putting powerpoint in presentation mode

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• PowerPoint Tutorials

How to Use the Presentation Modes and the Screen Recording Features in PowerPoint

After designing all the slides for your presentation, the next and last step is presenting in front of your audience. In this new Slidesgo School tutorial, you’ll see how the presenter view works and how you can record your presentation .

Presentation Modes

Presentation modes — set up slide show, presentation modes — record slide show.

• There are different presentation modes in PowerPoint, besides the one you can find at the bottom of the screen.
• To access the presentation modes, go to the Slide Show tab.
• The first two options allow you to start the presentation from the beginning or from the currently selected slide.

• If you choose Present Online, an URL will be generated, which you can then share with your potential online viewers. After clicking this button, a new window will open, displaying info about the Microsoft Office online presentation service and a checkbox to enable remote download for your online audience. To enjoy this service, you need an Office 365 account. When you’re ready, click Connect to generate the URL.
• If you choose Custom Slide Show, you can select which slides to display in your presentation.  First, create a new custom slide show and select the slides that you want to display. Then, click Add, enter the name of the presentation and click OK. This new custom presentation will appear on the list. Select it and click Show to begin the presentation.
• In the Set Up group you’ll find options to set up the presentation, hide slides, rehearse your presentation and even record it.
• Click Set Up Slide Show to adjust several settings regarding your presentation. You’ll find more information in the next section of this tutorial .
• If you click Hide Slide, the selected slide won’t show up during your presentation. Hidden slides will appear faded out on the list and their numbers will be crossed out.
• If you click Record Slide Show, you’ll be able to record your presentation from the beginning or from the current slide. We’ll go into detail in the last section of this tutorial.
• There are several checkboxes regarding whether to play narrations, use timings and show media controls.

• In the Monitors group you can choose which screen to display your presentation.
• The last group, Captions & Subtitles, is only available in Office 365. You’ll find options to enable subtitles, which will be generated out of your speech (so you’ll need to have a mic). There are settings to change the language and the position of the subtitles.
• Open your presentation in PowerPoint.
• Go to the Slide Show tab.
• In the Set Up group, click Set Up Slide Show. A new window will open, where you’ll find several options.
• In the top-left corner, under “Show type”, you can choose whether the presentation will be in fullscreen with speaker notes, windowed, or in fullscreen without speaker notes or the menu bar.

• Under “Show options” you can choose whether to show the presentation without narration or animations, or disable the hardware graphics acceleration (for better performance). You can also set the pen and laser pointer color.

• Under “Show slides”, you can choose which slides to show in your presentation. You can select all of them, a specific range or a custom slideshow.
• There are other settings to determine how to advance slides (manually or using timings), what the resolution will be and whether to use the presenter view.
• Click Record Slide Show. From the drop-down menu, select From the Current Slide or From the Beginning.
• A new window will open, along with the presentation in fullscreen mode. At the top-left you’ll find a button to start recording.

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Google Slides, like PowerPoint, has different presentation modes that can come in handy when you’re presenting and you want your slideshow to look smooth. Whether you’re looking for slides only, speaker notes or the Q&A feature, in this new Google Slides tutorial, you’ll learn about these and their respective settings. Ready? Then let’s explore the presenter view! 

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Home Blog PowerPoint Tutorials How to Work with Presenter View in PowerPoint

How to Work with Presenter View in PowerPoint

Not all presenters have excellent memory recall or the ability to speak flawlessly to the audience without any cues. However, many of them are good at hiding it by using Presenter View in PowerPoint. It is a presentation mode that enables the presenter to hide speaker notes and presentation controls from the audience while leveraging the various handy features offered by PowerPoint.

How to Use Presenter View in PowerPoint

To start using Presenter View, ensure it’s enabled before you begin your slideshow. If you are new to this feature, we recommend using this option to familiarize yourself with the various navigation options for this presentation mode. This might also be helpful if the PowerPoint templates you are accustomed to using might have animations that you might want to preview in this mode to understand when to give the next visual cue.

How to Enable Presenter View in PowerPoint

To enable PowerPoint presenter view, go to the SlideShow tab and make sure the Use Presenter View option is enabled. This will ensure that you can access Presenter View when you switch your slides to SlideShow mode.

Adjust Display Settings

You can swap between the presenter view and slideshow mode or duplicate the slideshow to exit the Presenter View from the Display Settings menu from the top toolbar.

Navigate Slides in Presenter View

Like any standard PowerPoint presentation in SlideShow mode, you can navigate between slides by using the arrow keys or with a presentation remote. Presenter View also provides slide navigation buttons to move the slides back and forth.

View Taskbar in Presenter View

The Show Taskbar option at the top enables viewing the taskbar. This can be helpful if you require using the taskbar, such as to view your battery charge, see the time, enable or disable another app from the taskbar menu, etc.

