How to make a basic PowerPoint presentation

I have written for those who fear presentations and working with windows computers, however if it is of benefit to you to improve on what you have welcome. I will look at key steps of making a Microsoft PowerPoint but I am sure these steps can work for any other software for making presentations. Like Microsoft word that creates documents we call PowerPoint results presentations, so much so as words divisions are pages a slide is unit of a presentation. PowerPoint can be described as the software that creates presentations or slide shows. A slide can be made up of pictures, words, sounds, movies etc. The purpose of PowerPoint was to replace earlier presentation which had posters, video show and all as separate instances, everything now is one file with all the richness, all it need is your oral presentation. For introduction that should be it with one caution if you have to use pictures, videos or data from other sources make sure you cite and acknowledge the source.

Step 1: Create File and add data
• Open Ms PowerPoint (Version11/12/13)
• Go to File menu, create a new file (Presentation)
• In the first slide (Title slide) enter the tile of your presentation and your name in the text box below. You can add a date, the name of the presentation meeting and your organization/title.
• Right click the slide thumbnail on the left of the screen and select new slide to insert another slide. You can also use the Ctrl+M key combination to do the same.
• In the second slide enter the broad objective or outline of your presentation or a brief about you or your organization.
• In the third slide begin the presentation, starting with broad outlook down to the nitty grities making the last slides.
• The Rule of 6 applies for this presentation: 6 words per bullet/phrase, 6 slides per presentation. This doesn't mean you count but keep in mind what you must do to be effective.
• Do not write what you will say rather what will help you remember what to say.
• This is one component of presentation there are still more on oral and stage presence that will add value to the whole presentation.

Step 2: Graphics and Colour
• Having practiced graphic design and art in my life, my advice is that simplicity is the only effective way to attract audience
• You may desire to be dramatic, but let that be seen in pictures and colours.
• On colour; pick themes as provided in the PowerPoint schemes, but to be creative write down the colours of the rainbow Richard Of York Battled In Vain. If you skip one colour e.g. RYI or OBV those colours compliment and are silent without drama.
• If follow each other you cause noise and temperature is high. The more colour options you have e.g. the 12 colour wheel the more interesting the looks
• Use colour here and there, too much and too often is dangerous!
• Keep object in right proportions don’t stretch images on one side rather use the diagonal resize placeholder marking the size of the image instead.
• Don’t over use image keep to minimum however make sure you have at least an image/picture or two in the presentation unless it is very short and precise.
• Backgrounds can be avoided but keep them solid or cool. The importance is to make text legible, try to run your presentation before the d-day.
• I have never succeeded in this; if can get an audience to present before for pretest is a grand idea, I use the mirror for testing. REHEARSE NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE.
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Step 3: Display management

• Much as the presentation is now complete you can change controls on you presentation to enhance the way it displays
• First is the design or layout, general organization of images and text. Ensure you have a balance (have weighing scale in your mind). Objects are heavier than text, so distribute images within your presentation.
• Second is the Animation: I sound pessimistic but movement only distracts audience. Keep movement as little as possible unless the purpose was to demonstrate movement. Simple fades or blinds make life comfy. Keep the animation standard do not mix if it is blinds keep blinds for all slides.
• Next is the Hyperlink and external linking: you will realise some of what you want to show is in another file e.g. a movie, web link or excel sheet this will require you insert a hyperlink to file. Keep in mind this will stop your presentation so you must either embed or be quick to go back or take a screen shot or attach it together with the PowerPoint presentation.
• Last are the charts, tables and other data display tools. Make sure that every piece of data is legible; sometimes you may have to redraw for clarity and vividness. Keep in mind the same data can be presented in another format e.g. handouts, tables for charts or vice versa

Step 4: Packaging
• This is the most important step this is the end result of what we were doing in the steps above.
• Make sure the presentation can be saved in an external media or sent to an email or computer before you complete
• Earlier versions of PowerPoint used to have pack and go command that allowed saving in a format that can be opened else where even without PowerPoint. Today there is export command that has several options such to word, as a movie, .pdf and the likes.
• Remember again of had a video embedded to attach to the presentation ensure it is part of the package. The best way to work with media files is to make sure they are small in size (bytes) and they are in universal version e.g. QuickTime or windows media.

Concluding Notes:
• PowerPoint is a powerful tool that should help you be on point
• Increase your effectiveness with more skills on presentation
• You are the first attention puller not your presentation
• Do not make generic presentations - on fit all- because audiences change
• Send comments on this article here below or ask for more skills training in this blog.