what is a slide show in powerpoint presentation

How To Make a PowerPoint Slideshow? (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Do you want to create a professional-looking PowerPoint slideshow but don’t know where to start? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from deciding on a theme and adding content to arranging content, adding design elements, and more.

With this guide, you’ll learn how to create a captivating slideshow that utilizes multimedia and animations to enhance its visual appeal.

So let’s get started and learn how to make a PowerPoint slideshow!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Creating a PowerPoint slideshow is relatively simple.

First, open the PowerPoint application and create a new presentation.

Then, add text, images, and other elements to your slides.

To make the slideshow more engaging, you can also add animations and transitions between slides.

Finally, when you are done, save your presentation as a PowerPoint file.

Deciding on a Theme

Creating a successful PowerPoint slideshow begins with deciding on a theme that will guide your presentation.

When choosing a theme, consider your audience and the main goal of your presentation.

Are you trying to inform your audience, or persuade them to take action? Knowing this ahead of time will help you choose an appropriate theme.

Other factors to consider when choosing a theme include the overall message you want to convey, the type of content you plan to include, and any underlying concepts that will be part of the presentation.

Its also important to consider the length of the presentation; you may want to choose a more general theme if you only have a few slides, or a more specific theme if you have a larger number of slides.

Choosing a theme will help you focus your presentation and ensure that your slides are cohesive.

Your chosen theme will also help you to choose an appropriate font, color scheme, and design elements later on.

Once youve selected a theme, youre ready to start adding content!

Adding Content

Adding content to a PowerPoint slideshow is a crucial part of creating a successful presentation.

To start, users should decide on the content they want to include and then fill in the information.

Content can come in the form of text, images, and multimedia.

When adding text, users should make sure to include relevant information that will help to support their overall message.

Additionally, users should make sure to keep their text concise and to the point.

Images are also important in a PowerPoint slideshow, as they can help to illustrate a point or add visual interest.

When adding images, users should make sure to choose those that are high quality and relevant to their presentation.

Finally, multimedia can be added to a PowerPoint slideshow to make it more engaging.

This can include videos, audio clips, or other interactive elements.

With the right content, users can easily create a compelling PowerPoint slideshow that will engage their audience.

Arranging Content

When it comes to arranging content in a PowerPoint slideshow, it is important to create a logical flow that will ensure the audience can easily follow the presentation.

This can be done by creating a storyboard of the slideshow, with each slide representing one point in the presentation.

After the storyboard is created, users should arrange the content on each slide in a way that will best communicate the point they are trying to make.

For example, text and images should be placed in a way that allows for easy reading and viewing.

Additionally, users should pay attention to the placement of visual elements and the use of white space to create a visually balanced presentation.

Finally, users should consider the use of transitions between slides to make the presentation flow smoothly.

By arranging content in an organized manner, users can create a professional-looking slideshow that will captivate their audience.

Adding Design Elements

Once the content is added, adding design elements to the PowerPoint slideshow is the next step. This is important as it will not only make the presentation more visually appealing, but it can also help emphasize key points and engage the audience. Here are some tips on how to add design elements to a PowerPoint slideshow:

1. Choose Colors That Compliment Your Theme: When selecting colors for your presentation, it is important to pick hues that will complement the overall theme. There are many online tools that can help you choose the right colors for your slides, and some templates even come with suggested color schemes.

2. Use Bold Fonts to Make Your Points Stand Out: Fonts are an important part of any presentation, and using bold fonts can help draw the audiences attention to key points. When selecting fonts, choose ones that are easy to read and that will not detract from the overall design.

3. Add Animations To Make Your Presentation More Engaging: Animations are a great way to add movement to a presentation and make it more engaging. There are many different types of animations to choose from, including fades, zooms, and transitions. When using animations, it is important to use them sparingly so that they do not become distracting.

By following these tips, users can easily add design elements to their presentation that will create a visually stunning and engaging experience for their audience.

Using Animations

Using animations can help make your PowerPoint slideshow even more engaging and eye-catching.

Animations can be used to help draw attention to certain elements of your presentation, such as important points, or to add movement to your slides.

There are a variety of animation options available to suit your needs.

You can apply animations to text, shapes, images, and other elements.

You can also set the timing and speed of the animation, as well as the direction and effect it will have.