Reset or Pause the Timer

Once you start your presentation in Presenter View, a timer starts showing how much time you have spent in slideshow mode. This is an excellent way to understand how much time you have consumed for your session and to keep an eye out for good timekeeping. You can also hit Pause or reset the timer anytime.

Change the Size of the Speaker Notes

How to view notes in PowerPoint while presenting? If you have any speaker notes added to your slides, they will appear in Presenter View on your screen. You can increase or reduce the size of the text via the two options at the bottom of the speaker notes pane.

Using Annotation Tools in Presenter View

PowerPoint annotation tools can be accessed from the bottom toolbar in Presenter View. The Pen and Laser Pointer Tools button gives you access to the pen, ink colors, laser pointer, and eraser and also allows you to show or hide the mouse pointer via Arrow Options .

View All Slides in Presenter View

If you need to go back and forth to find a relevant slide for an ongoing discussion or query during your presentation, you can view all slides in Presenter View via the See all slides option.

Zoom Slides using Presenter View

PowerPoint’s Zoom feature lets presenters quickly pick a portion of the slide to zoom into. Presenter View allows you to leverage this feature by instantly selecting a portion of the slide to enlarge it after selecting Zoom into the slide option. To exit the Zoom mode or hit the Esc key.

Black or Unblack SlideShow

Sometimes, you might want to turn the screen blank for a while, such as during a mid-presentation break. The Black or Unblack SlideShow option blanks the slides for your audience while continuing to show you all navigation options via Presenter View.

Toggle Subtitles in Presenter View

One of the most revolutionary features introduced by Microsoft for PowerPoint over the past decade has been Live captions. This feature enables subtitles by converting speech to text as you present. You can toggle Live subtitles on or off while in presenter view to help your audience read what you speak.

Toggle Camera in Presenter View

Like subtitles, you can also toggle the camera on or off in Presenter View.

End Slideshow in Presenter View

There are different ways to end or exit a SlideShow from Presenter View. You can hit the Esc key or click End Slide Show . Similarly, you can click the three dots at the bottom and select End Show .

More Slideshow Options

Other than the various visibility prominent menus available to navigate, annotate, and present your slides, you can also find a few additional options via More slideshow options , which are accessible via the three dots at the bottom toolbar. These include adjusting the position of the subtitles, turning your screen white or black, ending the slideshow, etc.

How to Use Presenter View on a Single Screen

While Presenter View can be enabled to work with dual monitors, you can also use Presenter View on a single monitor with remote meeting apps like Zoom. A simple method for switching to Presenter View on a single monitor is to click the three dots ( More slideshow options ) at the bottom in SlideShow mode and select Show Presenter View .

You can also switch to Presenter View on a single monitor anytime using the ALT+F5 hotkey.

The presenter can easily manage a PPT in presentation mode, with the utility to view speaker notes, annotate or zoom slides, toggle subtitles or camera on or off, and keep your audience engaged via better slideshow management. However, if you’re new to this presentation mode, a bit of practice might help you avoid confusion when presenting before an audience in Presenter View for the first few times.

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Jump Start Series: Learn How to Run a PowerPoint Slide Show

About this lesson, how do i run powerpoint slideshows in presenter mode.

This tutorial will walk you through the steps of getting your presentation on the screen.

You will not just see how it works, but get coaching of some subtle techniques that we have learned from our decades of experience.

What Will I Learn?

• How to launch Slideshow Presenter Mode (including shortcut keys)
• How to manage multiple monitors or a laptop and a big screen projector/TV
• Navigating your slides with both the mouse, keyboard, or even a Bluetooth remote
• How to use the big screen laser pointer and magnifier

Watch and learn in under 11 minutes.

BONUS: Room Projector Test File

See below for PDF files which is a four-slide PowerPoint room tester slide deck used in this training tutorial.

Topics include (with video timestamps):

• Intro: 0:00
• Windows Shortcut Extend Screen: 1:16
• Swap Presenter View Monitors: 2:28
• Slide Show Navigating Techniques: 2:53
• Bluetooth Remote Control: 3:58
• Blanking the Screen: 4:58
• Tour of Presenter View: 5:38
• Pen & Laser Pointer: 7:02
• Magnifier: 7:50
• Jump to Slide: 8:14
• On-Screen Controls: 8:50
• Wrap Up: 9:08

Subject Microsoft PowerPoint

Software Compatibility All versions of PowerPoint from Office 2013 to current Office 365

Level Foundation

Course Completed Complete

PDF Files There are not any files associated with this lesson.

TRAINING SERIES VIEW ALL

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Rough Training Video Transcript for “Learn How to Run a PowerPoint Slide Show”

You have created your presentation and you’re about to go on stage and you need help knowing how to run the presentation within PowerPoint.

Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered

This is Les from Power UP Training where my years of experience can become your expertise for free.

In this particular series, we’re gonna walk you through a variety of topics. 

