How to create a PowerPoint presentation from scratch? | Do it yourself

PowerPoint is a software designed by the Microsoft company that has the relevant tools to create content and design slides , presentations, calendars, diplomas, reports and schedules. Currently the design program is available for computers with macOS and Windows operating systems and Android and iOS mobile phones.

How to Create a PowerPoint Presentation From Scratch? | Do it yourself

Index( )

  1. What is a presentation creator like PowerPoint for?
  2. Why use PowerPoint to make my slides?
  3. How to make my first slide in PowerPoint?
    1. From the program tools panel
    2. With a command from the keyboard
  4. How do I make my presentations more eye-catching?
    1. Add transitions to your slides
    2. Change the theme of your presentation
  5. How to create an effective presentation?
  6. What is the way to see the final result of my slides?

What is a presentation creator like PowerPoint for?

The PowerPoint presentation creator is used to design fully customizable slides , where you can add text and images that explain the pertinent information on any topic.

The slides serve as a visual support material and you can present them together with an exhibition or a class.

Why use PowerPoint to make my slides?

PowerPoint is not the only program available today that has the tools and features to create slides, however, unlike many, this software from Microsoft is completely free and can be accessed without being connected to the internet.

How to make my first slide in PowerPoint?

To start making the slides you will have to open PowerPoint on your device and select a blank presentation from the program’s tool panel or use your keyboard to type a command. Next, the first slide that will serve as the cover will appear, there you will find two default text boxes to write a title and subtitle or modify it at will.

From the program tools panel

Click on the ‘File’ button located on the top toolbar and choose the ‘New’ option, finally click on   ‘Blank Presentation’ .

With a command from the keyboard

To create a new presentation with a command from the keyboard you will have to press the combination of the ‘Ctrl’ and ‘N’ keys.

How do I make my presentations more eye-catching?

If you need your presentation slides to look more striking, you can change the font and use the ‘Insert’ button to add audiovisual elements such as images, audio, videos, comments, hyperlinks, SmartArt titles   and graphics.

Furthermore, the PowerPoint program allows its users to animate the text and images in their presentations , add transitions, and change presentation themes. On the other hand, there are web pages that have a large number of templates available where you can find the ideal design for your slides.

Add transitions to your slides

In presentation software, transitions are tools that let you  set automatic and manual time intervals  and add sounds.

The ‘Transitions’ tab is located in the upper toolbar and once you click on it, you will access its menu and you will be able to choose 35 of its types and modify the time and sound intervals of each slide.

Change the theme of your presentation

You can change the theme of your presentation in the ‘Layouts’ tool , located in the main menu section of the program. After clicking on it you will be able to choose the theme of your preference, adjust the font, colors, effects, background style and hide the graphics.

How to create an effective presentation?

In order to make your presentation effective and have the best slides, it is important that you start by writing down your ideas in a draft , in which you must also place the points you want to develop and the information required.

In addition, it is essential that you ask yourself the following questions during the planning process: Who will be the group of individuals to whom you will present the slides? How, when and where will your presentation be?

After organizing the content, the main and secondary ideas of the topic to be exposed must be established. Later, you can start creating each of your slides and for this it is important that you take into account the following aspects:

  • Each slide should contain only one main or supporting idea.
  • The texts should have between 6 and 7 words per line to prevent the sheet from looking overloaded.
  • Do not exaggerate with the images, 1 or 2 images will be enoughfor a slide
  • The size and font of the text have to be legible and appropriate, avoid using fonts with decorations, you can choose between Arial, Calibri or Tahoma.
  • The backgrounds and colors of the presentation should make it easy to understand the points made on the slides.
  • Avoid using effects, animations, or transitions that may cause the audience to be distracted.

What is the way to see the final result of my slides?

If you have finished designing your slides and want to see the final result, select the ‘View’ tab located in the top bar and click on ‘Reading View’ . With the ‘View’ tool you will be able to choose the presentation view, pattern view, show guides, grid lines and rulers, modify the gray scale, Zoom and organize the windows.