5 Simple PowerPoint TipsWhen you hear PowerPoint, many
connotations often negative likely come to mind. Perhaps this piece
of software has forced you into late-night work sessions,
high-stress mornings before a conference or even malfunctions in
the boardroom.But imagine a world where PowerPoint could help
empower you. Thats what its supposed to do, of course.Here are 5
simple tips that will help you leverage PowerPoint like a true
presentation design expert:1. Align ObjectsWhen you have multiple
icons or photos on a slide, make sure everything is arranged in a
beautiful, professional and orderly manner. You can make sure this
is the case by following these simple steps:1. Select the objects
that you want to align2. Select Arrange in the home menu bar3. Go
to the bottom tab that says Align or Distribute4. Select the
alignment option you want
2. Simplify Charts and GraphsWhen utilizing charts and graphs in
PowerPoint, dont just opt for the generic elements. You need to
customize them to match the color and style of your brand. Also,
when you first create a chart or graph in PowerPoint, it
automatically provides standard numbers and labels that you might
not need. Eliminate these numbers and reduce the clutter in order
to keep your charts clean, simple and to the point. When you have a
chart picked out, follow these suggestions:1. With the chart
selected, go to the chart layout tab. Here you can change the
layout of all the labels, as well as take them out completely2. If
you go to the format tab, you can change the colors of the charts
as well as add effects like shadows and custom chart styles
3. Custom Shape Your PhotosDid you know you can make
yourphotosstand out by putting them into shapes? This can give your
presentation some individuality and make it more customized. Follow
these steps:1. Select the image that you want to change2. Click on
the Format tab3. Choose Crop and then Mask Shape4. Select the shape
you want your photo to be
4. Add AnimationsAdding simple animations will add value and
heightened interest to your next presentation. Beware! Too many
complex animations can make things confusing and messy. Having just
the right amount of simple animations and transitions one every
5-10 slides is a good target can make your presentation really
stand out. Follow these instructions:1. Select the object you want
to animate2. Go to the Animations tab3. Select an animation from
the entrance effects. Pick one based off of the mood that you want
to get across. Maybe a simple fade or float in4. In the far right
corner, select Reorder5. Here you can reorder your animations as
well as change the timing and effects options
5. Change the Size of Your PresentationIf you need a custom
presentation size or if you need to create a custom banner or
handout, you can do this easily in PowerPoint. Abide by these
steps:1. Choose File then page setup2. Change the height and width
of the background and click ok
PowerPoint:You either love it or hate it. If you are in the
latter category, I hope youll take steps to master this powerful
platform its worth it!READ MORE: 3 Presentation Design Trends Every
Presenter Should KnowAbout the AuthorScott Schwertly is the author
of How to Be a Presentation God and CEO ofEthos3, a Nashville,
TN-based presentation boutiqueproviding professional presentation
design and trainingfor national and international clients ranging
from Fortune 500 companies to branded individuals like Guy
Kawasaki.If Scott is not working with his team building
presentations, you will find him in the pool, on the bike, or on a
long run. Scott lives in Nashville, TN with his wife and three
dogs. He has a B.A. and M.B.A. from Harding University. Find Scott
onGoogle+.Related Posts Slide Makeovers: Presentation Design
Lessons from Real Slides How to Choose the Right Photographs for
Your Presentation Upload From Box, Google Drive and More Cloud
Services #CultureCode: Retaining Startup Magic at Scale Lessons
From the Masters: 5 Rules of Storytelling