◆ PowerPoint · slides

Event Timeline

Show the client the timeline of events for case 21-CV-1034 — build a single timeline slide that marks complaint filing…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Show the client the timeline of events for case 21-CV-1034 — build a single timeline slide that…+
Show the client the timeline of events for case 21-CV-1034 — build a single timeline slide that marks complaint filing, discovery cutoff, motion deadlines, and the first hearing, with dates and one-line status notes so the client can see when key filings and hearings will happen.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before I send this timeline slide to Sarah, the lead counsel, make the sequence obvious —…+
Before I send this timeline slide to Sarah, the lead counsel, make the sequence obvious — emphasize upcoming dates in bold, flag any missed or at-risk deadlines in red, add a one-line consequence for each hearing that explains why it matters to the client's position.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Design Tab

The Design tab in Microsoft PowerPoint helps you create professional and visually appealing presentations by applying themes, layouts, and design suggestions.

  1. 1

    Go to File > Options > General.

  2. 2

    Scroll down to Design Suggestions.

  3. 3

    Enable "Automatically show me design ideas" and "Always show me design ideas."

  4. 4

    Select your first slide in your presentation.

  5. 5

    On the Design tab, select a theme you want.

    NoteThemes include colors, fonts, and effects.

  6. 6

    On the Design tab, select Design Suggestions (or Design Ideas).

    NoteThe Designer panel will open, showing various design options.

  7. 7

    Select the design you want from the Designer panel.

    Best practiceAvoid using default PowerPoint designs without customization to make your presentation stand out.

  8. 8

    On the Home tab, click New Slide.

  9. 9

    On the Home tab, click Layout to choose a slide layout.

    NoteYou can also select the theme slide layout on the Design tab.

  10. 10

    Continue adding content and applying design suggestions as needed.

Use the Design tab to quickly apply consistent branding and visual styles across your entire presentation.

PowerPoint's design features, including themes and layouts, can be programmatically applied and customized using VBA or Office Add-ins.

Glossary

words on this page
Design SuggestionsAn AI-powered feature that recommends professional design layouts for your slide content.ExampleYou type your slide content, and the feature offers various polished design templates to apply.
Design IdeasAn AI-powered feature that suggests layout and design improvements for your slides.ExampleAfter adding a few images and text, the feature suggests several professional layouts for your slide.
New SlideA command to insert a new slide into your presentation, typically following the current slide.ExampleClicking New Slide inserts a blank slide after your current one, ready for new content.
Add-insThird-party tools or features that extend PowerPoint's capabilities with new functions.ExampleYou install a poll add-in to conduct live surveys during your presentation.
LayoutThe arrangement of placeholders on a slide for titles, text, images, and other content.ExampleYou choose a slide Layout that places the title at the top and two content boxes side-by-side below it.

The real tasks

1 of them
Show the client the timeline of events so they understand when key filings and hearings will happen.

Who does this

1 roles
Legal Assistant

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in PowerPoint — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.