PowerPoint is a software program developed by Microsoft that is commonly used for creating presentations. These presentations are often used to share information in a structured and visually appealing way. With PowerPoint, users can combine text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements to convey their message effectively. The software offers various features such as templates, animations, and transitions to enhance the visual appeal of the presentations. PowerPoint has become widely used in schools, businesses, and other organizations for delivering information in a professional and engaging manner.
1. How to start a PowerPoint
There are several ways to start ways to start a PowerPoint. Let's look into some:
1. From Start Menu
Go to Start Menu
Search for PowerPoint
Once the app appears, click on it
2. Using RUN Command
Press Windows Key + R
Next, type powerpnt
Then press Enter
3. Right-Click on the Desktop:
Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
Hover over New in the context menu.
Select Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation. This will create a new, blank PowerPoint file on your desktop.
Double-click the new PowerPoint file to open PowerPoint.
Elements/Features of a PowerPoint Software
Following diagram shows the various features of PowerPoint window.
The Quick Access Toolbar provides buttons for frequently-used commands.
The Title Bar displays the software name, the presentation name, and the minimize, maximize, and close buttons.
Tabs contain commands that are divided into related tasks called groups.
The Ribbon is the area that houses the tabs.
The Outline/Slides Tab displays the presentation's text as an outline, which helps in organizing and developing the presentation's content. This tab allows for moving slides and text by dragging the selected material. The Slides Tab shows small images of the presentation slides, facilitating easy navigation.
The Slide Pane shows the current slide in your presentation, and you can use the vertical scroll bar to view other slides.
The Status Bar, at the bottom of the PowerPoint window, displays messages and information about the view, such as the slide number and the current theme template.
The Notes Pane, located below the Slide Pane, is used to type reference notes that can be printed and referred to during the presentation.
The View Area, at the bottom right of the screen, contains buttons to switch between different PowerPoint views. The first button is for the Normal view, the second for the Slide Sorter view, the third for the Reading view, and the fourth for the Slide Show view. This area also includes the zoom feature.
3. Adding Visual Effects
Adding visual effects to a PowerPoint presentation can enhance its overall appearance and engage the audience more effectively.
Transitions refer to the visual effects that occur when moving from one slide to another in a PowerPoint presentation.
Steps to insert Transition
Choose the slide you want to add a transition to from the outline pane.
Navigate to the Transitions tab and click the downward arrow to access a variety of transition options.
Select the desired transition from the available choices.
Animations in PowerPoint refer to the effects applied to individual elements within a slide, such as text, images, shapes, or charts.
Steps to insert Animations
Select Object: Click on the object you want to animate.
Access Animations Tab: Go to the Animations tab.
Choose Animation: Select the desired animation type (Entrance, Exit, Emphasis, or Motion Path).
Customize Animation: Adjust settings like timing and duration using the Animation Pane.
Preview Animation: Click on the animation to Preview the animation.
Apply Animation: Click on OK.
Test Animation: Switch to Slide Show mode to test the animation in action.
4. Features of a Good Presentation (Design Principle)
9 Design Principle
Keep it simple
A simple and clean design with a limited colour palette can help to make the presentation more visually appealing and easier to follow.
Consistency
Consistent formatting and design throughout the presentation can help to create a cohesive and professional look.
Limit the use of text
The presentation should not have too much text on each slide, and the text should be easy to read with a clear font choice and appropriate font size.
Use high-quality images
Images should be high-quality and relevant to the content of the presentation. Avoid using low-resolution or pixelated images.
Keep it legible
The font size should be large enough to be easily read from a distance.
Align objects
Aligning images and text can help to create a more organized and professional look.
Use whitespace
Whitespace, or the empty space around objects, can help to create a more balanced and visually appealing design.
Be mindful of animations
Animations can be used to emphasize key points, but they should be used sparingly and not distract from the content of the presentation.
Use good contrast
Contrast in colour and font size can help to emphasize key points and make the presentation easier to read.
