7 Must-Use Features In Your Next Powerpoint

In a world where presentations have become the crux of communication in both business and academia, the effectiveness of your PowerPoint presentation can set you apart from the crowd. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or just gearing up for your first presentation, incorporating the right features into your PowerPoint can significantly elevate your impact. Let's dive into seven must-use features that will help you craft engaging, professional, and memorable presentations.

1. Custom Slide Size

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=custom%20slide%20size%20in%20PowerPoint" alt="Custom slide size in PowerPoint"></div>

• Why it matters: Sometimes, the default 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios don't suit your content or the screen where you're presenting. Having a custom slide size allows you to:
  • Ensure your content fits perfectly on any screen.
  • Create unique layouts that match your brand's aesthetic.
  • Adjust to specific screen or printing formats.

💡 Creating a custom slide size can be a game-changer in how your slides are viewed and received.

Steps to Custom Slide Size:

1. Go to Design tab > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size.
2. Adjust the width, height, and orientation to your needs.
3. Ensure to fit your content accordingly in the new dimensions.

🔍 Note: Be mindful of content placement, as resizing can lead to some elements being cut off or stretched.

2. Morph Transition

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=morph%20transition%20in%20PowerPoint" alt="Morph transition in PowerPoint"></div>

• Why it matters: The morph transition allows for smooth transitions between similar shapes or elements from slide to slide, creating a fluid, professional, and engaging presentation experience:
  • It can make complex animations seem effortless.
  • You can animate content movement in a way that captivates the audience.
  • It reduces the need for multiple, separate animations, simplifying your work.

✨ With Morph, your presentations can move seamlessly from one point to another, telling a cohesive story.

Steps to Apply Morph Transition:

1. Create duplicate slides with the elements you want to morph.
2. Make your changes on the second slide (e.g., move text boxes, resize images).
3. Apply the Morph transition to the first slide.

👉 Note: Ensure both slides have the same shape/slide number for Morph to work correctly.

**3. Ink Equations

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=ink%20equations%20in%20PowerPoint" alt="Ink equations in PowerPoint"></div>

• Why it matters: Mathematics or equations are an essential part of many presentations. Ink Equations help by:
  • Allowing you to write complex equations naturally.
  • Providing precise mathematical symbols and notations.
  • Reducing time and increasing accuracy in equation representation.

📝 Ink Equations can make your presentation more visually appealing and easier to follow for viewers.

Using Ink Equations:

1. Go to Insert > Ink Equation.
2. Handwrite your equation directly on the slide or use the provided tools for perfect alignment.

**4. Record Slide Show

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=record%20slide%20show%20in%20PowerPoint" alt="Record slide show in PowerPoint"></div>

• Why it matters: Recording your presentation can help you:
  • Present when you can't be there physically.
  • Provide asynchronous learning or meeting experiences.
  • Ensure a consistent delivery of content every time.

🎥 Recorded presentations can be a powerful tool for extending your reach and ensuring message consistency.

Steps to Record Slide Show:

1. Navigate to Slide Show > Record Slide Show.
2. Choose to record from the beginning or from the current slide.
3. Narrate, add timings, and click through slides as you would during a live presentation.

💻 Note: Ensure you have a good microphone and a quiet environment for the best audio quality.

**5. Section Divisions

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=PowerPoint%20section%20divisions" alt="PowerPoint section divisions"></div>

• Why it matters: Organizing your presentation into sections helps:
  • Guide your audience through different parts of your talk.
  • Keep your content well-structured and navigable.
  • Easily jump between sections during the presentation or in rehearsal.

📚 Sections help in breaking down complex information into digestible chunks.

Adding Sections:

1. Right-click on a slide in the Slide Thumbnail pane > Add Section.
2. Name your section for clarity and structure.

**6. Smart Lookup and Researcher

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Smart%20Lookup%20in%20PowerPoint" alt="Smart Lookup in PowerPoint"></div>

• Why it matters: Enhancing your slides with quick research tools allows:
  • Instant access to definitions, facts, and related content.
  • Adding credibility and depth to your presentation.
  • Efficient research during slide creation, saving time.

🔎 These tools can turn your presentation into a dynamic, learning experience for both you and your audience.

How to Use Smart Lookup:

1. Right-click on a word or phrase on your slide and choose Smart Lookup.
2. Explore the research pane to add relevant content or adjust your slides accordingly.

**7. Export Presentation to Video

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=export%20PowerPoint%20to%20video" alt="Export PowerPoint to video"></div>

• Why it matters: Creating a video from your PowerPoint presentation ensures:
  • Easy sharing and distribution across platforms.
  • Consistency in presentation delivery regardless of who watches it.
  • Accessibility for viewers who prefer video content.

🎬 Exporting to video broadens the accessibility and utility of your presentation.

Exporting to Video:

1. Go to File > Export > Create a Video.
2. Choose the quality settings, narrations, and timing.
3. Save the video file to your desired location.

By now, you should be equipped with the knowledge to make your next PowerPoint presentation not just good, but great. Remember, the effectiveness of a presentation often lies in the details, from choosing the right slide size to seamlessly transitioning between ideas. Leveraging these features not only makes your job easier but also ensures your presentation stands out in a sea of standard slides. Whether it's through smooth Morph transitions or the thoughtful use of Sections, these tools are designed to help your narrative flow effortlessly.

Engaging presentations are not just about content; they're about how you deliver that content. Now, go forth and make your presentations a showcase of innovation and impact.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why should I customize the slide size in PowerPoint?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Customizing the slide size ensures your presentation fits perfectly on any screen or projector you're using, and it can also align with specific branding or layout requirements.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How does the Morph transition work?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Morph transition allows elements on one slide to smoothly transform into elements on the next slide, providing a fluid and professional visual flow in your presentation.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are the benefits of using Ink Equations?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Ink Equations provide an intuitive way to write complex mathematical expressions, ensuring precision and visual appeal in your slides.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why should I record my PowerPoint slides?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Recording your presentation allows you to deliver it when you can't be physically present, ensures consistency in delivery, and broadens the accessibility of your content.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can Smart Lookup benefit my presentation?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Smart Lookup provides instant access to related content, definitions, and research, adding depth and credibility to your presentation while saving you time in content creation.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>