This image is the PowerPoint page title bar. Like all title bars of the Technology Support site, it is light blue and shows a picture of a student working on a laptop.

 PowerPoint

(Everyone)

About this Page

Because students, faculty, and staff all present from time to time, PowerPoint can be useful to everyone. Using this presentation tool will help communicate information in a visual manner to help your audience stay engaged.  This site offers training through step-by-step text instructions and screenshots, as well as through a video demonstration.

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Click on the links to learn about the following:

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On this page, you will:

  • have access to various PowerPoint tutorials

    • creating a PowerPoint​

    • adding narration

    • additional tips

PowerPoint Tutorials

Creating a Presentation

Below are two links that provide step-by-step tutorials both in text form and video form. 

Instructables Website Link - This image is a button for the Instructables website.

Click the Instructables website link to go through the 8 basic steps on how to make a PowerPoint presentation, including how to launch the PowerPoint program, choosing a design, creating a title page, adding slides, adding visuals, adding transitions, changing the order, and playing the presentation. 

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Images courtesy of instructables.com

Access the video below for a great 25 minute video on how to create a professional PowerPoint.  This will show you the basics of this software program. 

Creating Narration

The following video gives direction on how to add audio narration to a Powerpoint.  Please note that this option may not work with Macs. 

Windows Logo Link - This is an image of the Windows logo. The image leads to the TechSmith website for Windows.

Click the Window button or this Lifewire website link to get direction on how to add audio narration to a PowerPoint.  Please note that this option may not work with Macs. 

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PowerPoint Tips

PowerPoint can be an extremely effective tool when presenting information. However, this tool can also quickly put audiences to sleep. So, what separates a good presentation from a poorly done presentation? One simple rule will keep your audience awake and engaged-You are the presenter, not your slides. You should be the one in focus.

 

How do you make sure that the slides don't become the presenter? Implement the idea that less is more by applying these simple rules:

  • Limit the amount of text per slide. In fact, you should have less than 6 words per line and only 6 lines or less per slide.

  • Use visuals instead of words. The picture or graph will give the audience information that text usually can’t.

  • Use bullet points to guide the listeners, but you should be the one to fill in the missing information. Think about bullet points differently and make them visual.

  • Use simple, readable font. Many books use a sans serif font for titles (e.g. Helvetica, Arial, etc.). Text is usually done with a serif font (e.g. Times New Roman, Garamond, etc.).

  • Stay away from colored text. Black is safe and professional.

  • When you add bells and whistles to your presentation, make sure they are not overwhelming. It is appropriate to implement a transition from slide to slide, but pick only one transition to use throughout the entire presentation. Limit music, sound, and animated graphics to only the necessary.

  • Enhance the slides by the narration you use. Don't just read the slides.