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Introduction To MS PowerPoint

by | Nov 29, 2023 | MS PowerPoint | 0 comments

Overview

Microsoft PowerPoint is a widely used software application for creating and delivering presentations. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite and provides a range of features and tools to help users design, organize, and present their ideas effectively. Here is an overview of Microsoft PowerPoint:

1. Slide Creation

PowerPoint presentations are composed of individual slides. Users can create slides from scratch or use pre-designed templates to start their presentations. These slides can contain text, images, videos, charts, graphs, and other multimedia elements.

2. Design Tools

PowerPoint offers various design tools to customize the appearance of slides. Users can choose from different themes, fonts, colors, and backgrounds to create visually appealing slides that match their content and branding.

3. Content Insertion

  • Text: To add titles, bullet points, and descriptions.
  • Images: To include pictures and graphics.
  • Videos and Audio: To embed multimedia elements.
  • Charts and Graphs: For data visualization.
  • Shapes and SmartArt: For visual aids and diagrams.

4. Transitions and Animations

PowerPoint allows users to apply slide transitions and animations to make their presentations more dynamic and engaging. These effects can be applied to individual slides or slide elements.

5. Presenter View

During a presentation, the presenter can use the Presenter View to see their speaker notes, upcoming slides, and a timer, while the audience views only the current slide. This helps the presenter stay on track and deliver a smooth presentation.

6. Slide Show Mode

PowerPoint’s Slide Show mode enables users to present their slides in full-screen mode. It provides navigation controls for moving between slides, annotation tools, and the ability to interact with embedded content like videos and hyperlinks.

7. Collaboration

PowerPoint supports collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously using cloud-based services like OneDrive or SharePoint. Comments and tracked changes can also be added to facilitate teamwork.

8. Integration

PowerPoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel. Users can embed content from these applications directly into their PowerPoint presentations.

9. Export and Sharing

PowerPoint presentations can be saved in various formats, including PPTX, PDF, and more. Users can also share presentations via email, cloud storage, or by publishing them online through Microsoft’s sharing options.

10. Accessibility

PowerPoint offers accessibility features, including tools for adding alt text to images and ensuring that presentations are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

11. Add-ins and Plugins

Users can extend PowerPoint’s functionality by installing add-ins and plugins, which can provide additional features and integration with third-party services.

12. Cross-Platform Compatibility

PowerPoint is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing users to create and view presentations on various devices.

Microsoft PowerPoint is a versatile tool used in business, education, and many other fields to create compelling presentations that effectively convey information and ideas to an audience. Its user-friendly interface and extensive feature set make it a go-to choice for creating professional and engaging slideshows.

Getting Started:

Opening Microsoft PowerPoint using a screen reader involves using keyboard shortcuts and navigating through your computer’s operating system interface. Here are the steps to open MS PowerPoint using a screen reader:

1. Launch the Screen Reader:

  • Start your screen reader software, such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver (for macOS).

2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for System Search:

  • For Windows, press the “Windows key” or “Ctrl + Esc” to open the Start menu.
  • For macOS, press “Command + Space” to open Spotlight Search.

3. Search for Microsoft PowerPoint:

  • In the search field, start typing “PowerPoint.”
  • The screen reader will announce search results as you type.

4. Select Microsoft PowerPoint:

  • Once “Microsoft PowerPoint” appears in the search results, use the arrow keys to navigate to it.

5. Open Microsoft PowerPoint:

  • For Windows, press “Enter” to open PowerPoint.
  • For macOS, press “Enter” or “Return” to open PowerPoint.

6. Navigate within PowerPoint:

  • After opening PowerPoint, the screen reader will provide information about the current document and available options.
  • Use screen reader-specific commands to navigate within PowerPoint. For example, in JAWS, you can use “H” to move to the next heading, “T” to move to the next table, and “B” to move to the next button.

Things to Remember:

When using MS PowerPoint with screen readers to ensure accessibility, here are some key considerations:

  1. Use Descriptive Slide Titles: Provide clear, concise titles for each slide that convey its content.
  2. Alt Text for Images: Add descriptive alternative text to images, charts, and graphs to explain their content to screen reader users.
  3. Properly Structured Content: Use built-in slide layouts to ensure proper reading order. Organize content using headings, bullet points, and lists for easy navigation.
  4. Text Formatting and Contrast: Maintain a consistent font style and size. Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background for readability.
  5. Avoid Automatic Timings: Minimize or avoid automated slide transitions or timings that might disrupt screen reader users’ navigation.
  6. Accessible Hyperlinks: Use descriptive text for hyperlinks and ensure they are easily distinguishable from regular text.
  7. Test Accessibility Features: Use the accessibility checker tool in PowerPoint to identify and fix accessibility issues.
  8. Keyboard Navigation: Ensure all elements are accessible via keyboard navigation without relying solely on mouse interactions.
  9. Provide Supplementary Information: If using complex visuals or charts, offer additional explanations in the speaker notes section.
  10. Regular Testing and Feedback: Test the presentation with different screen readers to ensure compatibility and gather feedback from users with disabilities for improvements.

By keeping these points in mind, you can significantly enhance the accessibility of your PowerPoint presentations.