Features ERAU Watermark
Overview
Using Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Access Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Features
  • Narrating Presentations
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Features

Below choose the guide of the feature you want to view.

Create a PowerPoint

This page will cover how to use Microsoft PowerPoint and create a PowerPoint presentation.

There are several components to the Microsoft PowerPoint user interface:

  1. Quick Access Toolbar: Commonly used tools (e.g., save, undo, present, open, print, spell check). Select the dropdown to add or remove tools.
  2. Ribbon: Contains almost all the commands you need to work with your slides and is designed in a way that helps you quickly find the commands you need to complete a task.
  3. Slides Tab: Shows a preview of all the slides in the current presentation.
  4. Presentation Window: This is where you can edit a slide. There are several preset designs and layouts available. Use the Ribbon to add elements.
  5. Presenter Note: Add private notes that will only be visible in Presenter View.
  6. Status Bar: Change your view from this area (e.g., normal view, presentation view, zoom, etc.).
Microsoft PowerPoint User Interface showing the Quick Access Toolbar, Ribbon, Slides Tab, Presentation Window, Presenter Note, and Status Bar

For a more in-depth explanation on how to add elements to your presentation, please refer to Create a presentation in PowerPoint on the Microsoft Support website.

Another great resource is The Beginner's Guide to Microsoft PowerPoint (23:12) YouTube video by Technology for Teachers and Students.

Present a PowerPoint

This page will cover how to present a presentation.

To begin a presentation, select Slide Show from the Ribbon then select either From Beginning or From Current Slide. From Beginning will start your presentation from Slide #1 and From Current Slide begins your presentation from the slide you are currently viewing.

Desktop Version

Desktop Version Slide Show Tab showing the selection of Slide Show from the top tab, then selecting the presentation options

Web Version

Web Version Slide Show Tab showing the selection of Slide Show from the top tab, then selecting the presentation options

When you are giving your presentation, simply use the arrow keys on your keyboard to advance or go back a slide. Select the Escape key on your keyboard to exit the presentation mode.

If you have more than one monitor or are presenting with a projector, the presentation will open in a Presenter View on your primary monitor and the normal slide show on the secondary monitor or projector screen. This view also shows the current slide being presented on the secondary monitor or projector and a preview of the next slide.

Note: Presenter View is not available with the web version of Microsoft PowerPoint.

Presenter Tools

There are several tools to help a presenter give a more effective and engaging presentation:

  1. Use your mouse to use a Pen, Highlighter, or Laser Pointer.
  2. Shows a thumbnail of all the slides.
  3. Zoom in on a region of the current slide.
  4. Black/Un-Black the current slide.
  5. Shows subtitles in a different language. You must be using a microphone, Windows 10, and the most up-to-date version of Microsoft PowerPoint.
  6. Show an ongoing time since the presentation has begun.
  7. Presenter notes for the current slide.
Microsoft PowerPoint Presenter View showing the Pen, Thumbnail, Zoom, Blanking, Subtitles icon along witht he ongoing time for the presentation and the presenter notes

If you would like to hide the Presenter View, select the ellipsis and then Hide Presenter View.

Select the ellipsis, then the 'Hide Presenter View' option

If you need to swap which display shows the Presenter View, select Display Settings then Swap Presenter View and Slide Show.

Swap Presenter View and Slide Show by Selecting Display settings
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This page was last updated May 12, 2025