Welcome to Microsoft Office: PowerPoint. Please ensure you read each section carefully. Estimated time to completion are below. It is expected that you will work on this module on both Monday and Thursday:
Introduction to PowerPoint (10 minutes)
Activity 1: Explore the Microsoft PowerPoint Interface (1 hour)
Activity 2: Structuring Your Slides for Maximum Impact (30 minutes)
Activity 3: Text and Formatting for Readability (30 minutes)
Activity 4: Using Images and Icons Effectively (30 minutes)
Activity 5: Best Practices for Slide Design (30 minutes)
Activity 6: Data Visualization (1 hour)
Activity 7: Animations and Transitions (50 minutes)
Activity 8: Delivering an Effective Presentation (1 hour)
Activity 9: Final Project (2 hours)
Total estimated time: 8 hours
PowerPoint is a key tool in the workplace because it allows professionals to communicate ideas clearly, visually, and persuasively. It is used across industries for a variety of purposes, including:
Simplifying complex information – Helps present data, trends, and reports in an easy-to-understand format.
Enhancing communication – Supports meetings, pitches, and training sessions with visuals that reinforce key points.
Increasing engagement – Keeps audiences focused and interested through well-structured slides.
Standardizing professional reports – Ensures a polished and organized way to deliver updates, proposals, and findings.
Meetings & Team Updates
Weekly or monthly check-ins to review progress.
Departmental updates to keep teams aligned.
Leadership briefings with key performance indicators (KPIs).
Reports & Data Presentations
Sales and financial performance reports.
Market research findings.
Employee performance evaluations and HR updates.
Proposals & Pitches
Business case presentations to propose new projects or investments.
Sales pitches to potential clients.
Fundraising or grant proposals for organizations.
Training & Onboarding
Employee orientation and training programs.
Step-by-step guides on new software, policies, or procedures.
Public Speaking & Conferences
Keynote addresses and panel discussions.
Workshops and educational sessions.
Good PowerPoint ✅
Clear, concise slides (minimal text, 1 main idea per slide)
Visually appealing (consistent fonts, colors, and alignment)
Engaging visuals (charts, icons, images that support the message)
Easy-to-read text (large fonts, high contrast, proper spacing)
Smooth transitions and animations (used sparingly to emphasize key points)
Logical flow (clear structure from intro to conclusion)
Speaker adds value (expands on slides instead of reading word-for-word)
Bad PowerPoint ❌
Text-heavy slides (long paragraphs, too much detail)
Cluttered design (too many colors, fonts, or elements)
Distracting visuals (irrelevant or low-quality images, too many animations)
Hard-to-read text (tiny fonts, bad color contrast, overcrowding)
Overused animations and transitions (every slide moving in a distracting way)
Disorganized slides (jumping from topic to topic without structure)
Speaker reads slides aloud (no additional insight or engagement)
Watch the video below to see some of these principles in action.
Objective: Familiarize yourself with the Microsoft PowerPoint interface, including the Ribbon, Tabs, Groups, and essential tools.
Step 1: Open Microsoft PowerPoint
Launch Microsoft PowerPoint by clicking on the PowerPoint icon from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.
When PowerPoint opens, you should see a blank presentation with a default slide.
Welcome to the Microsoft PowerPoint Scavenger Hunt! This activity is designed to help you explore and familiarize yourself with the different tools and features in PowerPoint.
The Ribbon is the main toolbar at the top of the screen. It is organized into Tabs, such as "Home," "Insert," "Design," and others. Each tab contains Groups of related commands.
For example, in the Home tab, you’ll find the Slides group (where you can add new slides) and the Font group (for changing font styles, sizes, and colors).
As you navigate through the Ribbon and its various tabs, you’ll discover key buttons and options that are essential for creating, editing, and formatting your presentations. Your goal is to find and practice using each item listed in the scavenger hunt. Take your time to explore the interface and experiment with different tools—this will help you build confidence as you use Microsoft PowerPoint in your remote work environment. It is anticipated that this activity will take around one hour of time. Happy hunting!
How to Complete the Scavenger Hunt:
Open Microsoft PowerPoint.
Go to the Ribbon at the top of the window and click on each tab to explore its options.
Look for the items listed in the scavenger hunt and check them off as you find them.
As you find each item, practice using it! For example, after you find the "Bold" button, use it to format some text in your slide.
Once you’ve found all the items, take a screenshot of your PowerPoint interface and submit it as proof that you’ve completed the scavenger hunt. This should show that you've tested out some of the features you’ve found, but it does not have to be a perfect presentation. Put the screenshot as slide 1 in a PowerPoint presentation. You’ll upload a full PowerPoint presentation as part of this week’s self-evaluation.
Home Tab:
Bold: Find the bold button to make text bold.
Italics: Locate the italics button to italicize text.
