How to Format in PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint makes making presentations easy.

Microsoft PowerPoint is a fantastic tool for students and business professionals to prepare presentations for any type of audience. PowerPoint has been created expressly for presentation ease and clarity of content. One way that you can make your content more expressive is using the formatting tools. Formatting can be as simple as changing the font face and size to adding transitions between slides.

Instructions

Changing a Slide's Appearance

1. Choose a type of slide layout, either by clicking new slide or by choosing "Format" and "Slide Layout." After choosing a slide layout, fill the slide with content, either text, media or both.

2. Choose a design theme from PowerPoint's available themes. In the task bar at the top of PowerPoint, there is a button for "Slide Design." Click that button and a variety of themes will appear. Choose the theme that is best for your presentation. Many themes will come with default font styles and sizes.

3. Highlight the font on each slide. In the task bar at the top of PowerPoint, there should be font formatting tools, including font style, size and color. Play around with different fonts and sizes and choose the one that is most appropriate for your presentation. Be aware that using all caps fonts is distracting.

Adding Transitions

1. Click on the slide show button in PowerPoint's menu bar. The click on the "Slide Transitions" button.

2. Peruse the different transitions available in PowerPoint. Choose one that is best for your presentation style. Choose to apply it to just one slide or all slides. You can also set a time limit on each slide, or select it to play when the mouse is clicked.

3. Practice your presentation with the transitions and the formatted designs. This will allow you to be aware of the look and feel of the presentation, and make any formatting changes before it's time to present.

Tips & Warnings

• The best presentations are eye-catching, yet simple. Do not overdo it.

References

• Microsoft: 12 Tips For Creating Better Presentations
• Wellesley: Formatting Slide in PowerPoint 2003