PowerPoint Basics

PowerPoint basics: Part 1

An introduction to producing PowerPoint presentations as ONE tool to help you deliver your message

Presented by Dan Dyck,Mennonite Church Canada,for International Workers at Mission Seminar 2004

PowerPoint basics: Part 1Two essentially different ways

to use PowerPoint:1. Interactive, supportive visual aid

in telling a story, teaching, or providing information

– Pros: – Passionate narration, interactive

- Allows opportunities for eye contact between presenter and audience

– Cons:- Requires good prep and rehearsal time

PowerPoint basics: Part 1

Two essentially different ways to use PowerPoint:

2. Stand alone presentation, delivering the story in the way one might present a video

– Pros: Consistent message each time, more friendly to use of music/audio, good intro/icebreaker

– Cons: More technically complex to produce, little interaction with presenter until finished

Before you start…

6 steps• Step 1: The Story• Step 2: Pictures• Step 3: Words• Step 4: Pictures and

Words• Step 5: Delivery• Step 6: Interaction

Step 1: The Story

• Develop Story Outline– How much time?– Who is your audience?– Why have they come?– What are the 2-3 most important points

of your message?– Think in terms of section titles and sub-

titles

Step 2: Pictures

• Collect images– People connect with people

– Aim for quality images

Step 3: Words

• Compose your message; point form, or full narrative – your choice

– Less is MORE: limit animation, fonts, colours

Step 4: Pictures and Words

• Adding images to a slide

• Linking your narrative to the images

• Adding words to images Getting to church in Dubai

Step 5: Delivery

Delivering your presentation

• Practice, practice, practice

• Arrive early • Print notes pages

– Stay on track

– Stay synchronized

Step 6: Interaction

• Engage and enjoy your audience!

Handouts

• Prepare printed handouts for those who ask

When you don’t have an LCD projector…

• Create story pictures

• Highlight the story pictures with narrative

• Pass them around– Tip: One of the secrets to using PowerPoint

effectively is knowing when not to use it!

PowerPoint Basics: Part 2

• Producing Your Presentation– Navigating around PowerPoint– Using a template/master slides– Working with images– Working with text– Layers– Slide transitions– Adding Motion– Moving your presentation to another computer– Dos and Don’ts

Navigating around PowerPoint

Views• Notes pages

– Changing window sizes

– Master pages

– Slide layouts

• Slide sorter• Presentation view

Using a template/master slides

• Branding is important; Use the dove!• Master Slide: Overview• Download template/resources at

www.mennonitechurch.ca/files/witness_resources/

Working with images

• Insert– Picture

• From file

• Sizing images– Click on image to

display

– Adjust screen size using the ‘handles’

Working with text

• Adding text• Sizing text• Changing fonts• Changing text colours• How much text is too

much?• Contrast: What you see

may not be what you get

Layers & Groups

• Ordering items on the slide

• Grouping items

Slide transitions

• Make it smooth• Keep it clean• Keep the focus on the

presentation• How to:

– Select ‘Slide Show’

– Select ‘Slide Transition’• Remember: Less is

MORE

Adding Motion

• Keep it clean• Stay focused • “The medium is the

message.” – Marshall McLuhan, media analyst (1911-1980). Use only effects that contribute to the message!

Basic animation

How to:

• Select item on slide: Text, graphic, or photo

• Click on “Slide Show”, and “Custom Animation”

• Click on “Add Effect” and choose one

• Modify Timing, Speed, Options, etc.

Moving your presentation to another computer

• Compressing images: Making the file smaller

• Using “Pack ‘n Go”

Dos and Don’ts

• Do focus on telling the story

• Do spend adequate time in production and presentation rehearsal

• Do keep it brief

• Do add interesting facts

• Do use text sparingly on slides

Dos and Don’ts

• Don’t overdo the eye candy

• Don’t use EVERY picture you have

• Don’t use sound effects

• Don’t use the slides as your script

PowerPoint Alternatives

• Digital Camera software

• PhotoJam– www.shockwave.com/sw/content/photojam

• IRFANVIEW– www.irfanview.com/main_download_engl.htm

Additional Resources

• http://www.presentersuniversity.com/

Thank You!