[ad_1]
As you may already know, Microsoft PowerPoint offers a robust set of features for creating presentations. But what kind of tools are useful for presenting a slideshow? We’ll walk you through several features that can help you engage your audience.
Presenter Trainer for Practice
Before it is time for your presentation, you can practice with the help of PowerPoint. With Presenter Coach, you can get feedback as you go through your slideshow.
RELATED: How to practice your presentations with PowerPoint Presenter Coach
To use Presenter Coach, go to the Slide Show tab and select “Rehearse with Coach”. When your slideshow opens in full screen mode, click “Start Rehearsing” to begin.
You’ll see real-time feedback as you speak and progress through your presentation. You can also view a test report after you finish that summarizes the time spent practicing, the filler words you use, your pace, and more.
Plan ahead for your presentation by practicing with this handy built-in tool.
Cameo for a live camera feed
For a personal touch or a way to communicate visually, consider using a live camera feed. With the Cameo feature, you can put your face and voice front and center during your slideshow.
To add the Cameo object, go to the slide, open the Insert tab, and select “Cameo” in the Camera section.
You can then move or resize the object, preview it using the camera icon, and customize the object using the Camera Format tab that appears when you select it.
If you add the Cameo element to additional slides, your camera feed continues seamlessly through your presentation.
For full details on this feature, take a look at our tutorial for using a live camera feed in PowerPoint.
RELATED: The best webcams of 2022
Subtitles to show spoken words
Audience members viewing your PowerPoint presentation may be hearing impaired or speak a different dialect. With subtitles, you can display every word you say during a presentation in the language of your choice.
RELATED: How to set up and use captions in Microsoft PowerPoint
To configure closed captions, go to the Slide Show tab and select the Closed Caption Settings dropdown menu. You can then adjust the spoken and subtitle languages, the microphone you want to use, and the location of the subtitles.
You can check the box above the menu to Always use subtitles or use the Toggle Subtitles icon (Windows) or Subtitles button (Mac) to turn subtitles on and off during your presentation.
For a great way to accommodate your audience during your slideshow, try the subtitles feature.
Presenter view for tools during presentation
When you present your slideshow, you probably want to have all the tools available, and PowerPoint has plenty. To access those tools like a laser pointer or your presenter notes, see Presenter View.
To use the feature on Windows, go to the Slide Show tab and check the Use Presenter View box in the Monitors section of the ribbon. Then start your presentation as usual. On Mac, just click “Presenter View” on the Slide Show tab.
To launch Presenter View during the slideshow, click the three dots at the bottom left and choose “Show Presenter View.”
Next, you’ll see a dashboard-like screen with everything you need. On the top left is the current slide, on the right is the next slide, and below are your notes.
On the left, you can open additional tools, turn subtitles on or off, turn black on or off the show, toggle the camera, and end the show.
Presenter View puts everything you need at your fingertips during your presentation.
Ballpoint pen, highlighter, and laser pointer for visual emphasis
These may seem like super basic tools, but they can be quite useful when presenting a slideshow. You can use a pen to circle an image or draw an arrow, a highlighter to highlight certain text, or a laser pointer to emphasize parts of a slide.
RELATED: Turn your mouse into a laser pointer in PowerPoint
To access the tools in Presenter View, select the Pen Tools icon below the current slide.
To access the tools without presenter view, select the Pen and Laser Pointer Tools icon at the bottom left of the slide.
Choose a tool and then use your cursor to control it. For the pen and highlighter, you can also choose a color from the popup window.
To “save” the tool you are using, access it using the steps above and deselect it.
Zoom in for a closer view
In addition to using the above tools to highlight parts of your presentation, you can take advantage of the Zoom feature. With it, you can zoom in on a part of a slide, move if you want, and then zoom out.
Note: As of November 2022, this feature is not available in PowerPoint on Mac.
In normal slideshow view or presenter view, select the zoom icon (magnifying glass) at the bottom left.
You will then see a rectangle on your screen indicating the zoom area. Move that rectangle to the place you want to enlarge and click.
You can then drag to move around the slide while it’s zoomed. Right-click or use the Escape key to zoom out to the original view.
Speaker Notes for Talking Points
Just like giving a speech with index cards for your talking points, PowerPoint notes are just as beneficial. You can include information you want highlighted or more details about the text or images you use.
RELATED: How to use speaker notes in PowerPoint
To add presenter notes to your slideshow, open the notes panel. Select “Notes” on the status bar or drag up from the bottom of the slide in the PowerPoint window.
Then, when it’s time to present, use Presenter View to display your notes throughout the show.
With a PowerPoint update in 2022, you can also edit your notes while presenting. This is a good way to capture additional points that occur to you during the presentation or if a question comes up from the audience.
Place your cursor in the notes area on the right hand side and add or delete text. You can also use the buttons at the bottom to increase or decrease the font size.
Having your speaker notes with you during a slideshow is a key element to a successful presentation.
When you’re done creating your PowerPoint slideshow, prepare to present it by testing these features ahead of time. Then, incorporate them into your slideshow where it makes sense. Your audience will be glad you did!
[ad_2]
