Strategy Block

Decision Brief

A recommendation block that states the decision, options considered, and next move.

decision-brief1 slidebalanced density

Decision

Approve Option B

Show the recommended path beside the rejected alternatives.

Before

Option A

After

Option B

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OPF Config

blocks:decision-brief
Open Presentation Format
{
  "$schema": "https://pptx.dev/schema/opf/v1",
  "version": "1.0",
  "meta": {
    "title": "Decision Brief",
    "subtitle": "A recommendation block that states the decision, options considered, and next move.",
    "purpose": "Secure a clear decision with options and recommendation visible.",
    "narrative": {
      "id": "pyramid-principle"
    },
    "keyMessages": [
      "There are explicit choices.",
      "The recommendation is stated.",
      "Next action is defined."
    ],
    "tone": "formal",
    "tags": [
      "content-block",
      "decision-brief"
    ]
  },
  "design": {
    "colors": {
      "scheme": "slate-gray"
    },
    "fonts": {
      "scheme": "segoe-ui"
    },
    "background": {
      "type": "pattern",
      "color": "#faf8f5"
    },
    "layoutPreferences": {
      "density": "balanced",
      "alignment": "left",
      "animations": false,
      "slideNumbers": false
    }
  },
  "slides": [
    {
      "id": "decision-brief",
      "layout": "comparison",
      "section": "Decision Brief",
      "elements": [
        {
          "id": "decision-brief-title",
          "type": "text",
          "slot": "title",
          "content": {
            "text": "Approve Option B"
          },
          "style": {
            "fontSize": 34,
            "alignment": "left"
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "decision-brief-subtitle",
          "type": "text",
          "slot": "subtitle",
          "content": {
            "text": "Recommendation, tradeoffs, and next action."
          },
          "style": {
            "fontSize": 16,
            "lineHeight": 1.3
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "decision-brief-points",
          "type": "text",
          "slot": "body",
          "content": {
            "bullets": [
              "Option A: lower risk",
              "Option B: best value",
              "Option C: delayed impact"
            ]
          },
          "style": {
            "fontSize": 15,
            "lineHeight": 1.25
          }
        }
      ],
      "notes": "A recommendation block that states the decision, options considered, and next move."
    }
  ]
}
Open in OPF Playground

Preview this config live at pptx.dev/playground.

Use Case

Use when a presentation exists to secure approval or direction.

When to Use

For leadership meetings, board updates, steering committees, and prioritization reviews.

When to Avoid

Avoid when the presentation is informational and does not require a decision.

Block Structure

comparison

Approve Option B

Recommendation, tradeoffs, and next action.

  • -Option A: lower risk
  • -Option B: best value
  • -Option C: delayed impact

Best Practices

1

Put the recommendation in the headline.

2

State what happens after approval.

3

Use tradeoffs, not vague pros and cons.

Playground deep link: config=blocks:decision-brief