0) Prep (1–3 minutes)

• Goal & audience: one main message, who’s listening, time limit.

• Outline 5–7 key points.

• Collect assets: logo, 2–3 images, any data (Excel), short video (optional).

1) Start a new deck

1.   File → New → choose Blank or a Template/Theme.

2.   Design → Slide Size → pick Widescreen (16:9); set once.

3.   Save immediately (Ctrl+S) as .pptx (name + folder).

2) Set a consistent look (Theme + Slide Master)

1.   Design → Themes → pick a clean theme; choose a Variant (colors).

2.   View → Slide Master

·         Set Fonts and Colors (Slide Master → Fonts/Colors).

·         Add your logo to the master (top-right, small).

·         Insert Footer items (date, page number, name/org).

·         Close Master (Slide Master → Close Master View).

Result: Every new slide follows your styling automatically.

3) Build the skeleton (Layouts)

1.   Title slide: large title + short subtitle (topic + your name).

2.   Agenda/Overview: 3–5 bullets (what’s coming).

3.   Add slides via Home → New Slide (Ctrl+M); choose Layout:

·         Title & Content (default)

·         Two Content (side-by-side)

·         Section Header (start of a new part)

·         Blank (for custom graphics)

4) Add content (tight, visual)

• Keep bullets short (≤6 lines/slide, ≤6 words/line when possible).

• Use SmartArt for processes, hierarchies (Insert → SmartArt).

• Insert Pictures/Icons/Shapes and align: Home → Arrange → Align → Distribute.

• Charts/Tables: Insert directly or Paste Special → Link Excel if you want auto-updates.

• Use Notes pane for what you’ll say (not on slide).

Useful shortcuts:
Ctrl+M (new slide), Ctrl+D (duplicate), Ctrl+G / Shift+Ctrl+G (group/ungroup), Ctrl+] / Ctrl+[ (bring forward/back), Alt+drag (duplicate object).

5) Make it readable (quick design rules)

• Font sizes: Title ≥ 32 pt, Body ≥ 20–24 pt.

• Contrast: Dark text on light (or reverse).

• One idea per slide.

• Use Guides/Gridlines (View tab) to align; keep generous whitespace.

• Limit colors (1 accent), limit fonts (title + body).

6) Light motion (optional but tidy)

• Transitions (between slides): Transitions → Fade (set Apply to All).

• Animations (inside slide): Animations → Appear/Fade; manage order via Animation Pane; use On Click for talking points.

• Keep it subtle and consistent.

7) Check accessibility & consistency (2 minutes)

• Review → Check Accessibility (alt text, contrast).

• Design → Variants (ensure same theme everywhere).

• View → Slide Master (no stray fonts/colors).

• Run Spelling (Review → Spelling).

8) Rehearse & time it

• Slide Show → From Beginning (F5) or From Current (Shift+F5).

• Turn on Presenter View (notes + next slide).

• Rehearse Timings or Record Slide Show (optional voiceover).

During show tips:
B = black screen, W = white screen, N/P = next/previous, right-click → See All Slides to jump.

9) Export & share

• File → Export → Create PDF (handout/share).

• File → Export → Create a Video (MP4) for asynchronous viewing.

• File → Options → Save → Embed fonts to avoid font issues.

• Print: Handouts (3 per page with notes) for class.

10) Troubleshooting quickies

• Wrong aspect ratio: Design → Slide Size (set before heavy design).

• Huge file: Compress Pictures (Picture Format → Compress), trim video, remove unused masters.

• Linked chart breaks: Keep Excel in same folder; if needed, Embed instead of Link.

• Video won’t play: Use MP4 (H.264/AAC); File → Info → Optimize Media Compatibility.

• Missing fonts: Use system fonts (Calibri/Arial) or Embed fonts.

Ready-made slide blueprint (fill-in template)

1.   Title – topic, your name, date

2.   Agenda – 3–5 bullets

3.   Problem / Objective – why this matters

4.   Key Idea 1 – visual (SmartArt/diagram)

5.   Key Idea 2 – chart/table (linked from Excel if needed)

6.   Key Idea 3 – example/case/steps

7.   Summary – 3 bullets (what to remember)

8.   Q&A – thank you/contact

(Add Section Headers to split long decks.)

Mini practice (10 minutes)

• New deck → pick Theme → set Slide Master logo/footer.

• Create Title, Agenda, 3 content slides, Summary.

• Add one SmartArt, one Chart, one Picture aligned with guides.

• Apply Fade transition; add Appear animations to 3 bullets.

• Rehearse with Presenter View; export PDF.

Exam-friendly Q&A

1.   Difference between Slide Master and Theme?
Ans: Theme = global colors/fonts/backgrounds; Slide Master = edit master layouts (placeholders, logo, footer) that all slides use.

2.   Transition vs Animation?
Ans: Transition is between slides; Animation is for objects within a slide.

3.   Two ways to keep consistency across slides.
Ans: Use a Theme and edit the Slide Master (not individual slides).

4.   How to start a presentation from the current slide?
Ans: Shift+F5.

5.   Why link an Excel chart instead of pasting?
Ans: So it updates automatically when the Excel data changes.