I’m gonna explain how to work with a monitor and a projector screen 

We’ll also go through how to navigate to the presentation. I’ll talk about some of the keystrokes Mount strokes. And other techniques to keep things under control will also go through a hands-on demonstration of all the aspects of the presentation tools so as you feel comfortable before you go on stage and they’ll be some tricks and some tips along the way so let’s power up to running presentation mode. 

Just so you know, this particular training series is being run, guess what in PowerPoint, I do every green screen but we are live going forward, so how do you go from a regular PowerPoint mode into presentation mode, well the trick is to get it up on the projector you hook your laptop or your computer to the projector and then you need to be able to turn on the projection piece and if it’s not automatically being extended out to that presentation monitor, you can use a Windows keyboard trick of the Windows key in the control and the P. 

And it’s going to pop up this screen to give you some choices of how to extend your presentation out to the second monitor or the big screen presentation video system, you’re going to want to choose extend you don’t want to duplicate you don’t want to do any of the choices extends gonna create a second screen for your work from. 

Once you’ve got that turned on the next trick you need to do before you start your presentation is to figure out where the heck your mouse is because you’re going to have to move from one side to the other in your giant upstream video projection system, maybe on the right side or the left side, it’s helpful to know upfront where that is. 

The second thing you may need to do is swap your display once in a while PowerPoint gets confused and what it will do is it’s going to put your presentation on your little laptop screen, when you want it on the big presentation screen for other room simple enough at the very top with the screen you’re going to see that there’s something called a display setting that should then going to be able to swap presenter views and flies show. 

I’ll show you that in a moment but before we go too far, let’s get down some of the basics of how to control your presentation, there are some different ways to manage your presentation one. Is. Moving backwards and forwards with the keyboard or with your mouse You’re going to see on the screen and we’ll see this in just a moment that there’s going to be a VCR like I know a VCR like control the little triangles to maybe afford or backwards that you find often in YouTube or other types of video systems there. 

You’re going to be able to use that but I find I like using the keyboard the reason I like using a keyboard is I don’t have to look around where things are. I can just move things forward by using the space bar to advance to the next slide. You can also use your arrow keys or up and down. 

Lots of different ways to move forward and backwards including the end and home key the home getting to the very beginning your presentation and the end key getting to the very last slide your presentation. And then you can use the letter P to go your previous slide. So lots of techniques, you just need to find ones that you’re comfortable with using up on the stage. 

Hey the quick interruption here because I know people are going to ask on the comments below. That’s not how you’re running your presentation and that’s true when I get my classes. I’d like to stick to the tools that are in PowerPoint, but There are other techniques including some Bluetooth tools that’ll actually advance the slide with a click of a button. 

These are great because you can then walk around on the stage and not have to be tied to your keyboard your mouse and you can move forward on your slides one by one. Personally, I use the Logitech presentation remote control tool, which I love but I need to warn you this extremely expensive. 

It is cool and easy to use and it has looked little tricks like my spotlight mode here and you can see here. I’m using just my little remote to change. The spotlight on the screen. With that let’s go back to our ongoing training video on using Microsoft PowerPoint presenter mode. 

A couple keys that I really prefer is the black and white key. If I hit B in here we go, look what it just did. It blank the screen in black. If I hit the W key, it does the same thing it blanks the screen to white. Why would we use these? 

If I’m doing a presentation and it turns out a discussion pops up on a completely different topic and I don’t want them to be distracted with what they see. On the screen. I can easily blank the screen out by toggling on and off with you the W or the B key. 

So enough talk, let’s go in and see how this is going to work. And switch on over to the presenter view which would typically be displayed on the laptop in front of you. You can see here that we have a giant slide the top left corner. This represents what you’re going to see up on the big screen. 

On the right side is a smaller thumbnail which is showing what the next slide will look like so you have a preview of what’s about to show up. If I click the advantage to slide I’m not really advancing the slide. I’m actually advancing to the next bullet point because I have these as they structured bullet points one by one by one but they click. 

You can see here this is how I actually swap back and forth between my presentation view and my ash will presented you so if you have a confusion with the way is showing up let’s go down advance the slide and we’ll see the bullet points going forward we’ll see on the right side on the bottom right is where the script would be on the right the preview of the next slide the main screen and then these are some advanced tools for us to be able to use and then down here is the slide controls with the mouse or as we said before you can use your keyboard to move forward you could actually click inside the big slide. 

The area to advance or the little slide to advance all of those are hot spots but you cannot click in the other black areas on the screen nothing happens there, so you need to use the advanced at those three different locations, so let’s move on and take a look at some of our extra tools of how to best present we look over on the left side here the first set that I want to point out is the later pointer tool if you really have to highlight because you did not design your slides to be as clear as you wish you could turn this on as you move your mouse only in this hospital. 

One area it would show up on the screen once you leave that hot spot it disappears you can switch to the pen view which is not a favorite of mine is one. I can’t draw very clearly and it’s not as bright once again that’s a choice one that I hate worse is the highlighter because the highlighter just doesn’t demonstrate things any fair fashion, it makes things look messy but it’s there note that you can’t move forward until you turn the tool off by going back and clicking on again now you use your mouse to move forward through your slots a tool that I do love is the magnifying tool now at the moment. 

