How to Map a Process in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is not only for graphs and charts, but an easy and effective way to present process maps.

PowerPoint is a presentation application which enables users to create and present topics. PowerPoint is an easy and effective way to draw and present process maps. Using PowerPoint to present process maps enables readers to view and edit process maps without installing additional process mapping software.

Instructions

1. Create a new PowerPoint presentation. Click the Microsoft Office Button on the top-left corner of the application and click "New." Select a blank presentation, and click on the "Create" button on the lower right.

2. Enter the title in the title slide. The first slide that appears in your presentation is the title slide. On this slide a box will state "Click to add title." Click on that box and enter the title. The title on the title slide will provide the reader with the topic of this presentation.

3. Add a new slide to write the details of your process map. On the upper left-hand corner click on "New Slide;" this will create the next slide to your presentation.

4. Add a title to the new slide. On the top potion of the new slide a box will state “Click to add title.” Click on that box and enter the title.

5. Insert process images in the slide. On the lower larger box of the slide, click on the green icon described as "Insert SmartArt Graphic." A new window will open which is separated horizontally in three sections: the far left will be options for the type of images, the middle section will be the various images related to the options and the farthest right will be the explanation of those images. Click on "Process" within the farthest left section, then select the image that best corresponds with your process mapping needs. Click "OK" on the lower-right side of the window.

6. Describe your process images. Add additional images to support your process map and describe the images by clicking on the image to edit the text. A process map is best illustrated if each image describes the continuation of the previous one.

7. Add additional slides until the process map in PowerPoint is completed. Repeat the two steps above until the process map presentation is completed. A completed process map can be as short as one slide and as long as 100 slides. The length of the PowerPoint presentation will depend on the purpose of the presentation.

8. Save your process map in PowerPoint. Once all your slides with processes are completed, click the Microsoft Office Button on the top-left corner of the application and click "Save." If the file is new, it will prompt for a file name. If a file name was selected, the file will be saved in the same name with a new modified date.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your process presentation simple.

• Do not get caught up with all the functions that PowerPoint has to offer.

References

• Microsoft Office: Create a Basic Presentation in PowerPoint 2007
• Microsoft Office: Process Diagram Template

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2010