Underline: Discover the underline button to underline text.
Font Size: Find the option to increase or decrease the font size.
Font Color: Look for the button to change the font color of the text.
Text Highlight Color: Find the button to highlight text in your presentation.
Paragraph Alignment: Identify the buttons for aligning text left, center, right, and justify.
Bulleted List: Locate the option to create a bulleted list.
Insert Tab:
Picture: Find where you can insert an image or picture into your slide.
Table: Locate the option to insert a table and choose how many rows and columns to create.
Text Box: Discover how to insert a text box into your slide.
Header: Find the button to insert a header in your slide.
Footer: Look for the option to insert a footer in your slide.
Page Number: Locate the option to insert page numbers into the presentation.
Shapes: Identify the button to insert different shapes, like a rectangle or circle.
Design Tab:
Themes: Find the button to change the presentation’s theme for a more professional look.
Variants: Locate the option to change the color scheme or layout variants for the theme.
Background Styles: Look for the option to change the background color or style of your slides.
Slide Size: Find where to adjust the size of your slides (e.g., Standard or Widescreen).
Transitions Tab:
Transition Effect: Find and apply a transition effect to your slide (e.g., Fade, Wipe, Push).
Effect Options: Locate the options to customize the direction and speed of the transition.
Sound: Identify where to add sound to a transition.
Advance Slide: Discover where to set the automatic slide advancement for the presentation.
Animations Tab:
Add Animation: Locate where to add animations to text or objects on your slide.
Animation Pane: Find the animation pane to view and adjust animations.
Timing: Look for options to adjust the timing of animations (e.g., delay, duration).
Motion Paths: Discover where to apply custom motion paths for objects.
Slide Show Tab:
Start Slide Show: Find where to start the slide show from the beginning or current slide.
Rehearse Timings: Look for the option to rehearse and set the timings for your slide show.
Set Up Slide Show: Discover where to set options for the slide show, such as looping or presenting on multiple monitors.
Review Tab:
Spelling & Grammar: Find the button to check the spelling and grammar of your presentation.
Thesaurus: Locate the option to look up synonyms for a word in your presentation.
Comments: Identify where to add a comment to a specific slide or element.
Compare: Find where to compare your presentation with another version.
View Tab:
Zoom: Locate the zoom options to adjust the zoom level for your slides.
Reading View: Find the button to switch to reading view for your presentation.
Ruler: Look for the option to show or hide the ruler in your presentation.
Gridlines: Discover where to show gridlines for precise alignment of objects.
By completing this scavenger hunt, you'll become more familiar with the essential tools in PowerPoint and be able to create dynamic and professional presentations. Happy exploring!
Clear and well-structured presentation slides are essential in today’s remote and professional workplaces. Whether you're preparing a report for a supervisor, delivering a pitch in a virtual meeting, or leading a training session, the way your slides are structured can either support or distract from your message. This module will help you learn foundational principles of effective slide design and give you a chance to apply them in a simple, relevant activity.
A good presentation slide focuses on one core idea at a time. This principle—often referred to as the Rule of One Idea Per Slide—ensures that your audience is not overwhelmed or confused. Especially in remote work environments, where attention spans may be short and slides are viewed quickly, clarity is key. Trying to cover too much on one slide can dilute your message and reduce impact.
Another way to prevent information overload is to keep your text brief and scannable. Use bullet points sparingly and effectively. A helpful guideline is the 6x6 Rule, which recommends no more than six words per line and no more than six lines per slide. This format keeps your slides clean, digestible, and easy to read—even on small screens.
Bullet points should be used to emphasize key takeaways rather than deliver full sentences. Each bullet should begin with a strong action or keyword that guides the viewer's attention. Remember, your slide is there to support what you say—not replace it. Visual clarity, strong structure, and thoughtful design can go a long way in building your professional credibility.
Browse the examples in the deck below. Think about how these slides apply the rules of:
One Idea Per Slide
6x6 Rule
Using the PowerPoint presentation you did in the previous activity, create Slide 2. Create a single presentation slide that teaches one tip for being successful in a remote job. This could be about time management, online communication, work tools, or digital professionalism—any tip you think is helpful.
Your slide should reflect what you’ve learned in this section:
Focus on one main idea
Use bullet points effectively
Follow the 6x6 rule (no more than 6 words per line, 6 lines per slide)
Keep the design clean and readable
Include one relevant visual or icon (optional)
You will upload the completed PowerPoint Presentation as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Creating clear and effective PowerPoint presentations will be a valuable skill, and using text and formatting thoughtfully is key to readability. When your slides are easy to read, your audience—whether it’s your boss, colleagues, or clients—can quickly grasp your ideas without getting distracted or confused. Simple, concise text avoids overwhelming viewers with too much information, while formatting like bullet points, bold headings, and consistent fonts organizes your content and guides the eye naturally. This not only shows professionalism but also builds trust in your ability to communicate clearly, which is critical when you’re new to the workforce and eager to make a strong impression.