For example, you can have text appear from the bottom of the screen or have an image fade in.

You can also add sound and video to your animations to further engage your audience.

Animations can help make your slideshow more dynamic and interesting, so be sure to take advantage of them when creating your presentation.

Enhancing Visual Appeal

Once the content is added to the PowerPoint slideshow, it is time to enhance the visual appeal of the presentation.

This can be done through the use of colors, fonts, and animations.

When it comes to colors, it is important to create a consistent color palette that fits with the theme of the presentation.

This will help to create a cohesive look and feel.

Try to limit the number of colors used to two or three primary colors, and use them consistently throughout the presentation.

This will help ensure that the presentation looks professional and polished.

When it comes to fonts, it is important to choose fonts that are easy to read and that compliment the look of the presentation.

Try to use one or two fonts throughout the presentation.

This will help to create a sense of continuity.

Additionally, try to steer clear of overly ornate fonts as they can be difficult to read and can be distracting to the audience.

Animations can be used to add visual interest to the presentation.

Animations can be used to transition between slides or to draw attention to certain elements on the slide.

However, it is important to not overdo it with animations.

Too many animations can be distracting and take away from the message of the presentation.

By using colors, fonts, and animations, users can easily enhance the visual appeal of their presentation and create a powerful and engaging experience for their audience.

Utilizing Multimedia

When creating a PowerPoint slideshow, its important to not just rely on text and images, but also include multimedia elements.

Multimedia, such as video clips, music, and audio clips, can greatly enhance the presentation by adding a more dynamic and engaging element.

For example, a short video clip could be used to introduce the topic of the presentation, or a music clip can be used as background music.

Additionally, audio clips can be used to highlight key points or to emphasize certain sections.

When using multimedia, its important to choose the elements wisely and make sure that they are relevant to the presentation.

Additionally, the multimedia elements should be used sparingly, as too much multimedia can be distracting for the audience.

Its also important to be mindful of the file size of the multimedia elements, as large files can take longer to load.

Lastly, its important to make sure that the multimedia elements are properly credited if they have been sourced from outside sources.

By adding multimedia elements to a PowerPoint slideshow, users can create a more engaging and interesting presentation that will captivate their audience.

With a few simple steps, users can easily incorporate multimedia elements into their presentation and create an unforgettable experience for their audience.

Final Thoughts

Creating a PowerPoint slideshow is a great way to present information in a visually appealing and engaging way.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can craft a slideshow that is both informative and aesthetically pleasing.

With the right theme, content, design elements, and multimedia, users can create a powerful presentation that will captivate their audience.

So what are you waiting for? Get started and make your own PowerPoint slideshow today!

James Wilson

James Wilson has extensive knowledge in the information technology industry.His second love, besides dealing with computers, is smart home technology. He is continually updating information to better comprehend this problem and has a deep understanding of the apartment’s support system.

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A simple guide to slideshows

Learn what slideshows are, how they’re used, common features, and how to choose a slideshow maker. Get started creating your own slideshows today with Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is a slideshow?

What are slideshows used for.

Meetings and presentations

Slideshows are most frequently used to create professional presentations for business meetings, conferences, and educational purposes. A  slideshow program  allows people to organize content, include visuals, and enhance the overall impact of their message.

Visual storytelling

Because slideshows sequentially display engaging visuals, text, and other multimedia, they’re a strong way to tell a cohesive and compelling narrative from start to finish.

Content creation

Slideshows give content creators a versatile and efficient way to organize information, increase visual appeal, and communicate effectively across different contexts.

Photo and video sharing

Slideshow makers are popular for creating photo and video presentations, especially for events like weddings, birthdays, and vacations. People can add transitions, music, and captions to fully bring the photo-sharing experience to life.

Training and tutorials

Slideshows help break down complex information into digestible chunks with the support of visuals and text, making them ideal for instructional materials, tutorials, and training modules.

Collaborative projects

In collaborative settings, teams use slideshow makers to create joint presentations or reports. The best slideshow makers enable multiple contributors to add their content simultaneously, which helps ensure a cohesive and unified presentation.

What are the features of a slideshow creator?

Slideshow creators vary in what they offer but ideally include:

A library of templates, themes, and images.

If you’re not a designer, this feature is huge. Simply browse the options available in your slideshow maker library to create a polished, professionally designed presentation in a flash. Be sure to confirm that access to the library is free and the images are approved for unrestricted usage.

