PowerPoint Basics for Beginners

Are you making your first PowerPoint? Do you find it a bit confusing?

Learn the basics of PowerPoint here. Use these tips to make a perfect PowerPoint presentation.

This post is part of a series called How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide).

Understanding Microsoft PowerPoint

If you’re new to PowerPoint, it can seem overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to start. Once you understand the basics of PowerPoint, using the software becomes much easier.

PowerPoint is the original presentations app for both Mac and PC, yet it encompasses a wide range of features that can be complex for new users. This guide is designed to help you navigate these complexities and create a successful PowerPoint presentation.

Essential Dos and Don’ts for PowerPoint Presentations

Dos

Here’s a list of guidelines for creating an effective PowerPoint presentation:

• Use one theme consistently across all slides.
• Choose simple, easy-to-read fonts.
• Utilize bullet points to present information concisely.
• Include only key information on each slide.
• Be direct; use concise wording.
• Limit text to avoid overwhelming your audience.
• Provide definitions when necessary for clarity.
• Use white space to enhance visual appeal.
• Ensure high contrast between text and background colors.

Don’ts

Avoid the following common pitfalls when creating your PowerPoint presentation:

• Don’t overcrowd slides with too many graphics.
• Avoid including irrelevant information on slides.
• Refrain from writing your entire script on the slides.
• Stay clear of distracting images or backgrounds.
• Don’t use hard-to-read color combinations.

For additional design guidelines, explore this tutorial on 20 Basic PowerPoint Guidelines to Design Effective Presentations in 2024 .

Customizing Your PowerPoint Template

To create an engaging PowerPoint presentation, you need to grasp some basic skills. This section will guide you through the key steps involved in customizing your PowerPoint template.

1. Decide on Your Topic

Before diving into the creation process, select a topic for your presentation. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Create an outline of what you want to discuss.
2. Identify the most important information to include on your slides.
3. Conduct research and gather relevant data to support your presentation.

For tips on outlining, check out How to Write Powerful PowerPoint Presentations Fast With Outlines .

2. Choose a Template

Select an appropriate PowerPoint presentation template that aligns with your topic. Topic-specific templates can streamline your creation process and save time.

If you can’t find a perfect template, choose a simple one that can be customized easily to fit your needs.

3. Add Text Effectively

Text is crucial for supporting your main points. However, avoid placing large blocks of text on your slides, which can overwhelm the audience. Instead, use short phrases or lists to convey your message clearly.

To add text to your template:

1. Click on the Insert tab.
2. Select the Text Box button in the toolbar.
3. Draw a text box where desired and begin typing.

4. Incorporate Images

Images can enhance your presentation by evoking emotions and illustrating key points. Be cautious not to use too many images on one slide.

To add an image:

1. Double-click the Insert Picture from File button in the placeholder.
2. Locate and select your desired image file.

5. Maintain a Consistent Color Palette

A consistent color palette is essential for a cohesive presentation. If your template is premium, you might not need to adjust colors unless desired.

To change the background color:

1. Click on the slide background.
2. Go to the Design tab.
3. Click on the Format Background button to select a color.

6. Utilize White Space

White space is important for making your slides look clean and professional. Remember that less is often more.

7. Use Icons and Infographics

Icons and infographics can effectively convey information visually. Many premium templates come with built-in icons for this purpose.

To edit infographic data:

1. Click on the chart in your template.
2. Select the Chart Design tab and click Edit Data in Excel.

8. Format Text and Adjust Images

Formatting is key for a polished presentation. Maintain consistency in font type, size, and color across all slides.

To format text:

1. Highlight the text you want to change.
2. Go to the Home tab and select the desired font from the Font Menu.

9. Use Speaker Notes

Speaker Notes allow you to add additional information that only you can see during the presentation. This feature helps keep your slides clear and concise.

To add Speaker Notes:

1. Type your notes in the section below your slide.
2. Present your slides while keeping your notes hidden from the audience.

Top PowerPoint Tips for Enhanced Presentations

Now that you’ve covered the basics, consider these additional tips to elevate your presentation:

1. Incorporate Animations

Animations can draw attention to specific elements in your presentation. However, use them sparingly to avoid distraction.

For more on animations, see 15 Simple PowerPoint PPT Animation Tips, Effects, & Tricks for 2023 .

2. Use Charts and Graphs

Visual data representation through charts and graphs helps audiences understand comparisons and trends.

Learn more about creating effective charts in How to Make Great PPT Charts & Graphs in Microsoft PowerPoint .

3. Engage Your Audience

Interactive quizzes can increase audience engagement during your presentation. Announce a quiz ahead of time to keep attention focused.

Explore how to create an interactive quiz in How to Make a Basic Interactive Quiz in PowerPoint From a PPT Template .

4. Use Images Strategically

Images not only enhance visual appeal but also reinforce your message.

For tips on working with images, refer to How to Work With Images in PowerPoint .

5. Start with an Outline

Creating an outline helps ensure you cover all necessary points in your presentation. A good template often includes slides labeled as an outline.

Conclusion

You now have the foundational skills to create and deliver a basic PowerPoint presentation. With practice, you can expand your knowledge and utilize more advanced features.

Editorial Note: This article was originally written in 2014 by Bob Flisser and has been comprehensively revised to include the latest PowerPoint information by Sarah Joy.