Read through the following tips about how to text and format PowerPoint presentations.
Choosing Professional Fonts and Sizes
Use sans-serif fonts like Arial, Calibri, Segoe UI, or Open Sans for slides and screens.
Title font size: 28–44 pt
Body font size: 18–28 pt
Avoid decorative fonts (e.g., Curlz, Comic Sans, Papyrus).
Don’t go smaller than 18 pt—especially for presentations viewed from a distance.
Using Bold, Italics, and Color Effectively
Bold: Use sparingly to emphasize key points or headings.
Italics: Great for quotes or highlighting subtle emphasis, but don’t overdo it.
Color: Stick to a neutral base (black/dark gray text) with 1–2 accent colors.
Use dark text on light backgrounds for most cases.
Common Readability Mistakes
Review the presentation below.
Open your PowerPoint presentation, and create slide 3, a 1-slide self-introduction using these best practices:
Title: Your Name
Subtitle: Your Role or Major
1–2 bullet points about yourself
Include 1 photo or icon
Readability Checklist:
Font is readable and professional
Text is left-aligned (except for the title)
Contrast is strong (dark text on light background)
Only 1–2 colors used
Font sizes are appropriate
Slide is not overcrowded
You will upload the completed PowerPoint Presentation as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Visuals are a powerful communication tool. Whether you're presenting in a classroom, pitching to a client, or sharing updates with a team, the right images and icons can bring your message to life. But not all visuals are helpful. Pixelated, unrelated, or cluttered graphics can distract your audience and make your presentation feel unprofessional.
Well-chosen visuals:
Break up text-heavy slides
Reinforce your key message
Make abstract concepts easier to understand
Increase engagement and memory retention
Inserting & Resizing Images
Always use high-quality, high-resolution images.
Resize from the corners to maintain proportions. Stretching images distorts their appearance.
Keep images relevant to the topic. Decorative or off-topic pictures can confuse viewers.
Using Icons & SmartArt
Icons are great for emphasizing ideas or simplifying complex text.
SmartArt helps show relationships (like steps in a process or organizational hierarchies).
Stick to a consistent style of icons (outlined, filled, flat, etc.).
Don't overdo it. One or two icons per slide is plenty.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Never use blurry or pixelated images—this immediately lowers credibility.
Don’t decorate your slide just to "make it pretty." Every image should serve a purpose.
Too many visuals can make a slide look cluttered. Aim for clarity, not complexity.
Review the presentation below.
Open your PowerPoint presentation, and create slide 4, a single PowerPoint slide that introduces yourself. Include:
One image that represents something important to you (family, hobby, place, etc.)
One icon or SmartArt element to communicate a key idea
Make sure all visuals are high-quality and professionally sized
Checklist:
Image is clear and relevant
Icon/SmartArt is used meaningfully
Slide is not cluttered
Layout feels balanced
You will upload the completed PowerPoint Presentation as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Great content can be overlooked if it’s presented poorly. Slide design plays a key role in how your audience understands and engages with your message. A well-designed slide feels polished, professional, and clear—without being distracting or overwhelming.
Design isn’t just about making things look nice. It’s about:
Guiding your audience’s attention to the right places
Making information easy to absorb at a glance
Reflecting your professionalism and care
Choosing Appropriate Themes and Colors
Use a clean, modern theme that matches the tone of your presentation.
Stick to 2–3 complementary colors across your slides.
Use dark text on a light background or vice versa for strong contrast.
Avoid using too many bright or saturated colors—they can be overwhelming.
Keeping Slides Visually Balanced
Slides should feel “just right”—not too packed, not too empty.
Use bullet points instead of full sentences or paragraphs.
Space out visuals and text so each element has room to breathe.
Make sure nothing looks “squished” or floating aimlessly.
White Space and Alignment for Clarity
White space (the blank area around and between elements) isn’t wasted—it brings clarity.
Leave consistent margins on all sides.
Align text, images, and icons using PowerPoint's guides.
Balanced spacing helps people scan your slide more easily.
Review the presentation below.
Open your PowerPoint presentation, and create slides 5-6. You will redesign a poorly formatted slide using the best practices you've learned. You will take one slide and turn it into two slides.
Steps:
Review the example of a poorly formatted slide below.
Apply a clear, consistent theme and color palette.
Use white space and alignment to improve layout.
Make sure the content is easy to read and visually balanced. Remember, you don't have to include all of the information on a slide.