Audio and video compatibility.

Keeping your audience engaged is key to any successful slideshow presentation. To mix things up, being able to add a multimedia element—like a song or a video clip—will help people stay focused and interested.

Presentation tools.

Handy presenter tools go a long way toward making your slideshow experience seamless. For example, straightforward slide navigation, slideshow keyboard shortcuts, pen and highlighter markup, and adjustable resolution settings.

AI assistance.

With AI revolutionizing content creation, using a slideshow maker that has AI capabilities will enhance efficiency and innovation. Depending on the slideshow app you have, creating an entire slideshow could be as easy as a quick prompt, like “Make a presentation about the benefits of sustainable fashion that has 15 slides.” 

Animations.

Like audio and video, animations give your audience a bit of sensory surprise that can capture their attention. 

Slide transitions.

Add some pizzazz to how you change slides with visual effects like fading, wiping, and zooming. 

Screen recording.

Being able to record your screen in a slideshow maker is helpful when giving an instructional talk, software demonstration, and other types of presentations that require visual aids.

A place to put speaker notes.

Having somewhere to jot a few notes down will help remind you of everything you want to cover as you present.

Different viewing options.

Looking at different views—for example, a presenter view, an audience view, and a high-level view of slide order—is useful when organizing your slideshow’s structure and understanding and preparing for what you’ll see versus what your audience will see.

How do I choose the right slideshow maker?

When choosing a slideshow maker, keep the following questions in mind to make sure you get the most for your money:

Is it scalable with your business?

As your organization grows and changes, it’s important to have flexible technology that adapts to new needs. Having certain features—such as cloud-based collaboration, compatibility with other work apps, and a mobile app—will help ensure that no matter how your business changes, the slideshow maker is up to the task. This also applies to pricing plans. Consider choosing a slideshow app that has a subscription plan (so the software is always up to date), volume-based pricing, or enterprise-level pricing.

Does it have a variety of visual elements?

It’s pretty much a given that a slideshow maker will allow you to add images, but think outside the JPEG box—what other visual elements are available to you? Features like preset themes, free templates, SmartArt, a built-in clip art library, shape tools, background styles, 3D models, and charts and graphs provide diverse ways to switch up how a slideshow looks without relying solely on adding your own images.

Is it easy to use?

You could have the most feature-rich slideshow maker on the market, but if it isn’t easy to use, you probably won’t use it. Or you will, but you’ll be frustrated, waste valuable time, and have difficulty convincing people you work with to use it. As you research slideshow makers, look for videos that show the apps’ interfaces in action to help you decide if they’re intuitive and will have a shorter learning curve.

Does it have collaboration and sharing options?

Because making a slideshow is often a collaborative effort, it’s worthwhile to find a slideshow creator that was designed with this in mind. Pick one that offers editing controls and commenting, as well as the ability to work on a slideshow at the same time as someone else. Having a cloud-based slideshow maker will be key here. You’ll not only save yourself time but also keep things simple by not having multiple versions of the same slideshow.

Explore more about slideshows and slideshow makers

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Frequently asked questions

How do i make a good slideshow.

Making a good slideshow in PowerPoint is easy:

Plan what you’d like to include in your slideshow.

Launch your slideshow creator.

Choose the theme you’d like.

Import media.

Add text, music, and transitions.

Record, save, and share your slideshow.

Learn more about how to make a slideshow .

How do I add music to a slideshow?

To add music to a slideshow, first make sure that you’re using a slideshow maker with music compatibility. In PowerPoint, follow these steps:

Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the slide where you want to add music.

Click on the Insert tab in the ribbon menu.

Click on the Audio button and select Audio on My PC.

Browse to the folder on your computer where the audio file is located and select it.

Click on the Insert button.

How do I record a slideshow?

The steps for recording a slideshow in PowerPoint will vary depending on the version that you own. Get help with slideshow recording based on your version. 

What types of files can I add to a slideshow?

File compatibility in PowerPoint includes the use of JPEGs, PNGs, TIFFs, GIFs, PDFs, MP3s, WAVs, MIDIs, MPEG-4 Videos, and Windows Media Videos.  

How do I share my slideshow?

To share your PowerPoint slideshow, follow these steps:

Open your presentation and click Share at the top right of your screen.

