PowerPoint is a powerful presentation software application that will allow you to create stimulating slide shows.

• To modify the text, font, size, or style (Bold, italics, underline), use the same procedure as in Microsoft Word. (Highlight the desired text and click on the appropriate command)
• Tool Bars: The tool bar on the bottom of your screen will allow you to add Autoshapes, squares, circles, and do WordArt. The crooked "A" on the bottom toolbar will allow you to add colorful and funky-shaped lettering to your slide show; this is WordArt.
• For additional toolbars to modify pictures, WordArt, etc. go to VIEW/TOOLBARS and choose from the list.
• The five icons above the word "Draw" on the bottom left tool bar identify different formats for you to view your slide show in. The one with the four boxes will allow you to see all of your slides at once. (You can also go to VIEW and choose a format)
• The toolbar will allow you to modify your presentation.

FORMAT – allows you to change the color and design of your background.

(Here you can also alter color, texture, and gradient of text and background)

TOOLS – allows you to spell check, etc

SLIDE SHOW – allows you to view your show or to set up custom animation.

• To Animate: Click on SLIDE SHOW/CUSTOM ANIMATION/ then go to TIMING.

• Once all parts of your slide are "ordered," click on EFFECTS to set up which desired effect you want for each part of your slide. (This is where you can add movement and sound into your presentation) Note: you will only hear the sound effects in your presentation if your computer is equipped with sound card and speakers.
• Helpful Hints:

A. To save images from the Internet: Leave the PowerPoint application open and open Netscape Navigator. You can do this by pressing ALT & TAB simultaneously. Go to the desired website. When you find the image you want, click the right button of the mouse and go to SAVE IMAGE AS. Save it to your "S" drive. (E.g. S: picture). Next, go back to your PowerPoint screen. You can do this by pressing ALT & TAB again. Go to the desired slide and choose INSERT/PICTURE/ FROM FILE. Next, choose your S: drive and the desired picture to insert. Click on "insert," and the image will be inserted into your slide.

To insert movies or sound into a slide you would choose INSERT/MOVIE OR SOUND/FROM FILE. Movies and sound can be saved to your S: drive the same way other graphics can. Just Right click and choose SAVE LINK AS:
 

When inserting clips from movies or other graphics, be sure you are in compliance with the Fair Use policy. (See handout)

B. To modify inserted graphics, go to VIEW and open TOOLBARS. Choose the PICTURE toolbar. This will allow you to crop or modify your picture.

Important Points while using PowerPoint

• Choose colors for text that will show up with the background you’ve chosen. Do not use backgrounds that are too "busy."
• Make sure that you do not have too much on a slide. It should be "clean" and visually stimulating with only the text and graphics needed to complement your presentation.
• When you need to add a new slide to your presentation, click on the icon on the top right tool bar with a flash at the corner of a slide. This will give you a new slide and allow you to choose a new format.
• Should you want to use clip art, go to INSERT/PICTURE/CLIPART. Once the clip art dialogue box comes up, you can either choose from the clip art loaded on the particular computer you’re on or you can click on the globe at the bottom right hand corner of the dialogue box and go "live." Once you click it, the next screen will ask you to ACCEPT. Do this. Next, you’ll see a screen that will ask you to type in a subject. Type in the subject of the type of clip art you are looking for and click "go." You will see all the available live clipart. If you find something you like. Use your right mouse button to "SAVE IMAGE AS." Save it to your "S" drive and insert it as you would any other picture saved to file. (see above)