert icons from PowerPoint's
library or import custom ones
to represent specific elements
within your ToC. For instance,
use a dollar sign icon for
financial inputs or a heart icon
for social impact.

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 07
Implement
Consistent
Color Coding
Color coding helps differentiate
ToC components and aids in
understanding. Maintain a
consistent color scheme
throughout your visualization.

For example, use green for

inputs, blue for activities, and
red for impact. Ensure that the
colors you choose are visually
appealing and not
overwhelming.

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 08
Keep It Simple and
Readable
Remember that simplicity is key. Avoid overcrowding your
slide with too much information or complex visuals.

Keep labels concise, use white space effectively, use

background color, frames and visual grouping wisely to
distinguish between layers or levels without
overcomplicating.

PowerPoint offers useful alignment guides, grouping

functions and multi-layered visual hierarchy to keep
things clean and accessible.

The aim is to ensure that your ToC is easily digestible by

your audience

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 Wish to see a live demonstration using
Powerpoint to design a Theory of Change? Join
the webinar on 12 December 2023

https://www.annmurraybrown.com/general-5