Checklist:
Professional color theme with good contrast
Text is concise and readable
Slide is visually balanced (not too full or too empty)
White space and alignment improve clarity
You will upload the completed PowerPoint Presentation as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Data visualization is a powerful tool for transforming raw numbers into clear, understandable insights. It matters because people process visual information faster than text or numbers alone. When used properly, charts and graphs can convey complex data in a way that is easy to understand, making it easier for your audience to draw conclusions and make decisions. By mastering data visualization, you ensure that your audience grasps key insights quickly and effectively, avoiding confusion or misinterpretation.
Review the PowerPoint below for some key principles on data visualization.
As you go through this module, it's important to practice alongside learning the steps. In this section, you'll be creating example slides as you learn how to insert, customize, and format charts in PowerPoint. By applying each step as you go, you’ll gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of how to make data visually engaging and easy to comprehend. This active approach will help you build the confidence to create polished charts for your own presentations. So, follow along with each step, and be sure to create your own slides as you progress through the activity.
Step 1: Inserting a Chart
Open PowerPoint and select a slide:
Open your PowerPoint presentation and navigate to the slide where you want to insert the chart. It can be any slide, but typically, a blank slide or a content slide works best.
Insert a Chart:
Click on the Insert tab at the top of the screen.
In the Illustrations section, click on Chart. A new window will open with various chart types available, including Bar, Line, Pie, Column, and more.
Choose Your Chart Type:
Select the chart that best fits the data you want to present. For example, if you're comparing different categories, choose a Bar or Column chart. If you're showing percentages or parts of a whole, choose a Pie chart.
Once you click on your desired chart type, PowerPoint will insert a default chart and automatically open an Excel spreadsheet for you to input your data.
Step 2: Entering Data
Edit Data in the Excel Spreadsheet:
PowerPoint will open a mini Excel window where you can input your data. The data you enter in the spreadsheet will automatically be reflected in the chart on your PowerPoint slide.
The spreadsheet has pre-filled data, but you can replace it with your own. Enter the categories (like product names or years) in the left column and the values (like sales numbers or percentages) in the right column.
Close the Excel Window:
After you’ve entered your data, click the X in the top right corner of the Excel window to close it. The chart on the PowerPoint slide will update with your new data.
Step 3: Customizing the Chart
Modify the Chart Title:
Click on the chart title (it might say "Chart Title" by default). Delete the placeholder text and type your own title that clearly describes what the chart is showing, such as “Sales Performance in Q1.”
Format Chart Elements:
Change the Chart Style: Click on the chart, and you'll see new options in the Chart Tools menu that appears at the top of the screen. Under the Design tab, you can choose a different Chart Style that changes the appearance of the chart (e.g., color scheme, 3D effects).
Add or Remove Elements: In the Design tab, you can click Add Chart Element to include things like:
Axis Titles: Label the axes for clarity (e.g., “Months” for the x-axis, “Sales in USD” for the y-axis).
Data Labels: Show the exact numbers on the chart for each data point.
Legend: Indicate what each data series represents (if applicable).
Adjust Data Labels and Axes:
Right-click on any data point or axis to see options like changing the data label format or adjusting the axis scale to better represent your data.
Step 4: Formatting and Finalizing the Chart
Adjust Chart Colors:
Click on a specific part of the chart (e.g., bars, slices, or lines). Right-click and select Format Data Series to change the color, pattern, or other visual elements.
Resize the Chart:
Click and drag the corners of the chart to resize it if necessary. Ensure that the chart fits well on the slide and doesn’t overwhelm other content.
Position the Chart:
Click on the chart and drag it to a new location on the slide, ensuring it is centered and properly aligned.
Step 5: Review and Reflect
Check for Clarity:
Is the chart easy to understand? Ensure that the data is presented in a straightforward and clear manner. If necessary, simplify the chart by removing unnecessary data or labels.
Revisit the Data:
Double-check the data you've entered for accuracy. Ensure that the chart's labels, title, and data points match the message you're trying to convey.
Reflect on the Design:
Think about whether the colors and style you chose are appropriate for your presentation. Is the chart visually appealing and professional?
Open your PowerPoint presentation, and create slides 7-9 using the data below:
Fruit Units Sold (Q1) Units Sold (Q2) Units Sold (Q3) Units Sold (Q4)
Apples 300 250 400 500
Bananas 200 350 450 600
Oranges 150 200 300 450
Strawberries 100 150 200 300
Step 1: Create Three Types of Charts
Each chart should be created on its own slide.
Bar Chart:
Objective: Compare sales figures for different fruits in Q1 (first quarter).
Data to Use: "Units Sold (Q1)" column. Create a bar chart to compare the sales of Apples, Bananas, Oranges, and Strawberries.
Pie Chart:
Objective: Show the market share percentages of different fruits based on total sales across all four quarters.
Data to Use: Calculate the total units sold for each fruit (summing the values from all four quarters) and create a pie chart showing each fruit's percentage of total sales.
