Think Outline

As stated in the previous section, PowerPoint allows you to create your presentation in the outline mode or in the slide mode or in a combination of both. Text and titles created in the outline mode will automatically be placed in the appropriate place on the slide. The reverse is true as well. Although it is stated that the outline “is required”, a presentation can be created fully in the slide mode only. The outline “is required” only in the sense that text and titles are automatically carried over to the outline from the slide.

Regardless of the method you use, it is best to “think outline”! Do not worry about graphics, transitions, and all the “bells and whistles” that are available in PowerPoint. Concentrate on the content first, worry about the “bells and whistles” later. By “thinking outline”, you will be “forced” to put your thoughts down in an organized, step-by-step fashion.

Think bullet points! A presentation is simply a vehicle to help you convey your ideas to an audience. It is not meant to be read like a paper. A presentation acts as a guide, it gives your audience something to focus on while you explain your ideas. It is your job as the presenter to embellish and enhance these bullet points. Keep the presentation short, sweet and simple!

As you outline your thoughts you will be able to easily switch to slide view to add the “look and feel” most appropriate for your ideas.

Now let’s talk about those views …

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last updated August 12, 2003