How to Insert a Call-out on a Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 Slide

When you are creating a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint, you may find inserting a call-out to be a useful feature. A call-out is basically a text box with a line that can point at parts of graphs, pictures or text and is used to add additional information. You can also use a call-out to show dialogue, such as speech or thought bubbles. Microsoft PowerPoint offers several different call-out styles, and you can customize them by changing the size, shape and colors.

Instructions

1. Open your presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007.

2. Select the Home menu. In the Drawing section, you will see a series of shapes. If you do not see the call-out boxes, click on the scroll arrows just to the right of the shapes until you see them. There is also a down-pointing arrow with a line above it just below the scroll arrows. Click on that arrow and a menu will pop up with all of the available shapes. Scroll down until you see the call-outs.

3. Click on the shape you like. Your mouse pointer will turn into a plus sign (+). Click where you want the call-out to appear, hold down your left mouse button and drag your mouse until the call-out is about the size you want it. You will be able to move or change it later if you need to.

4. Click and drag the yellow diamonds to change the location of the pointer or click on the box and drag it to move the whole unit together. Click and drag the “handles” on the corners and in the middle of the lines to change the size or shape of the box. Use the buttons that have now appeared on the Ribbon at the top of the screen to customize the call-out, such as changing the colors and shape. You can also change the transparency of the call-out box so you can see the text or graphic behind it.

5. Click on the box and type whatever text you would like to appear. You can customize it, just like any other text.

6. Click anywhere outside of the call-out when you are finished.