Total Sales (All Quarters) Calculation:
Apples: 300 + 250 + 400 + 500 = 1,450 units
Bananas: 200 + 350 + 450 + 600 = 1,600 units
Oranges: 150 + 200 + 300 + 450 = 1,100 units
Strawberries: 100 + 150 + 200 + 300 = 750 units
Line Chart:
Objective: Track the sales growth of Apples over the last four quarters.
Data to Use: "Units Sold (Q1)" through "Units Sold (Q4)" for Apples. Create a line chart that shows the trend in Apple sales from Q1 to Q4.
Step 2: Apply Key Principles of Data Visualization
Chart Type Selection:
Use a bar chart for comparing quantities (Apples, Bananas, Oranges, and Strawberries in Q1).
Use a pie chart for showing proportions (market share of fruits based on total sales).
Use a line chart to show trends over time (Apple sales growth from Q1 to Q4).
Simplification:
Focus on key data that highlights the comparisons, trends, and market shares. Don’t overwhelm with too much detail.
Labels:
Add clear titles, axis labels, and legends for all charts. Example for the bar chart: “Fruit Sales in Q1”. For the pie chart, include labels for each fruit’s percentage.
Color Usage:
Use colors to differentiate between the fruits and make key insights stand out (e.g., use contrasting colors for the bar chart, pie chart slices, and line chart).
Step 3: Review and Reflect
Check for Clarity:
Are the charts easy to understand at a glance? Can you immediately identify key comparisons and trends?
Ensure Labels Support the Message:
Do the titles, axes, and legends clearly explain what each chart represents?
Evaluate the Chart Type:
Was the right chart type chosen for the data (bar for comparisons, pie for proportions, line for trends)?
You will upload the completed PowerPoint Presentation as part of this week's self-evaluation.
This module will guide you through the basics of animations and transitions in PowerPoint. Animations can help emphasize key points in your presentation, while transitions provide a smooth flow from one slide to the next. By the end of this module, you'll know how to use these features effectively without overwhelming your audience.
What Are Animations?
Animations in PowerPoint are used to add movement to elements on your slide (like text, images, or shapes). You can choose to have text or objects appear, fade, zoom, or fly in from various directions. These effects can help draw attention to key points in your presentation.
When to Use Animations for Emphasis:
Use animations sparingly: Animations can be helpful for emphasizing a key point or revealing information step-by-step. For example, when presenting a list, you can animate each item to appear one at a time, helping your audience focus on each point as you talk about it.
Example: If you’re discussing the key benefits of a product, animate the benefits so that each one appears as you mention it. This keeps the focus on each benefit individually.
Avoiding Excessive Effects:
Too much movement can be distracting: While animations can help bring attention to key points, excessive animation (like having everything fly in at once or bouncing all over the screen) can make your presentation hard to follow and unprofessional.
Tip: Choose one or two animation effects per slide to keep things simple and effective. Overusing flashy effects like "Bounce" or "Swivel" can reduce the impact of your message and make it harder for the audience to concentrate on what matters most.
Making Text Appear in Steps (Instead of All at Once):
Build your text progressively: Instead of showing all text at once, you can make text appear line by line or bullet point by bullet point. This keeps the focus on the current point and prevents the audience from reading ahead before you’re ready.
How to do it: Select the text box, go to the Animations tab, and choose an animation like Appear or Fade. Then click on Animation Pane and set each bullet point to appear On Click.
What Are Transitions?
Transitions are effects that occur between slides in your presentation. They control how one slide fades into the next, and they help your presentation flow smoothly. Unlike animations, transitions affect the entire slide rather than individual elements on the slide.
Choosing Subtle, Professional Transitions:
Subtle transitions are best: Choose smooth transitions that enhance your presentation without drawing too much attention to themselves. Simple transitions like Fade, Push, or Wipe are professional and effective.
Example: Use a Fade transition between slides to create a smooth, professional flow. This works well for most presentations and is unlikely to distract your audience.
Avoiding Over-the-Top Effects:
Avoid excessive movement: Flashy transitions like "Bounce," "Spiral," or "Flip" can make your presentation feel unprofessional. These transitions can be distracting and take attention away from the content.
Tip: Limit transitions to one or two types for the entire presentation. A constant change in transitions can make your slides feel disjointed.
Open your PowerPoint presentation, and create slides 10-11. In this activity, you will create two slides and apply both animations and transitions. You will practice emphasizing key content through animation and making your slides flow smoothly with transitions. Follow the steps below to complete your activity. You can use the text included in the instructions about your favorite hobbies, or change it to different hobbies.
Slide 10: Introduction to Your Favorite Hobby
Content for Slide 10:
Title: My Favorite Hobbies
Bullet Points:
Reading books
Hiking in the mountains
Cooking new recipes
Instructions:
Animations:
Animate each bullet point to appear one at a time (you can use the Fade or Appear animation for each bullet).
