How to Design the Partnership Slide [Credibility & Collaboration]
- Ink Narrates | The Presentation Design Agency
- May 14, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Our client, Craig, asked us an interesting question while we were building his pitch deck:
“I’m not sure… should the partnership slide show who we’ve worked with or why someone should work with us?”
Our Creative Director replied instantly,
“Both are valid, they just serve different goals.”
As a presentation design agency, we see this confusion all the time: most people don’t even realize there are two types of partnership slides. And knowing how to design them effectively is an entirely different challenge.
So, in this blog, we’ll break down the difference between the two partnership slides, help you decide which one your presentation needs, and share how to write and design one that tells your story right.
In case you didn't know, we specialize in only one thing: making presentations. We can help you by designing your slides and writing your content too.
The 2 Types of Partnership Slides
Broadly, there are two kinds: “Our Partners” and “Why Partner With Us.
The “Our Partners” slide is your credibility card.
It tells people who already trusts you, helping your audience feel confident that you’re legit and experienced. You’ll usually see this in investor decks, company profiles, or brand overviews.
The “Why Partner With Us” slide, on the other hand, is your invitation card.
It’s not about who you’ve worked with; it’s about what you can achieve together. This version belongs in sales decks, proposals, or collaborations where you’re trying to win someone over.
The key is to know which story you’re telling (proof or potential). Mix them up, and your message gets lost somewhere between the past and the promise.
Which One Should You Choose
When it comes to partnership slides, the biggest mistake most teams make is trying to use one slide for every scenario. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a brainstorming session: impressive, but out of place.
The truth is, your goal decides which type of partnership slide you should use. Are you trying to build trust? Or are you trying to build interest? Those two things need very different storytelling styles.
Here’s a quick way to decide which one fits your deck:
Type | Purpose | Use It When | Content Focus | Tone |
Our Partners | Builds credibility and trust | You want to show who already works with you (investor decks, company intros) | Logos, short notes on collaborations, measurable outcomes | Established, confident |
Why Partner With Us | Attracts new collaborations | You’re pitching or inviting potential partners (proposals, sales decks) | Value proposition, strengths, shared goals, future opportunities | Persuasive, forward-looking |
Once you’re clear on the goal, everything else (the visuals, tone, and structure) starts falling into place. The slide stops being filler and starts being a reason to believe.
First, we’ll walk you through how to design the “Our Partners” slide. Then, we’ll dive into the “Why Partner With Us” slide. If you’re more interested in the first part, feel free to scroll ahead to the second part.
How to Design the "Our Partners" slide
The “Our Partners” slide is one of the most overused and misunderstood slides in any deck. Most people treat it like a trophy wall, a grid of logos that says, “Look who we’ve worked with!” But that’s not design; that’s decoration.
If you want this slide to actually say something, you need to treat it like a story, not a gallery. Here’s how.
1. Start with the story, not the logos
Ask yourself: What do these partnerships say about us? Maybe they show your scale, your credibility, or your niche expertise. Pick one theme and build the slide around that.
For example, instead of dumping logos, group them under a simple idea:
“Trusted by Industry Leaders”
“Collaboration Across Sectors”
“Partners Who Share Our Vision”
This small shift turns random names into a clear, structured message.
2. Add context, briefly
A logo wall without context is just noise. Add one line that explains what the partnership achieved.
For example:
Spotify – Designed their internal innovation pitch deck
Deloitte – Created a leadership storytelling framework
Even two or three examples like these instantly make the slide feel purposeful.
3. Keep the layout balanced
Avoid packing twenty logos in one frame. It looks cluttered and feels insecure. Aim for 6 to 9 logos at most, spaced evenly with consistent sizing. Use white space as your ally. It signals confidence and professionalism.
If you have many partnerships, split them into categories or spread them across multiple slides. Give your viewer breathing room to process.
4. Use typography that supports, not competes
Your text should guide the eye, not fight for attention. A clean sans-serif font works best for this kind of slide, such as Helvetica, Inter, or Source Sans. Keep the logo text minimal (around 16–20pt for headings, 12–14pt for subtext) and let the visuals do the work.
Make sure your title establishes hierarchy. A heading like “Our Partners” or “Trusted by Leading Brands” should clearly stand out.
5. Stick to one design style
Nothing breaks credibility faster than inconsistent logo treatments. Some are colored, others grayscale, some outlined. Pick one visual style and stay consistent.
Use monotone or grayscale logos for a sophisticated, minimal look.
Use full-color logos only if they fit your brand palette and work well together.
Your goal is to look cohesive, not loud.
