Online Presentations Made Easy

Demand for online presentations, and the programs to deliver them, has increased exponentially, especially in the last couple of years.

Whether for business or educational settings, being able to present well online is crucial in 2023, and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.

Thanks to modern technologies, we can now present long distance. So you’re no longer tied to a meeting room and can reach a much wider audience through the internet. Theoretically, it’s possible to work from anywhere and present to anywhere, saving time and costs all round. In this article, we’ll outline three different ways to deliver your PowerPoint presentations online.

The Importance of Online Presentations in 2023

Online presentations are not entirely new, but the pandemic has immensely accelerated their adoption. There are now numerous options available that allow you to share your presentation live while enabling audience interaction.

Thanks to modern technologies, it’s possible to show presentations over long distances without being confined to a physical space. This flexibility allows you to save time and resources while reaching a global audience.

Addressing Data Protection and Security Concerns

It’s essential to consider privacy and security issues to protect the participants and the data being shared. Choosing reputable providers that offer secure connections and encryption is crucial. Always review the provider’s privacy policy to ensure they do not store personal data of participants.

Preparing Your PowerPoint Presentation for Online Sharing

To ensure a seamless presentation experience, it’s important to check your presentation in advance. If possible, conduct a trial run to confirm that all elements are displayed correctly.

• Review your notes or comments: Ensure they are comprehensive enough for your presentation needs.
• Create hyperlinks: For quicker navigation during the presentation, include links to jump directly to specific slides if questions arise.

Three Options for Live Online Presentations

Option 1: Share as a Link

The first method for sharing your presentation is simple: send a link. This approach allows you to present to a wide and unlimited audience directly.

• Live stream your presentation by clicking the Share option in the File tab, then Show Online.
• A dialog box will display the custom URL of your presentation.
• Copy the link and email it to your audience.
• Once they receive the link, they can click Start Presentation to view it in real time.
• After the presentation, simply click End Online Presentation.

Option 2: Office Mix

If you’re subscribed to Office 365 or using PowerPoint 2013 with the Office Mix add-in, you can utilize this method.

Office Mix facilitates interaction between various Microsoft Office programs and enhances your slides with audio files, videos, polls, and quizzes. This is particularly valuable in educational settings for monitoring student progress.

Additionally, Office Mix allows you to guide viewers through the slides in real time, using various multimedia elements. The program requires an internet connection, enabling you to share your presentation online. A major advantage is that the audience can revisit the slides after your presentation ends.

Option 3: Upload to a Platform

SlideShare is a platform where you can upload, share, and archive your online presentations. You can also search for and view presentations using keywords. However, note that this platform does not allow for direct interaction with your audience.

If you’re comfortable making your presentation public, sharing it on various channels can help you reach a wider audience. It’s crucial to ensure your slides are comprehensive enough for viewers to understand without your live commentary, as there won’t be a chance for follow-up questions.

Click here to go to SlideShare.

PowerPoint for the Web

PowerPoint offers a free, simplified web version that allows you to create, upload, and share presentations. A Microsoft account is required to use this service.

The key advantage of the web version is the ability to present online live. You can set the presentation to be publicly accessible or limited to a selected audience under Screen Presentation. When you start broadcasting, a unique link and QR code are generated for participants to join your online presentation.

Click here for PowerPoint for the web.

Group-Chat Software: Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams

Group-chat software such as Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams enables you to interact with your audience while broadcasting your presentation live.

All three programs offer free registration, allowing you to share your presentation using the Share Screen option. Keep in mind that Zoom has a screen sharing time limit in its free version, but upgrading to a paid version allows for longer sessions.

These platforms enhance audience interaction, allowing viewers to ask questions or comment via chat or the raise-hand feature.

Click here for Skype, here for Zoom, and here for Microsoft Teams.

Skillfully Delivering Your Online Lecture

You’ve crafted the perfect PowerPoint presentation to share. Now, it’s essential to consider the delivery of your online lecture. Presenting online requires a different approach compared to traditional in-person presentations, as you need to engage your audience more effectively.

For further tips on delivering virtual lectures, refer to our article on “Virtual Lectures.”

Conclusion: Embrace the Diversity of Online Presentation Methods

Presenting live online has never been easier, with many options available, often for free! However, remember that some platforms may limit audience interaction.

Explore the available options and choose the one that best suits your needs for a successful online presentation.