Make sure the bullet points appear in order, so each hobby shows up after the previous one.
Transition:
Add a subtle transition (such as Fade or Push) between this slide and the next one. This will ensure a smooth, professional flow between slides.
Slide 11: Benefits of My Favorite Hobbies
Content for Slide 11:
Title: Benefits of My Favorite Hobbies
Bullet Points:
Reduces stress
Increases physical fitness
Improves creativity
Instructions:
Animations:
Animate each bullet point to appear one at a time, just like in Slide 10.
You can use the same animation effect (Fade or Appear).
Transition:
Apply the same transition used in Slide 10 to this slide, ensuring the transition is smooth and not distracting.
Review and Reflection
After you finish, take a moment to reflect on your slides:
Check the animations:
Are the animations simple and professional? Do the bullet points appear one by one to guide the audience’s attention?
Review the transitions:
Does the transition between slides flow smoothly? Does it add to the presentation without distracting from the content?
Does the overall effect enhance your presentation?
Do the animations and transitions help highlight key points, and do they make your slides more engaging without being overwhelming?
In this module, you will learn how to deliver an effective presentation that keeps your audience engaged while delivering your message clearly. Effective communication is key, especially when you're presenting in a professional setting. As part of this module, you will also connect these principles with your use of PowerPoint slides to enhance your presentation. By the end, you'll have the tools to speak confidently, manage nervousness, engage your audience, use speaker notes to stay on track, and pace your presentation effectively.
Speaking confidently is essential when presenting to an audience. It helps you establish credibility and ensures that your message is understood.
Eye Contact:
Maintaining eye contact with your audience shows confidence and helps build trust. It allows you to connect with your listeners and makes your presentation feel more personal.
When presenting, try to make eye contact with different members of the audience, rather than focusing on one person or looking at your slides the entire time.
Clear Voice:
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Speaking too quickly may make it hard for your audience to follow, while speaking too slowly may cause them to lose interest.
Practice enunciating your words and varying your tone to avoid sounding monotone. Emphasize important points and keep your voice lively to keep the audience engaged.
Connecting with PowerPoint:
When creating your slides, remember that the slides are meant to support your speech, not replace it. If you speak confidently and with clarity, your slides will reinforce your message and make the presentation more impactful.
It's common to feel nervous before or during a presentation, especially if it's your first job presentation. Overcoming nervousness and managing filler words can help make your delivery more effective.
Managing Nervousness:
Take deep breaths before you begin speaking. This can help calm your nerves and improve your focus.
Practice your presentation several times before delivering it. The more familiar you are with your content, the more confident you'll feel when speaking.
Handling Filler Words:
Filler words such as “um,” “like,” and “you know” can be distracting. They often occur when we are unsure what to say next.
Try to pause instead of filling the silence with unnecessary words. Pausing not only helps you gather your thoughts, but it also gives your audience time to absorb your message.
Practice replacing filler words with a pause, or take a moment to breathe if you're unsure of what to say next.
Connecting with PowerPoint:
Use your PowerPoint slides as a visual aid to help you remember key points and keep your flow going. This can reduce the need to use filler words, as your slides will act as cues to guide you through your presentation.
Engaging your audience is one of the most important aspects of a successful presentation. If your audience is interested, they are more likely to pay attention and remember your message.
Asking Questions:
Asking your audience questions (either rhetorical or direct) helps to engage them and make the presentation feel more interactive.
Example: “How many of you have experienced this situation before?” or “Does anyone have any thoughts on this?”
Asking questions can also keep your audience attentive and thinking critically about your content.
Using Pauses:
Pausing after important points gives your audience time to absorb what you've said. It can also build anticipation for what you’ll say next.
Pauses are also a great way to regain your own composure and avoid rushing through your material.
Connecting with PowerPoint:
When you create your slides, consider leaving room for pauses. This could be between key points or after asking your audience a question. For example, if you ask, “How many of you have seen this type of product before?” you might leave a few moments of silence, allowing your audience to think or respond before moving on to the next slide.
Speaker notes are a helpful tool that can guide you through your presentation without overloading your slides with text.
What are Speaker Notes?
Speaker notes are notes that only you can see while presenting. They allow you to remember key points, additional explanations, or even personal reminders that help you stay on track.
How to Use Speaker Notes:
Add key points or prompts to your speaker notes to remind yourself of what you want to say for each slide.
Avoid reading directly from your notes. Instead, use them as a guide to elaborate on the points displayed on your slides.
Connecting with PowerPoint:
As you build your PowerPoint presentation, use the speaker notes section (found below each slide) to jot down any information that isn’t on the slide but that you want to mention. This way, your slides remain clean and uncluttered, while your notes provide all the necessary details for your speech.
