Step by step

How to use it

1. Open ChatGPT, select Plugins, then search for Canva and connect it.

2. Start a new chat and attach your research notes, results, or meeting document.

3. Type @Canva, then paste the prompt below and replace every bracketed section.

4. Review the proposed slide outline before asking Canva to generate the presentation.

5. Open the draft in Canva. Check every claim, citation, date, and number before presenting.

Copy-ready prompt

Paste this into ChatGPT

Use @Canva to create a comprehensive research progress presentation for my upcoming meeting with my [PhD advisor, thesis supervisor, capstone advisor, or committee].

Research title: [Insert title]
Field or program: [Insert field]
Purpose of the meeting: [Progress update, proposal review, comprehensive review, results discussion, or decision meeting]
Audience: [Insert audience]
Target length: [8-12 slides]
Presentation time: [Insert number] minutes

Use only the information in the files and notes I provide. Do not invent findings, citations, numerical results, dates, or completed work. Clearly label missing information as "To be added" and flag any statement that needs verification.

Organize the presentation as follows:
1. Title and meeting purpose
2. Research problem and why it matters
3. Gap in the existing literature or practice
4. Research objectives and research questions
5. Data, study design, or methodology
6. Work completed since the previous meeting
7. Preliminary findings or current results
8. Challenges, limitations, or blockers
9. Next steps with a realistic timeline
10. Questions and decisions I need from my advisor

For every slide:
- Use a clear, conclusion-style title rather than a generic topic label.
- Keep the text concise and presentation-friendly.
- Recommend an appropriate visual, such as a process diagram, timeline, comparison table, or chart.
- Add brief speaker notes explaining what I should say.
- Preserve technical accuracy and use terminology appropriate for an academic audience.

Use a clean academic design with a white background, deep-purple accents, readable fonts, consistent spacing, and minimal decoration. Avoid generic stock photos, excessive icons, crowded slides, and unsupported claims.

First show me the proposed slide outline. Wait for my approval before generating the Canva presentation.

For a stronger result

• Attach your research document, latest results, and notes from your previous meeting.
• Shorten the deck if your meeting is under 10 minutes.
• Adjust the slide order to match what your advisor usually asks for.

Check before you present

AI can organize your material, but you are responsible for the academic accuracy. Verify every claim, citation, number, date, and result in the final slides.

Before you use the result

• Check names, dates, links and every factual claim against your original material.
• Keep private contact details out of anything you publish.
• Edit the draft so it reflects your experience and intended audience.