If your presentation isn't already stored on OneDrive, select where to save your presentation to the cloud.

Choose a permission level, like Anyone with a link , or maybe just people in your company. You can also control if people can edit or just view the doc. 

Select Apply.

Enter names and a message.

Select Send.

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What is PowerPoint?

PowerPoint is a presentation software developed by Microsoft that is widely used to create slideshows that combine text, images, and multimedia. It helps users deliver content in a structured and engaging way. This blog will explore What is PowerPoint, its key features, benefits, design tips, and alternatives for impactful presentations.

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According to Glassdoor , a PowerPoint designer's average salary in the UK is about £37,811 annually. Who knew there was big money in presentations alone? In this blog, you will learn What PowerPoint is, its key features, its benefits, and how to use it, as well as learn some tips for creating effective presentations. 

Table of contents      

1) What is PowerPoint?   

2) Understanding the PowerPoint Interface     

3) Features of MS PowerPoint 

4) Benefits of PowerPoint 

5) How to Use PowerPoint to Create a Presentation?   

6) Tips for Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations   

7) Alternatives to PowerPoint    

What is PowerPoint?  

PowerPoint is an essential multifunctional tool for making presentations which had been created by MS. As a part of the Microsoft Office Suite , it offers a toolbox to organise the presentation by using different tools and features to make it visually pleasant and attractive. MS PowerPoint gives the opportunity for the text, graphics, multimedia objects, and animation elements to be combined in one place to allow the users to present information in a more effective way.  

Evolution of PowerPoint  

In the course of time, PowerPoint has become a very functional tool to produce high-quality presentations Moreover, a secure system would be established to manage risks of data leakage or theft. First released in 1987 for Apple computers, it defies to the competition with its easy Graphical User Interface (GUIGUI)) and its large range of functions. With every new release, MS PowerPoint offered new functionality and boasted significant improvements, staying the wonder of the world of presentations.  

Understanding the PowerPoint Interface  

 The PowerPoint Program provides the presenter with an easy-to-use interface for designing and updating the presentation. It is important to master its main functions in order to conduct operations using this software with a level of proficiency.Here's a breakdown of the MS PowerPoint interface:   

1) Ribbon: The Ribbon is located at the top of the MS PowerPoint window and has several tabs which include Home, Insert, Design, Transitions, etc.

2) Slides Pane: Slide pane which is positioned to the far left of the window, is the PowerPoint window. You will see there a collection of your slides examples (thumbnails) which enables you to adjust and customize them with greater ease. The floating pane of the editor lets you not only add, delete, duplicate, but also hide slides from there.

3)   Notes Pane : The Notes pane is located below the Slides pane. It provides space for adding speaker notes or additional information related to each slide.    

4)  Slide Area : The Slide area occupies the central part of the PowerPoint window. It displays the selected slide, where you can add and arrange content such as text, images, charts, and multimedia elements .    

5)  Task Panes : Task panes are additional panels on the PowerPoint window's right side. They offer various functionalities such as formatting options, slide layouts, animations, etc. Task panes can be opened or closed based on your specific needs.   

Understanding the MS PowerPoint interface will help you navigate the software effectively and make the most of its features. Whether you are creating slides, adding content, or applying formatting, having a good grasp of the interface ensures a smooth and productive experience .  

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Features of MS PowerPoint  

When it comes to creating captivating and professional presentations, MS PowerPoint stands out as versatile and feature-rich software. Its array of tools and functionalities enables users to bring their imagination and ideas to life. Moreover, it also helps engage their audience effectively .    

From slide templates to multimedia integration, there are various Features of PowerPoint ; let's discuss some of them below.

1) Slide Templates : PowerPoint provides a collection of pre-designed templates that make it easy to create visually appealing slides.   

2)  Slide Master : The Slide Master feature allows users to define the overall layout, font styles, and colour scheme for the entire presentation .   

3)  Animations and Transitions : PowerPoint offers various animation effects and slide transitions to add visual interest and captivate the audience .   

4)  Multimedia Integration : Users can embed images, videos, and audio files directly into their presentations, enhancing the overall impact .   

5)   Collaboration Tools : MS PowerPoint allows multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and remote collaboration .   

6) Presenter View : The Presenter View feature gives presenters access to speaker notes, a timer, and a preview of upcoming slides, enabling a seamless presentation experience .   