Managing the pacing of your presentation is crucial for maintaining audience engagement and ensuring that your content is delivered effectively.
How Many Slides Per Minute?
A good rule of thumb is to aim for around 1-2 minutes per slide. This ensures that you spend enough time on each point while not overwhelming your audience with too much information.
Avoid rushing through slides too quickly, as this can make your presentation feel disjointed. Likewise, spending too much time on one slide can cause your audience to lose interest.
Avoiding Reading Directly from Slides:
Never read your slides word-for-word. Your audience can read the slides themselves, and this can make your presentation feel unengaging.
Instead, use the slides as visual support for your spoken words. Talk about each point in your own words, expanding on the content presented on the slide.
Keeping Your Audience Focused:
Stay mindful of your audience’s attention span. Too many slides or too much content on each slide can overwhelm them.
Focus on your key message and break it into digestible segments. Use pauses, questions, and visual elements to reinforce your main points and keep the audience engaged.
Connecting with PowerPoint:
As you design your slides, remember to focus on simplicity. Use short, concise bullet points and relevant images or graphs. This will help you present your content effectively and keep your slides clean and easy to follow.
As you continue to refine your presentation skills, it's important to remember that effective communication goes beyond just the technical aspects of PowerPoint. How you speak, engage with your audience, and convey your message can have a powerful impact. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk, The Tongue of Angels, offers valuable insights into the power of words and the importance of speaking with clarity, kindness, and conviction. As you apply the tips from this module to your own presentations, consider how Elder Holland's principles can enhance your ability to connect with your audience and deliver your message in a meaningful way. Please read the talk using this link or watch the talk using the video below.
Open your PowerPoint presentation, and create slide 12.
To help solidify your understanding of Elder Holland’s teachings and how they relate to your presentation skills, create a slide that reflects on the key principles you’ve learned. This slide should highlight three key takeaways from his talk, as well as how you can apply these lessons to your own speaking and presentation style.
Instructions:
Create a Slide Title
Bullet Points:
Choose three key principles from Elder Holland’s talk or this module that resonated with you most.
Write each principle as a bullet point, making sure to include how you can apply it to your presentations.
Example:
Speak with kindness and empathy: Apply this by using a compassionate tone and being mindful of your words when addressing your audience.
Speak with clarity and purpose: I will focus on delivering clear and concise messages in my presentations to ensure my audience understands the key points.
Engage with your audience: I’ll make an effort to make eye contact and ask questions to foster a more interactive and engaging presentation.
Design Tips:
Keep the slide simple and professional, using a subtle background and clear fonts.
Avoid overcrowding the slide with too much text. Aim for clarity and conciseness, reflecting the principles you learned.
This activity will help you reflect on how you can improve your communication style while aligning with Elder Holland’s teachings.
You will upload the completed PowerPoint Presentation as part of this week's self-evaluation.
In this session, you will apply everything you've learned throughout the PowerPoint module in a real-world workplace scenario. You'll create a professional presentation about why you should be hired for a job and practice delivering it confidently.
A well-structured presentation is key to making a strong impression in any workplace setting, especially in situations like job interviews. In this part of the session, you will learn how to effectively structure a presentation, so your message is clear and persuasive.
The 3-Part Structure:
Introduction: This is your chance to grab the audience's attention and set the stage for your presentation. Start with a compelling opening statement. For example:
“Imagine a workplace where deadlines are consistently met, team collaboration thrives, and new ideas are brought to the table—this is the kind of impact I can bring to your organization.”
Mention briefly who you are and what you’ll cover in your presentation.
Body: The body of your presentation is where you build your case. It’s your opportunity to provide evidence and examples that support why you’re the right person for the job.
Use a storytelling approach: Share specific examples of your past experiences, accomplishments, and skills that are relevant to the job. Facts alone are not enough; employers want to know how you’ve solved problems and contributed to past projects.
Example: “In my previous role, I streamlined the onboarding process by creating a user-friendly guide that reduced training time by 20%. This efficiency improved team productivity and resulted in higher employee satisfaction.”
Conclusion: End your presentation with a strong call to action. Summarize your key points and state clearly why the audience should take the next step.
“With my skills in project management and my proven ability to improve team performance, I am confident that I can make a significant impact here. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.”
Key Points to Remember:
Structure your presentation to keep your audience engaged.
Use clear transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
End with a confident and clear call to action.
Now, it's time to put everything you’ve learned into practice with a real-world workplace-style PowerPoint presentation. This is your opportunity to apply your skills in structuring, designing, and delivering an effective presentation on a crucial topic: Why You Should Hire Me.
Objective: Create a 5-minute presentation that you would give to a hiring manager to convince them why you are the best candidate for a job.