This is not showing on the big screen until I get to the spot that I want and but once I click that blows up on this screen and the big screen so everyone’s seen the same thing and then you can drag around the spy to show a variety pieces once again, you’re not going to be able to advance the slides until you turn the magnifier off one of the tools that I want to show you that I do enjoy using is the ability to jump back to the presentation to a different slide spot. 

I go down here. I will see all the slides of my presentation at the moment where I’m flight 18. I had to go back to an earlier slide because someone asked something I could just click on it and then run through go back to the giant slide list and go back to my slide 18, so it’s a great way to navigate through your presentation without going left and right with your arrows to bring them back up. 

When you’re done you could hit the escape key to go out but I’m going to swatch back and now we’re back in our presentation on the bottom left hand corner. I’m going to show you just a single view you can still control some of those magic tools, they’re just highlighted on the very bond it’s very very faint which you see you can do your slide advances and your other advanced tools such as laser pointer and slide jumper so you should now feel very comfortable using the presentation mode of powerpoint you do want to practice before you get up on the stage. 

If you like this video give me thumbs up as it encourages me to make more free videos for you also subscribe to our channel subscriptions help tremendously build the community that we are continuing to work on you got questions about this video or about other PowerPoint leave them in the comments below and you can even ask for future training videos on topics that I may not have already covered that you can find in our channel. 

Share this with others if you thought it was hopeful and that they would benefit from it and this particular class was just a subset of our master class series is a six-part training series that teach you from the beginning to becoming a PowerPoint power user in under three hours take a look for that playlist showing up here on our screen. 

And with that power up.

Powerpoint Assist

Tips for Powerpoint by Regina Griffin

How To Get Into Presentation Mode In PowerPoint

Are you looking to take your PowerPoint presentations to the next level?

Presentation Mode in PowerPoint is a powerful tool that can help you create engaging and professional presentations.

We will discuss why you should use Presentation Mode, how to enter it, its key features, and how to navigate through your slides.

Explore the ins and outs of Presentation Mode in PowerPoint, brought to you by teacher Regina Griffin from Oregon, US. Enhance your presentation skills!

Key Takeaways:

• Presentation mode in PowerPoint allows for a more engaging and organized presentation, resulting in a better experience for both the presenter and the audience.
• To enter presentation mode, simply click on the “Slide Show” tab and select “From Beginning” or “From Current Slide”.
• Presentation mode offers features such as a full-screen display, laser pointer/pen tool, and presenter view with notes and slide previews, making it easier to navigate through slides and deliver a professional presentation.

What Is Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

Presentation Mode in PowerPoint refers to a feature that allows presenters to display their slides in a full-screen view, enhancing the visual impact of their presentation.

This mode is particularly useful during formal presentations, as it eliminates distractions and ensures that the audience’s focus remains on the content being discussed. In Presentation Mode , presenters can navigate through their slides smoothly, interact with their content, and make annotations in real time. One notable advantage of this mode is the Presenter view , where speakers can see upcoming slides, and speaker notes, and even manage time effectively without disrupting the flow of the presentation.

Why Use Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

Using Presentation Mode in PowerPoint offers numerous advantages, such as creating a more engaging and professional presentation experience for both the presenter and the audience.

When in Presentation Mode, your PowerPoint transforms into a seamless slide show that eliminates distractions and focuses solely on your content. This feature optimizes the screen view for your audience, ensuring they stay engrossed in your message.

Presentation Mode allows the presenter to navigate slides effortlessly, maintaining a smooth flow of information that keeps the audience’s attention intact. The ability to preview slides on a separate monitor while presenting ensures that the speaker remains in control of the presentation pace and content delivery.

Allows for a more engaging and professional presentation

One of the key reasons to use Presentation Mode in PowerPoint is that it allows presenters to deliver a more engaging and professional presentation by providing advanced control over their slides, including features like a laser pointer .

With Presentation Mode, presenters can seamlessly navigate through their slides, controlling the flow of information and keeping the audience’s attention focused. The ability to access advanced controls such as animations, transitions, and speaker notes enhances the overall delivery quality.

The built-in laser pointer feature enables presenters to highlight specific points on the slides, emphasizing crucial information and guiding the audience’s focus. This interactive element adds a dynamic touch to the presentation, making it more engaging and memorable.

Helps the presenter stay on track and organized

Presentation Mode in PowerPoint aids presenters in maintaining focus, organization, and efficiency throughout their presentation by offering tools like Presenter View, where notes and slide previews can be accessed.

This feature is particularly useful as it allows presenters to keep an eye on upcoming slides while also referring to their speaking notes discreetly, enhancing the flow of the presentation. The ability to adjust display settings such as screen mirroring or extending desktops simplifies the setup process, ensuring that the presentation runs smoothly. The note-taking capabilities within Presentation Mode enable presenters to jot down important points or reminders directly within the application, eliminating the need for external notes and promoting a more organized approach to presenting.

