Whether you are a long-time PowerPoint user or are just getting started, our blog had something for everyone this year. From tips to hidden features to general strategies, we covered it all. So in case you missed anything, or just want to brush up on some expert techniques, we’ve got a gift for everyone: our Best of 2021 PowerPoint tips guide!
Write first, design second
We frequently say that “content is king,” and this first tip is a great way to stay focused on that. We’ve found that lots of people tend to get worried about what their presentation is going to look like before they even know what they are going to say.
There are two reasons to start with writing and then move to design. First, it helps ensure visual consistency. With your content in place, you can focus on creating clear designs that work with your message, rather than making something beautiful that doesn’t always work with what you are saying.
Second, it ensures that your visuals are supporting your content, rather than simply looking good on the screen. This method of enhancing your story with your designs is called “visual storytelling,” and it’s one of the most effective presentation design principles you can learn.
Creating custom color palettes
Color is one of the pillars of visual consistency in PowerPoint. This is particularly true of larger brands, where people from all over are making PPTs with different monitors/devices for different purposes.
That’s why PowerPoint offers a tool for creating custom color palettes. Now, you can choose your specific colors (in RGB, CMYK, or HEX values using the dropper tool), and assign that premade palette for use in all presentations.
This blog covers some basic color theory to help you create your own palettes, as well as specific guidance for assembling a custom color palette.
Introducing the Selection Pane
Sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective. In the case of the Selection Pane, that’s definitely true. This is an essential tool that, in our experience, too many don’t know about! The Selection Pane allows you to see all of the elements on your slide, toggle them on/off, reorder them, label them, etc. Basically, if you are working with a complex slide, the Selection Pane is your best friend.
Should you use animation in your presentation?
This year, we devoted a whole month to covering animation in PowerPoint, and that barely scratched the surface of all the things you can do with it! But if you’re just starting to think about adding animations to your PowerPoints, the first thing you need to learn is when (and when not) to add animations.
While some expert presenters might get away with using animations in everything, the fact is that most of us should confine our animations to a few select instances. If animations can help you tell a better story, then the answer is yes, use them! If you are printing out a copy of your presentation, maybe it's not the best use case for animation.
Why do we still use PowerPoint?
If you work in an office, chances are you’ve heard (or told) a few jokes at PowerPoint’s expense. But if it’s really so bad, why is it still the tool of choice for presenters around the world?
In our opinion, it’s because PowerPoint is great. It democratizes communications, removes barriers for creation, and encourages collaboration. It is effective for beginners and experts. But most importantly, it’s a great tool for putting your content in front of people.
Learn to do more with PowerPoint
These are just a few of the time-saving, win-boosting tips we shared this year. For more PowerPoint Tips & Tricks, check out our blog or sign up for our monthly newsletter! And check out our other Wrapped articles to see Storytelling and Presentation tips that will help you present like a pro in 2022 and beyond.
