3 Slides for a Template
PowerPoint by virtue of providing a Content Master and a Title Master has conditioned the world that presentations only need two looks. When I design a template it generally includes 3 to 4 master slides that go beyond the standard two slide system. Here is a recent example:
(1) Theme Graphic
This slide is used for pre/post-meeting (walk-in/walk-out) or during extended Q&A. Usually with a strong branding image.
(2) Title Slide
Used for introducing major topics, speakers, etc.
(3) Content Slide
Used for all of the content…
– Troy @ TLC
Create a Glow with PPTXtreme SoftShadow
With creative use of PPTXtreme’s SoftShadow add-in instanst “Soft-Glows” can be created. If you have not checked out this very useful add-in go here.
(1) Select text, autoshape or image. Here are my setting for adding a white drop-shadow.
(2) Select the object again and apply a second softshadow. Note the negative (-5 and -5) X and Y positions, so the 2nd softshadow is positioned in the upper left. Here are my settings for this second softshadow.
(3) The result is a photoshop quality glow.
– Troy @ TLC
Use Bold For the Message-In-The-Message
If a slide has a lot of text, one design concept I often use is to bold the key words or phrase. The audience will read the bold text, and get the core message much quicker than just an overload of text.
– Troy @ TLC
PowerPoint Timers
Countdown timers can be created fairly easy in PowerPoint. There are lots of needs for timers and I recently had a client call me from there event (that was already underway) asking for a countdown timer to run for the breaks.
Microsoft has some good resources available on its website. I simply emailed a link to the Microsoft Online where they have a few dozen ready-made countdown timers. My client found one they liked, added their logo to the master slide and was ready to go in less than 15 minutes.
To check out the countdown timer presentations Microsoft has available (for free), click here.
– Troy @ TLC
Hands-On PowerPoint Training
There is a big difference between hearing a PowerPoint skill explained – having it demonstrated – and being able to do it hands-on.
Here is a photo of a recent hands-on training session that I developed the training course materials for (of course setting up the rental computer settings made for a very early morning before attendees arrived).
– Troy @ TLC
Pumpkin Fest 2007 at the Chollar’s
Hey, this is off-topic, but completely seasonal. Every year for the past 15 years (which is before we had kids), we have hosted a fun-filled pumpkin carving party. The parties have gotten a bit bigger over the past years (now around 70 people), the pumpkin carving a lot more creative, and the food just remains great!
Here a few photos from this years event:
– Troy @ TLC
Stayn’ Alive with PowerPoint
Thanks to PPTMVP for finding this humorous YouTube video. The first part is a very creative (and simple) PowerPoint presentation – last part I could have done without…
For some quick entertainment check it out here.
– Troy @ TLC