Provides a better experience for the audience

Engaging Presentation Mode in PowerPoint not only benefits the presenter but also enhances the audience’s experience by ensuring a seamless and visually appealing display of the content.

When toggling to Presentation Mode, the display settings undergo a transformation that optimizes the presentation for viewer interaction. The ability to seamlessly swap displays allows the presenter to effortlessly navigate through slides, ensuring a smooth transition between different sections of the presentation. This elegant integration of features not only captivates the audience but also enables a more fluid and engaging delivery of the content. The visual appeal of the slides is enhanced, making it easier for viewers to follow along and grasp the key points being presented.

How to Enter Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

To enter Presentation Mode in PowerPoint, follow these simple steps: open your presentation, click on the ‘Slide Show’ tab in the menu bar, and select ‘From Beginning’ or ‘From Current Slide’ to start your presentation.

If you want to ensure a seamless transition into Presentation Mode, it’s essential to set the right display options. First, check your display settings by going to the ‘Slide Show’ tab and clicking on ‘Set Up Slide Show.’ Here, you can choose whether to present your slides on the primary monitor, a secondary monitor, or in a window. Make sure to select the appropriate display mode based on your setup to guarantee a professional and effective presentation.

Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation

The first step to enter Presentation Mode in PowerPoint is to ensure that your presentation file is open and ready for display.

To do so, open PowerPoint and locate the file containing your presentation. Click on the file to open it. Review that the slides are arranged in the correct order and that any speaker notes or animations are set up as desired. Check the slide sorter view to confirm the flow of your presentation. Ensure that the current slide is the one you want to begin with when Presentation Mode is activated. This initial setup is crucial for a seamless transition into your presentation.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Slide Show’ tab in the top menu bar

Once your presentation is open, navigate to the ‘Slide Show’ tab located in the top menu bar of PowerPoint to access presentation controls and features like zooming into specific slides.

Once you’re on the ‘Slide Show’ tab, you’ll find a variety of essential controls that aid in delivering a seamless presentation experience. Here, you can click on ‘From Beginning’ to start the slide show from the very first slide. You can choose ‘From Current Slide’ to begin from the slide you’re currently on.

You’ll notice the ‘Slide Show’ tab offers options to toggle various functionalities like accessing presenter view or setting up custom slide shows. This tab is a hub of useful tools that elevate your presentation delivery.

Step 3: Select ‘From Beginning’ or ‘From Current Slide’ to start the presentation

After accessing the ‘Slide Show’ tab, choose between the ‘From Beginning’ or ‘From Current Slide’ options to initiate your presentation in Presentation Mode, ensuring the desired display settings and presenter view are selected.

When you opt for ‘From Beginning,’ your presentation will start from the very first slide, whereas selecting ‘From Current Slide’ allows you to start your presentation from the slide you are currently on. This choice depends on whether you want to begin at the start of the presentation or jump in at a specific point.

It is crucial to carefully review and adjust the display settings to ensure that your content appears as intended on the screen during the presentation. Make sure to enable the presenter view option for a more dynamic and organized delivery of your content, offering you control over what the audience sees and what you see on your screen.

What Are the Features of Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

The features of Presentation Mode in PowerPoint are designed to enhance the presenter’s experience and engage the audience, offering functionalities such as Presenter view with notes, laser pointer integration, and slide previews.

Presenter view with notes allows speakers to refer to their talking points discreetly, ensuring a seamless delivery. The incorporated laser pointer feature permits highlighting key areas on slides, directing the audience’s focus effectively. Slide previews provide a comprehensive overview of the presentation flow, aiding in smoother transitions between topics. The option to hide or reveal slides as needed enhances the element of surprise and control during the presentation, captivating the audience’s attention. These combined features transform the presenter’s performance into a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants.

Full-screen display of slides

Presentation Mode in PowerPoint offers a full-screen display of slides, ensuring that the audience can focus solely on the content being presented.

This feature eliminates distractions and directs attention to the key points of the presentation. By seamlessly transitioning between slides, the flow of information is maintained, keeping the audience engaged throughout the talk. The full-screen view enhances the visibility of multimedia elements, such as images and videos, making them more impactful.

Ability to use a laser pointer or pen tool

Presentation Mode enables presenters to use a laser pointer or a pen tool to highlight key points on slides, enhancing the clarity and impact of their presentation.

The laser pointer, a staple in traditional presentations, offers a precise way to direct attention to specific details, aiding in engaging the audience. On the other hand, the pen tool, usually found in digital platforms like smartphone apps or presentation software, allows for more creativity and flexibility in drawing emphasis without the need for physical devices like remote controls. This versatility caters to different presenter preferences and presentation styles, ensuring a dynamic and interactive delivery of content.

Presenter view with notes and slide previews

Presenter view in PowerPoint provides presenters with a comprehensive overview of their slides, including notes and slide previews, facilitating better organization and seamless delivery.

