Transitions Should Not Turn Heads

Once you have put together your slides, you will have the opportunity to consider which transitions you will place between the slides.  Let me remind you that you do not want anything to distract your audience from the powerful verbal presentation you have put together.  Scott Stratten (2013) in his online article “Giving Effective PowerPoint Presentations” explains that “People tend to get distracted by the effects” (n.p.) so we as PowerPoint designers need to cut down on the distractions.

Transitions are not required; however, if you choose to include a transitional element, then let me urge you to keep the transition simple and consistent throughout the entire PowerPoint presentation.  Figure 1.3 is a screenshot of Word 2010 PowerPoint slide where the transition options are visible.  

Figure 1.3
PowerPoint slide with Transition tab opened.

When you click on the Transition tab, the program will provide a number of options across the top of the screen.  You can appear, fade, fly in, etc. to the next screen, depending on which option you select.  Just remember, the more transitions you add, the more complicated and chaotic the slide show becomes and the less power you will have in the overall effect of your PowerPoint presentation.

The Power In Your PowerPoint Presentation Is You

Now that you have a better vision of what your PowerPoint presentation could be, it is time to go back to your outline and make some choices and changes so that the power of the presentation is in what you say, not what dances around on the screen.

Before you discover the steps to create an effective PowerPoint slide show, please keep in mind that the slides are not to be used as a crutch.  Be aware of these temptations so that you do not fall into the same trap:

• Too many words on the slide (the slide is to be referenced rather than read)
• Too many slide changes (the slide is to be left as a reminder rather than changing with each new sentence)
• Too many colors and designs (the slide is to enhance rather than distract)

Make sure you are confident and comfortable with the text of your presentation so you won’t have to reference the screen.  Organize your approach regarding what would be beneficial to place in your PowerPoint presentation.  Finally, take the basic words or phrases you have chosen, and get ready to design a set of PowerPoint slides that will pack a punch when you give your PowerPoint presentation.

Steps To Follow When Creating A PowerPoint Presentation

Having embraced the principles of an effective PowerPoint, you are now ready to discover all that the PowerPoint program has to offer to you as you design your presentation. 

Your temptation will be to start clicking and quickly put together your few slides with the obvious basic options offered in the PowerPoint program; however, please take the time to window shop before you make your selections. 

Whether you are buying your dream car, a dress for Saturday night’s date, or a baby’s crib, it is important to know all the aspects of your purchase before you make your final choice.  The same wisdom applies to the design of your PowerPoint. 

You will need to :

• Explore the options on the “Home” design ribbon.
• Learn about the different pictures, shapes and graphs you can “Insert.”
• Identify different “Design” options.
• Examine the element of “Animation.”
• Investigate “Slide Show” choices.
• Recognize the importance of editing in the “Review” section.
• Consider the final touches applied through the “View.”

Exploring The Options On The “Home” Design Ribbon

It is time to open the PowerPoint program and get started. Figure 2.1 is a screen shot of what you will see when you open the program and find the first blank slide in place.  Use this blank slide as you would a chalkboard in a classroom.  This is an instructional time where you can place information on the slide and with a click of the reverse arrow button you can erase it from the slide and try again.

Figure 2.1
Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010 

The tabs at the top of the page provide options.  Click on the tab that you want to use.  The first tab is “Home”. When “Home” has been selected, then the “Home” options are displayed in the ribbon across the top of your screen.  The ribbon changes with each tab selected.

In “Home,” one of your first options is “New Slide” and beside that is “Layout”. You have the options of selecting varied layouts for each slide.  You will need to click on “New Slide” every time you want to add a slide to your slide show. I suggest that you use the blank slide, then go to the tab “Insert” and click on “Text Box.”  You can copy and paste into that text box as well as type in that text box. Play with the fonts.

Place a shape around the word.  Fill the shape.  Change the color of the outline.  Discover how you can edit the text and reset or delete the slide.

Learn About The Different Graphics You Can “Insert”

The Insert tab can be perused in a few minutes. This is your click-and-see opportunity.  You will discover what you can access from your own computer files and what will require a search.  Let this ‘clicking’ opportunity inspire ways to creatively compliment your text.  It has been said, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” so consider finding a picture that will take the place of a word filled slide.