Presentation Design Models and Techniques
PechaKucha 20x20
PechaKucha 20x20 is a presentation format where a speaker presents 20 slides, each displayed for 20 seconds, totaling 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
The format emphasizes concise storytelling, keeping presentations visually engaging and fast-paced.
Slides typically feature minimal text and high-quality images to maintain audience interest.
This method is widely used for creative talks, business pitches, and educational presentations, encouraging clarity and impact in communication.
10/20/30 Rule
10 Slides: Limit your presentation to 10 slides to maintain audience focus.
20 Minutes: Deliver it in 20 minutes.
30-Point Font: Use a font size of 30 points or larger for readability.
Google Slide
Google Slides is a presentation software that is part of the free, web-based Google Docs suite provided by Google. It is accessible as a web application, a mobile app for both Android and iOS, and as a desktop application on Google's ChromeOS. The application is also compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint file formats.
Advantages of using Google Slide
1. Accessibility: Available online and via mobile apps for Android and iOS, and a desktop app.
2. Collaboration: Real-time editing, commenting, and chat features for teamwork, with version history tracking.
3. Integration: Works seamlessly with other Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Drive.
4. Cost-Effective: Free with a Google account.
5. Ease of Use: easy to use interface with a variety of templates and themes.
6. Multimedia Support: Easily insert images, videos, and audio, with YouTube integration.
7. Offline Mode: Work offline with automatic syncing when reconnected.
8. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint formats.
9. Presenting Features: Includes presenter view with speaker notes and audience Q&A.
10. Sharing and Permissions: Simple sharing options with customizable permissions.
MS PowerPoint VS Google Slide
Presentation Creation: Both tools allow users to create, edit, and present slide-based presentations.
Templates and Themes: Both offer a variety of templates and themes to help users design professional-looking presentations.
Multimedia Integration: Users can insert images, videos, and audio into slides in both applications.
Animations and Transitions: Both provide features for adding animations and transitions to slides, though PowerPoint offers more advanced options.
Compatibility: Both can import and export PowerPoint (.pptx) files.
Cost and Accessibility:
PowerPoint: Requires a paid subscription.
Google Slides: Free with a Google account.
Offline vs. Online:
PowerPoint: Works fully offline.
Google Slides: Best with an internet connection but can work offline with syncing.
Collaboration:
PowerPoint: Collaboration is possible but less smooth.
Google Slides: Excellent real-time collaboration.
Features and Customization:
PowerPoint: More advanced features and customization.
Google Slides: Simpler, fewer advanced features.
Integration:
PowerPoint: Integrates with Microsoft Office apps.
Google Slides: Integrates with Google Workspace apps.
User Interface:
PowerPoint: More complex due to many features.
Google Slides: Easier to use and more intuitive.
Device Compatibility:
PowerPoint: Desktop apps for Windows and macOS, mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Google Slides: Accessible via web browser, mobile apps for Android and iOS, and ChromeOS.
Canva is a graphic design platform that allows users to create a wide variety of visual content, including presentations, social media graphics, posters, documents, and other visual content. It offers an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface and provides access to a vast library of templates, photos, illustrations, icons, and fonts.
Here are some key features of Canva:
Templates and Design Elements:
- Canva provides thousands of professionally designed templates for different types of projects, including social media posts, presentations, flyers, business cards, infographics, and more.
- Users can customize these templates with their own text, images, and colours.
Drag-and-Drop Interface:
- Canva’s user-friendly drag-and-drop interface allows users to easily add and arrange elements on their design canvas without needing advanced design skills.
Extensive Media Library:
- Canva offers a vast library of stock photos, illustrations, icons, shapes, and fonts, many of which are free to use. Premium elements are available with a subscription to Canva Pro.
Collaboration Features:
- Canva allows users to collaborate on designs in real time. Team members can leave comments, suggest edits, and work together on the same project.
Download and Sharing Options:
- Users can download their designs in various formats, such as PNG, JPEG, PDF, and more.
- Canva also supports direct sharing to social media platforms and provides options for printing physical copies of designs.