Instructions:
Create your PowerPoint Presentation:
Introduction: Start by introducing yourself, briefly explaining who you are, and stating the role you are applying for. Grab the audience's attention with a compelling hook, such as a personal story, a relevant fact, or an engaging statement that highlights your strengths.
Body: In the body of your presentation, focus on:
Your key skills and experience that make you a great fit for the position.
Specific accomplishments or examples that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role.
Any unique qualities or skills that set you apart from other candidates (e.g., teamwork, leadership, problem-solving abilities).
Tailor your message to the employer’s needs, showing how your qualifications align with the company’s goals and values.
Conclusion: End with a strong call to action. Summarize your qualifications and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. End by thanking the hiring manager for their time and inviting them to ask any questions or take the next step.
Visuals & Design:
Use clean and professional slide designs with minimal text and visually appealing images, charts, or icons to highlight key points. Your slides should support your speech, not overwhelm it.
Ensure animations and transitions are used sparingly to enhance, not distract from, the message.
Record Your Presentation:
Use your device’s camera or screen recording software to record yourself giving the presentation. Aim for 5 minutes of delivery, maintaining eye contact with the camera, speaking clearly, and being confident.
Remember to incorporate the presentation skills you've learned, such as pacing, voice modulation, and minimizing filler words like “um” or “like.”
Using Loom to Record Your Presentation
Loom is a simple and effective tool for recording video presentations. It allows you to record your screen, yourself (via webcam), or both at the same time. Here’s how you can use Loom to record your "Why You Should Hire Me" presentation
Step-by-Step Instructions for Recording with Loom:
Sign Up for Loom:
If you don’t already have a Loom account, visit loom.com and sign up for a free account. Loom offers a free version with plenty of features for your presentation.
Install Loom:
You can either use Loom in your web browser (via the Loom Chrome extension) or download the Loom desktop app. For a seamless experience, we recommend the Loom Chrome Extension.
To install: Visit the Loom website and follow the prompts to add the extension to your browser. Once installed, you’ll see the Loom icon at the top right of your browser.
Prepare Your Presentation:
Before you start recording, make sure your PowerPoint slides are ready and open. You can either:
Share your entire screen while navigating through your slides.
Share just the PowerPoint window to keep the focus on your slides.
Position your webcam and slides in a way that feels natural for your presentation. You can also adjust the size of your webcam feed (it’s recommended to keep it small and in the corner).
Start Recording:
Click the Loom icon in your browser or open the Loom app.
Select your recording options:
Choose to record your screen only, webcam only, or both (recommended for a more personal touch).
If you choose "screen and webcam," you’ll be able to record yourself while presenting your slides. This is a great way to make your presentation feel more interactive.
Select the window or screen you want to share.
Click “Start Recording” to begin. Loom will give you a 3-second countdown before it starts recording.
Present Your Slides:
As you record, speak clearly and confidently while presenting your slides. Navigate through your PowerPoint presentation and remember to engage the audience by focusing on the key points you want to highlight in each slide.
Avoid reading directly from the slides—use them as a guide to elaborate on your main ideas.
Stop the Recording:
When you’ve finished your presentation, click the Stop Recording button at the bottom right of your screen.
Loom will automatically generate a link to your video once you stop recording.
Tips for Recording Your Presentation with Loom:
Look at the camera: Try to maintain eye contact with the camera, not the screen. This will make your presentation feel more personal and engaging.
Keep your voice clear and steady: Speak at a natural pace and project your voice so it’s easy to understand.
Use gestures sparingly: Small hand gestures can help you emphasize key points, but avoid too much movement that could be distracting.
Keep distractions to a minimum: Make sure you’re in a quiet, well-lit area before recording. A clean, distraction-free background will help keep the focus on you and your presentation.
Review Your Recording:
After finishing your recording, watch it carefully. Take notes on areas that went well and areas that need improvement:
What went well: Did you sound confident? Was your delivery engaging?
What could be improved: Were there any distracting habits (e.g., filler words, pacing, unclear visuals)?
Consider the content—did you clearly explain why you should be hired? Did you back up your claims with examples or evidence?
Re-record the Presentation:
After reviewing your first recording, re-record the presentation with improvements based on your notes. Focus on making small adjustments, such as:
Speaking more clearly.
Reducing filler words.
Improving the flow of your slides.
Enhancing your engagement with the audience.
You will upload this recording as part of your self-evaluation.
Final Reflection:
Once you’ve re-recorded your presentation, reflect on your progress:
How did your delivery improve from the first recording to the second?
What did you learn about your speaking style and presentation techniques?
How did you use PowerPoint effectively to support your message?
You will answer these questions as part of this week's self-evaluation.
By the end of this session, you will have created a polished, professional presentation about why you should be hired. You’ll also have practiced reviewing your performance, learning to refine and improve your delivery based on self-reflection and constructive feedback.