These features collectively contribute to PowerPoint's versatility and make it a powerful tool for developing engaging and impactful presentations.  

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Benefits of PowerPoint   

PowerPoint is a very popular presentation software and for a good reason. It offers numerous benefits for users, from easy collaboration to ease of use. These are some of the key benefits of PowerPoint.

1) Visual Appeal : Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to create visually appealing presentations with its wide range of design tools and features . You can use templates, themes, and customisable layouts to make your slides visually engaging and professional .   

2)  Easy to Use : PowerPoint has a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all levels. The intuitive tools and straightforward navigation make it easy to create, edit, and deliver presentations efficiently .   

3)   Flexibility : PowerPoint provides flexibility in terms of content creation. You can include various types of content, such as text, images, charts, graphs, videos, and audio files, to enhance your message and engage your audience effectively.   

4)   Organisation and Structure : PowerPoint offers features to help you organise and structure your content. You can create multiple slides, use slide masters for consistent formatting, and arrange the sequence of slides to create a logical flow .   

5)  Presenter Tools : PowerPoint includes built-in presenter tools that aid in delivering presentations smoothly. You can use presenter view to see your notes and upcoming slides while your audience sees only the presentation. Additionally, features like slide transitions and animations add visual interest and help you control the flow of information .   

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6)  Collaboration and Sharing : PowerPoint allows for easy collaboration and sharing of presentations. Several users can simultaneously work on the same presentation, making it convenient for team projects. You can also share your presentations via email, cloud storage, or online platforms, ensuring easy access for viewers .   

7)   Integration With Other Tools : PowerPoint can seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel. You can import data and charts from Excel or copy and paste content between different Office applications, saving time and effort .  

8)   Presenter-audience Interaction : PowerPoint provides features that facilitate interaction between the presenter and the audience. You can include interactive elements like hyperlinks, buttons, and quizzes to engage your audience and make your presentations more dynamic.   

9)   Portable and Accessible : PowerPoint presentations can be saved in various formats, such as .pptx or .pdf, making them easily accessible on different devices. This portability allows you to deliver presentations on laptops, tablets, or even projectors without compatibility issues .   

10)  Time and Effort Savings : PowerPoint simplifies the process of creating presentations, saving you time and effort. The pre-designed templates, slide layouts, and formatting options enable you to create professional-looking presentations efficiently .   

Keynote vs. PowerPoint : Discover which tool is best for your presentations! Click to compare features and make the right choice!

How to Use PowerPoint to Create a Presentation? 

Creating a presentation in PowerPoint is a simple process. Whether it's simple animations or explainer videos, learning How to Use PowerPoint is an important skill. Please find below the guide on how to create a presentation respectively::    

1) Launch PowerPoint and choose a template, or start with a blank slide.  

2) Add slides by clicking "New Slide" or using the shortcut key (Ctrl + M).  

3) Customise slide content by entering text and inserting visuals.   

4) Rearrange slides for a logical flow by dragging them in the slide navigation pane.   

5) Apply slide transitions for visual effects in the "Transitions" tab.   

6) Add animations to objects in the "Animations" tab.   

7) Preview your presentation by clicking "Slide Show".    

8) Save your presentation and choose a format (.pptx or .pdf).   

9) Share your presentation via email, cloud storage, or collaboration tools.    

By following these steps, you can create a well-structured and visually appealing presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint. Remember to keep your content concise, use engaging visuals, and practice your presentation skills to deliver an impactful presentation. 

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Tips for Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations   

PowerPoint presentations can be powerful tools for communicating information and engaging an audience. Consider the following PowerPoint Tips to create effective presentations .

1) Simplicity is Key : Keep your slides clean and uncluttered. Use concise bullet points and simple visuals to convey your message effectively .   

2)  Visuals Matter : Incorporate relevant, high-quality visuals such as images, charts, and diagrams to enhance understanding and engagement .   

3)  Limit Text : Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive text on slides. Use brief phrases or keywords to communicate key points .   

4)  Choose Legible Fonts : Opt for clear and readable fonts that are easy to read, even from a distance. Maintain consistency in font styles throughout your presentation .   

5)  Consistent Design : Maintain a consistent design theme, including colours, fonts, and layout, to create a visually appealing and professional presentation.   