When utilizing the Presenter view, presenters gain the advantage of accessing notes discretely without them being displayed to the audience, allowing for a more professional and polished delivery. In addition, having a live preview of the upcoming slides enables the presenter to seamlessly transition between points, enhancing the flow of the presentation. Through system preferences or the displays app, customization options such as adjusting the layout to suit individual preferences or toggling between speaker notes and slide previews can be easily configured, providing a tailored experience for each presenter.

Option to hide the presentation controls

One convenient feature of Presentation Mode is the ability to hide presentation controls , providing a cleaner and more immersive viewing experience for both the presenter and the audience.

By opting to hide presentation controls, presenters can focus on delivering their content without any distractions or overlays obstructing their view. This is especially beneficial when engaging in live demonstrations, showcasing visual content, or utilizing mirror displays for a seamless and professional presentation.

In scenarios where presenters are utilizing a two-monitor setup for advanced display configurations, such as showing notes on one screen while presenting on the other, hiding presentation controls on the main display ensures that only the essential content is visible to the audience, maintaining a neat and streamlined appearance.

How to Navigate Through Slides in Presentation Mode?

Navigating through slides in Presentation Mode can be done efficiently using keyboard shortcuts, mouse controls, or specific commands within PowerPoint.

One handy method to quickly move to the next slide during a presentation is by pressing the Spacebar or Enter key on your keyboard. Conversely, to go back to the previous slide, you can use the Backspace key. You can effortlessly jump to a specific slide by entering the slide number followed by pressing the Enter key. For a more visual approach, you can click on the slide thumbnails on the left sidebar or use the scroll wheel to navigate through the slides.

Use the arrow keys on your keyboard

Utilize the arrow keys on your keyboard to seamlessly advance through slides in Presentation Mode, ensuring a smooth and controlled flow of your presentation.

With the simple and intuitive collaboration of the arrow keys, you can effortlessly navigate through your slides, enabling precision in delivering your content. The arrow keys allow you to move forward or backward with ease, keeping the focus on your message during the presentation. This feature is especially useful in Presenter View, where you can see upcoming slides and speaker notes, maintaining a seamless delivery. When you record a slide show, the arrow keys help you pace your narration perfectly, ensuring synchronization between your speech and slide transitions.

Click on the arrows in the bottom left corner of the screen

For a more interactive navigation experience, users can click on the directional arrows located in the bottom left corner of the screen to progress through their presentation while having access to speaker notes and animations.

Users can enhance their presentation experience by utilizing the fullscreen mode . By entering fullscreen, viewers can keep the focus solely on the presentation content, removing any distractions from the surrounding interface elements. This feature is particularly useful when showcasing detailed slides or when presenting to a larger audience, allowing for a more immersive and engaging delivery.

Use the scroll wheel on your mouse

Another seamless way to navigate through slides in Presentation Mode is by utilizing the scroll wheel on your mouse, providing smooth and intuitive control over slide transitions and content progression.

The scroll wheel allows users to effortlessly advance slides without the need to click buttons or use keyboard shortcuts, enhancing the overall presentation experience.

With its responsive nature, the scroll wheel ensures quick and precise movements, enabling presenters to fluidly transition between slides with the utmost ease.

This feature is particularly handy when presenting slides with high resolution , allowing for a seamless display of detailed content in a visually appealing manner.

How to Exit Presentation Mode in PowerPoint?

Exiting Presentation Mode in PowerPoint is a simple process that involves pressing the ‘Esc’ key on your keyboard, clicking on the ‘End Show’ button, or selecting ‘End Show’ from the drop-down menu to return to the normal viewing mode.

To exit Fullscreen mode in PowerPoint, you can simply press the ‘Esc’ key, the keyboard shortcut that is universally used to escape full-screen views across various applications. This action will promptly take you out of the immersive mode and back to the regular interface.

Another convenient way to exit the Presentation Mode is by navigating to the bottom left corner of the screen and clicking on the ‘End Show’ button. This button serves as a quick exit route from the full-screen display, offering an immediate transition back to the standard PowerPoint screen.

Step 1: Press the Esc key on your keyboard

The first step to exit Presentation Mode is to press the ‘Esc’ key on your keyboard, which will promptly exit the full-screen display and return you to the standard PowerPoint interface.

Exiting Presentation Mode using the ‘Esc’ key is a simple maneuver that can swiftly transition you back to your familiar workspace. Once you press the ‘Esc’ key, the fullscreen effect will dissolve, and any Speaker Notes you might have been glancing over will no longer dominate your screen, ensuring a seamless flow as you exit the presentation. This action provides an effortless way to shift the focus back to the general view of your PowerPoint, facilitating a smooth continuation of your usual workflow.

Step 2: Click on the ‘End Show’ button on the top left corner of the screen

To exit Presentation Mode, users can also click on the ‘End Show’ button located in the top left corner of the screen, providing a direct and visible method to conclude the presentation.

