Start learning PowerPoint right from the beginning. Your first PowerPoint presentation does not have to be an intimidating process. With every skill you mastered in the past, you were a beginner once. Learning how to use PowerPoint is no different. Everyone has to start at the beginning, and luckily for you, PowerPoint is a really easy software to learn. Let's get started.
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© Wendy Russell
There are terms that are specific to presentation software types of programs. The nice part is that once you learn terms specific to PowerPoint, those same terms are used in many other similar software programs, so they are easily transferable.
- The 10 Most Common PowerPoint 2007 Terms
- The 10 Most Common PowerPoint Terms (earlier versions)
The Best Laid Plans ...
© Jeffrey Coolidge/Getty Images
Most people just start diving right in and try to write their presentation as they go. However, the best presenters don't work that way. They start at the most obvious place.
Opening PowerPoint for the First Time
Screen shot © Wendy Russell
Your first view of PowerPoint actually looks pretty bland. There is one large page, called a slide. Every presentation should begin with a title and so PowerPoint presents you with a title slide. Simply type your text into the text boxes provided.
Click the New Slide button and you will be presented with a blank slide with placeholders for a title and lists of text. This is the default slide layout but it is only one of many selections. There are many options to choose from for the way you want your slide to look.
PowerPoint 2007
• Slide Layouts in PowerPoint 2007
• Different Ways to View PowerPoint 2007 Slides
PowerPoint 2003 (and earlier)
• PowerPoint Slide Layouts
• Different Ways to View PowerPoint Slides
Dress Up Your Slides
Screen shot © Wendy Russell
If this is your first PowerPoint presentation, you are probably a little intimidated that it will not look attractive. So, why not make it easy on yourself and use one of PowerPoint's many design themes (PowerPoint 2007) or design templates (PowerPoint 2003 and earlier) to keep your presentation looking coordinated and professional? Choose a design that fits your topic and you are ready to go.
What Makes a Successful Presentation?
Image - Microsoft Online Clip Gallery
Always remember that the audience did not come to see your PowerPoint presentation. They came to see you. You are the presentation -- PowerPoint is the helper to get your message across. These tips will help get you on the road to making an effective and successful presentation.
Shutterbug Alert
Screen shot © Wendy Russell
Just like that old cliché says -- "a picture is worth a thousand words". Make your presentation have impact, by adding at least a few slides that include only pictures to make your point.
Optional - Add a Chart to Express Your Data
Screen shot © Wendy Russell
If your presentation is all about data, then with the picture idea in mind, add a chart of that same data instead of text. Most people are visual learners, so seeing is believing.
Add Some Motion - Transitions
Screen shot © Wendy Russell
There are two types of motions that you can use in PowerPoint. One advances the complete slide in an interesting manner. This is called a transition.
Add More Motion - Animations
Screen shot © Wendy Russell
Animations are the motions applied to the objects on the slides, not to the slide itself. Just keep in mind another old cliché -- "less is more". Your presentation will be much more effective if you save the animations for important points only. Otherwise your audience will be wondering where to look next and not be focused on your topic.
