One could claim that I am continuously on the back-swing of technology. I still own an XBOX (the original, not the 360), I have never owned an Apple product, and my year-old Facebook account is now outdated by the raves regarding Google+. However, one aspect of the Age of Technology in which I feel that my peers are in need of catching up to me is the utilization of Power Point during presentations.
The bane of the college experience, oral presentations, is rightfully feared. Having dozens if not hundreds of blasé eyes darting between the clock and your nervous quaking leads one to believe that time slows to the point that a five minute presentation takes upwards of an half an hour. Microsoft’s Power Point program can not only take the focus off of shuttering knees, it can also entertain the eager-to-escape classroom convicts.
From pictures to music and even automated narration and slide advancement, the capabilities of Power Point seem endless. An easy way to start making your Power Point slideshow pop is by choosing an appropriate theme to go along with the content. Located under the “Design” tab on the top toolbar, there are dozens of different themes with differing layouts and colors. After you have selected an appropriate design, go ahead and start filling in the slides with your information.
After your basic construction of the slideshow, it is time to make your Power Point your own. Each slide can incorporate different animations and transitions. By playing around with these options, you can quickly create an exciting show. Transitions and animations can all be timed and ordered by configuring the settings on the left side of the toolbar. Spend some time getting to know these capabilities and you will be ahead of the class at your next presentation.
Audio can also be inserted into the slideshow. Clicking on the “Insert” tab allows you to add pictures, videos and audio. By utilizing an audio program like Audacity, you can even record your own narration. Now, instead of standing nervously trying to read the chicken-scratch you call notes, pre-record the entire presentation, add some interesting animations, press play and sit back – your presentation is done!