Once you are ready to end your presentation and exit the immersive Presentation Mode, simply direct your attention to the top left corner of the screen where the ‘End Show’ button awaits your command. By clicking on this button, you seamlessly transition back to the regular view, enabling you to navigate your presentation’s content, check additional details, or record the slide show for future reference. This function provides an effortless way to not only conclude your speech but also to review or amend content from the current slide onward, ensuring a smooth transition and accessibility for your audience.

Step 3: Select ‘End Show’ from the drop-down menu

For a more detailed exit process, users can select ‘ End Show ‘ from the drop-down menu within PowerPoint, ensuring a controlled and comprehensive conclusion to their presentation.

Once ‘End Show’ is chosen, users can seamlessly transition back to PowerPoint’s standard interface, bidding farewell to the presenter view. Exiting this mode allows presenters to access additional options to end their presentation smoothly and efficiently.

Upon choosing ‘End Show’, users can review their content, make final adjustments, and conclude their presentation with confidence, maintaining professionalism throughout the process. This method ensures a polished and professional exit from Presentation Mode, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i enter presentation mode in powerpoint to enter presentation mode in powerpoint, click on the slideshow tab in the top menu and then select “from beginning” or “from current slide” depending on where you want to start your presentation., can i customize the way i enter presentation mode in powerpoint yes, you can customize the way you enter presentation mode by going to the slideshow tab and selecting “set up slide show.” from there, you can choose options such as looping, presenter view, and more., is there a shortcut to enter presentation mode in powerpoint yes, you can press the f5 key on your keyboard to enter presentation mode in powerpoint. you can also press shift+f5 to start from the current slide., can i use a different display for presentation mode in powerpoint yes, you can use a different display for presentation mode by going to the slideshow tab and selecting “set up slide show.” from there, you can choose to present on a secondary monitor or projector., how do i exit presentation mode in powerpoint to exit presentation mode in powerpoint, press the escape key on your keyboard or right-click and select “end show.” you can also press the b key to go back to the previous slide., can i add speaker notes while in presentation mode in powerpoint yes, you can add speaker notes while in presentation mode by clicking on the notes section at the bottom of the screen. this will allow you to add notes that only you can see while presenting., similar posts, how to remove notes in powerpoint.

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How to Present a PowerPoint Slideshow (w/ Shortcuts)

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• May 11, 2019

There are a variety of ways to start a PowerPoint presention, depending on:

• Where you start your presentation (from beginning or from current)
• Which PowerPoint view you prefer to present in (Slide Show view or Presenter view)
• How comfortable you are with keyboard shortcuts

Why would Microsoft include so many ways to present a presentation? My guess is that everyone learns PowerPoint differently, and has personal presentation styles.  The more options you have, the easier your life will be as there will always be a way to start your presentation the way you want to (or jump back into it when you need to).

See all the options below and find the method that works best for you and let the slide show begin !

NOTE: If you are running two presentations side-by-side, each presentation needs to be started as it’s own slide show. To see how to set up two PowerPoint presentations to run side-by-side like this before you start your slide show, read my guide here .

Table of Contents

Start slide show from beginning.

To start a slideshow from the beginning of your presentation using the ribbon, simply.

• Navigate to the  Slide Show tab
• Select  From Beginning

Selecting  From Beginning  starts your presentation from the very first non-hidden slide in your presentation, regardless of which slide you are currently inside of your deck.

You can also start your slide from the beginning of your presentation by hitting the Slideshow From Beginning keyboard shortcut,  F5 .

Regardless of which method you use, this is the classic way to start your presentation in full screen from your first title slide (regardless of where you are in your slide deck).

Let the slide show begin!

NOTE: To expand your knowledge and learn how to use PowerPoint’s FREE and HIDDEN built-in laser pointer to point things out during your presentation, read my guide here .

Take your PPT skills to the next level

Start slide show from current.

To begin your slide show from the slide you are currently on using the ribbon, simply

• Navigate to the Slide Show tab
• Select  From Current Slide

Selecting From Current Slide starts your slide show from whatever slide you are currently on, even if the slide is hidden.

You can also start your slide from the current slide you are on by hitting the  Shift+F5  keyboard shortcut.

Because it’s often easiest to catch errors when building your slides in this full screen mode, I highly recommend learning the  Shift+F5  shortcut and using it frequently as you build your slides to spot them for errors.

If you don’t want to bother learning the From Current Slide shortcut, you can also start your slideshow by clicking the  Slide Show  icon at the bottom of your screen.

This is a fantastic way to spot check your slides as you are building them. On top of that, it’s a fast and uncomplicated way to re-start your presentation from where you left off after demoing something on screen.

Start a mini-slide show in PowerPoint

You can also use the following hidden PowerPoint shortcut to run a mini slide show over the top of your current deck.

To run a mini slide show, simply:

• Hold down the  Alt key  on your keyboard
• With your mouse, click the  Slide Show  icon

Doing so starts a small slide show of your presentation that you can see below, from the current slide you are on.