6)  Emphasise Important Points : Use visual hierarchy techniques, such as font size, colour, and formatting, to draw attention to essential information .   

7)  Use Transitions and Animations Sparingly : Incorporate slide transitions and animations thoughtfully, focusing on enhancing content and transitions without distracting the audience .   

8)  S lide Notes for Guidance : Utilise the slide notes feature to include additional details, explanations, or reminders for a well-prepared and confident presentation.   

9)  Practice and Time Yourself : Rehearse your presentation to ensure smooth delivery and stay within the allocated time. Practice helps you refine your content and delivery.   

10)  Engage the Audience : Encourage audience participation through interactive elements, questions, or discussions to foster engagement and make your presentation more memorable.   

By implementing these tips, you can create effective MS PowerPoint presentations that capture attention, communicate information clearly, and engage your audience effectively.  

Google Slides vs. PowerPoint : Which is best for you? Click to compare features and choose the right tool for your next presentation!

Alternatives to PowerPoint  

Most of you are used to using PowerPoint for your presentation needs since it was the first option available to us through our academics. However, if you wish to check out alternative options to Powerpoint know if they work better for you, here are ten options that is worth a short: 

5) Slidebean

6) Zoho Show 

7) Google Slide 

9) Beautiful.ai

10) Microsoft Sway

Conclusion     

This blog walked you through What is PowerPoint and how it can aid you in curating compelling visual representations of the message you wish to get across. We discussed it features and the process of how you can create presentations on PowerPoint. Now take what you know and run with it explore your options with your templates and building new ones, let your creativity take its course. 

Learn how to create customised slide shows in MS PowerPoint with our Microsoft PowerPoint MO300 Training .  

Frequently Asked Questions

PowerPoint is widely used because it’s user-friendly, versatile, and familiar. It allows users to create structured, visually appealing presentations with various multimedia options. Its accessibility and integration with Microsoft Office make it a go-to tool for professionals, educators, and students. 

PowerPoint isn't obsolete, but alternatives like Google Slides, Prezi, and Microsoft Sway are gaining popularity. These newer platforms offer cloud-based features, collaboration tools, and dynamic designs, appealing to users seeking more modern and interactive presentation solutions. However, PowerPoint remains widely used and relevant. 

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The Definition of a Slide (or Slides) in a PowerPoint Presentation

• Brock University

Presentation software such as PowerPoint generates a series of slides to accompany a human presenter or to be recorded as a stand-alone presentation. A slide is a single screen of a presentation, and every presentation is composed of several slides. Depending on the subject matter, the  best presentations may consist of 10 to 12 slides to get a message across, but more may be needed for complex subjects.

Slides keep an audience's attention during a presentation and provide additional supporting information in textual or graphic format. 

Selecting Slide Formats in PowerPoint

When you open a new PowerPoint presentation file, you are presented with a large selection of slide templates that you can choose from to set the tone for your presentation. Each template has a series of related slides in the same theme, color, and font choice for different purposes. You can choose a template and use only the additional slides that work for your presentation.

The first slide of a presentation is usually a title or introductory slide. It typically consists of text only, but it can include graphic elements or images as well. Subsequent slides are chosen based on the information to be transmitted. Some slides contain images, or charts and graphs.

Transitions Between Slides

Slides follow one after another during a presentation, either at a set time or when the presenter advances the slides manually. PowerPoint includes a large number of transitions you can apply to slides. A transition controls the appearance of one slide as it transitions to the next. Transitions include one slide morphing into another, a fade of one to another, and all sorts of special effects such as page curls or animated motion.

Although transitions add extra interest to a slide presentation, overdoing them by applying a different spectacular effect to each slide tends to look unprofessional and may even distract the audience from what the speaker is saying, so use transitions judiciously.

Enhancing a Slide

Slides can have sound effects attached to them. The sound effects list includes cash register, crowd laughing, drum roll, whoosh, typewriter and many more. 

Adding motion to an element on a slide – a line of text or an image – is called animation. PowerPoint comes with a large selection of stock animations you can use to generate movement on a slide. For example, you can choose a headline and have it zoom in from the margin, spin around 360 degrees, flip in one letter at a time, bounce into position or one of many other stock  animation effects .

As with transitions, don't use so many special effects that the audience is distracted from the content of the slide. 

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