6. Make it feel like real credibility, not a collection
If your partnerships represent real work, don’t hide that behind logos. Add a small note or image that hints at the outcome: a project photo, a short testimonial, or a measurable result. It makes your credibility earned, not borrowed.
When your audience looks at this slide, they shouldn’t just think, “They’ve worked with big names.” They should think, “They’ve done meaningful work with respected brands.”
How to Design the “Why Partner With Us” Slide
If the “Our Partners” slide is about your past, the “Why Partner With Us” slide is about your future. It’s not there to show who already trusts you; it’s there to make someone want to.
This slide answers one simple question: Why should I choose you over anyone else? And your answer needs to sound confident, not desperate.
Here’s how to build it.
1. Start with your value, not your vision
Most teams open with big, vague statements like “We believe in collaboration and innovation.” That sounds good but says very little. Start instead with your unique value, the thing that makes you a genuinely strong partner.
For example:
“We turn complex ideas into stories people understand.”
“We bring design clarity to high-stakes business conversations.”
The clearer your value, the faster you earn attention.
2. Focus on what’s in it for them
This is not your résumé. It’s your invitation. Frame your strengths as benefits to the partner, not features of your team.
Instead of:
“We have a decade of experience in creative strategy.”
Try:
“You get a team that knows how to simplify strategy into ideas that actually sell.”
You are showing how your expertise helps them win. That’s what makes a partnership appealing.
3. Use structure that builds momentum
The most effective “Why Partner With Us” slides read like a story, not a showcase. Use a simple three-part structure that guides your audience:
What makes us different – One or two clear strengths.
What we bring to partnerships – Your process, mindset, or values.
What we can create together – The outcome or opportunity you are offering.
This format keeps your message directional and focused on a shared future.
4. Design for persuasion, not presentation
This slide should feel open, warm, and forward-looking. Avoid grid layouts or logo clusters. Use visual storytelling instead: a strong headline, short text, and an image that captures connection, teamwork, or creativity.
Use color to express energy and optimism. Warm tones or your brand accent colors can help draw attention. Keep text concise, ideally under 60 words. Give your design room to breathe so your words carry weight.
5. Make typography human
Typography here should feel approachable, not formal. Pick a clean, modern typeface that reflects confidence without stiffness. Slightly larger text (around 20–24pt for headlines) helps each line feel intentional and memorable.
Think of your typography as a tone of voice; calm, assured, and conversational.
6. Close with possibility, not pressure
End with a statement that looks toward what could be built together. Avoid lines like “We’d love to work with you.” Instead, say something like:
“Let’s explore what we can build together.”
“Imagine what this partnership could unlock.”
A great “Why Partner With Us” slide does not push. It invites. It makes your audience believe that working with you is not just logical but genuinely exciting.
3 Things to Know When Presenting Your Partnership Slide Live
1. Speak in stories, not stats
Pick one or two examples and talk about what those partnerships achieved, not how big the brand is. A short, genuine story is more memorable than a dozen logos. For example:
“We helped a client transform their onboarding experience, which ended up doubling their customer engagement.”
That’s what sticks, the human result behind the logo.
2. Make it about them
If you’re pitching to a potential partner, connect your past collaborations to their world. Say things like, “We see a similar opportunity in your space” or “This is how we’d approach something like your challenge.”
It shifts the focus from “Look what we did” to “Here’s what we can do together.”
3. Let the slide breathe
When the slide appears, pause. Give your audience a few seconds to take it in before you start speaking. Then, talk naturally.
Avoid reading from the slide; use it as a backdrop to your story.
Your presence should carry the message, not your visuals. The slide is proof. You’re the persuasion.
FAQ: I don’t have big-name partners. How do I still make this slide look credible?
It’s not about size; it’s about significance. You can highlight meaningful collaborations that show the kind of partner you are, even if the brand isn’t globally known. Focus on what you achieved together (the challenge, the impact, or the insight gained).
Design-wise, treat smaller logos or case visuals with the same level of respect you would a global brand. Clean layouts, thoughtful captions, and balanced white space make the slide look confident and intentional. Credibility comes from clarity, not celebrity.
FAQ: I’m worried my partnership slide will sound too generic. How do I make it stand out?
Specificity is your best friend here. Avoid buzzwords like “innovative” or “strategic.” Instead, describe what you actually do differently. Maybe it’s how you communicate, your creative process, or the way you measure success. One or two authentic differentiators beat ten generic claims.
Visually, give each point breathing space. Pair short, strong sentences with imagery that reflects your energy, not stock icons. The more your slide feels like you, the less it will sound like everyone else.
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