Presenter View

The Presenter View is an alternate way to run your presentation in PowerPoint. In this view, your slides are projected on screen, and the details of your presentation are displayed on your computer as pictured below.

The presenter view includes your next (non-hidden) slides that is coming up, your current slide projected on screen, how long you’ve been talking and your speaker notes.

To launch the  Presenter View  from the beginning of your presentation using your Ribbon, simply:

• Navigate to the  Slide Show  tab
• Hold down the  Alt key on  your keyboard
• Click  From Beginning

Holding down the  Alt key  and clicking  From Beginning , the Presenter View will launch from the very first (non-hidden) slide in your presentation.

You can also launch the presenter view from the beginning of your presentation at any time by clicking Alt + F5  on your keyboard.

Start Presenter View in PowerPoint From Current Slide

Did you know that you can access different views in PowerPoint by adding keys as you click commands in the PowerPoint ribbon?

To start the Presenter view from your current slide using your Ribbon, simply:

• Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard
• Click  From Current Slide

Holding the Alt key and clicking From Current Slide launches the Presenter View from your current slide. So, this is another way you can quickly practice your presentation, see your speaker notes and see what’s coming up next.

You can also launch the Presenter View from the beginning of your presentation at any time by hitting Alt+F5 on your keyboard.

Showing and Hiding Presenter View

Regardless of which view you start your PowerPoint slide show; you can switch between the two different slide show views without exiting presentation.

To switch between the two slideshow views (while giving your presentation), simply:

• Right-click your slide in whichever presentation view you are currently in
• Select either Show Presenter View or Hide Presenter View

When would you use a feature like this during a presentation? One example is if you want to view your notes without leaving the slide show mode.

NOTE: The letter r  for both  Show Presenter View  and  Hide Presenter View  is underlined. This means that it is a keyboard shortcut. So, if you want to quickly flip between these two presentation views, you can simply right-click your slide and hit the letter r on your keyboard. Doing so automatically switches the view you are in.

Controlling how your presentation runs

Another way to control how your presentation runs (including the default laser pointer and pen color), is the Set Up Slide Show dialog box.

To open the  Set Up Slide Show  dialog box, simply:

• Select the  Set Up Slide Show  command

Doing so, opens all your PowerPoint slide show settings and options as pictured below.

Inside the slide show settings dialog box, you can select:

• How your presentation runs (full screen, window or in kiosk mode).
• Your default pen and laser pointer color options ( see our laser pointer article here ).
• Which slide you want start from, or which slides you want to show. You can also setup a custom show here.
• How your slides progress (manually or using slide timings).
• Which of your computer monitors (or screens) your slide show runs on.

The  Set Up Slide Show dialog box is also the secret to running multiple presentations at the same time in PowerPoint. To expand your knowledge and learn how to set this up, read our guide here .

Setup Slide Show SECRET Shortcut

To use the SECRET shortcut to open the Set Up Slide Show dialog box, simply:

• Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard
• With your mouse, click the Reading View icon at the bottom of your screen

This is useful when you need to quickly cycle through lots of PowerPoint presentations and change how those presentations run. Instead of wasting time clicking through the Ribbon, simply hold the Shift key and click the  Reading View icon. This is also a friendly conversation starter with a fellow PowerPoint enthusiast at Happy Hour.

NOTE: The color of your Reading View icon might be different than in the picture above, as it is dependent on the Office Theme you selected for PowerPoint.

How to exit a PowerPoint presentation early?

Regardless of how you start your full screen presentation, you can end your presentation at any time by hitting the Esc key on your keyboard.

Hitting  Esc  immediately takes you out of the   PowerPoint presentation mode and back to the normal editing view of your slides, on whatever slide you were last presenting.

Here is how you can use a combination of all the different keyboard shortcuts to spot check and practice your presentation in full screen before you finalize your presentation.

• Hit  F5  on your keyboard to   start your presentation in full screen from the very first slide in your presentation. You can then use your arrow keys to advance, spot checking your slides for errors.
• When you find an error, simply hit  Esc  key to return to the normal PowerPoint editing view to fix your slide.
• When you are done, hit  Shift + F5  to return the full screen presentation mode from the slide you just updated. You can then continue spot checking your presentation (without having to start over from the beginning).

In this way you can quickly work your way through your slides and practice your presentation, fixing and adjusting your content as you go.

Understanding how to run your presentations is CRITICAL to the success of your presentation. Not only in presenting them live, but also in knowing how to spot check your slides as you build them.

I personally find it easiest to spot check your slides and quickly fix errors by running your presentation in slide show mode (or full screen). The last place you want to discover an error is during your presentation.

Using the commands and shortcuts above, you can quickly start, exit and step back into your slide show. Once you have these commands and features down, you will also look like a whiz during your presentations.

If you enjoyed the depth of this article, you will love our other PowerPoint training courses and free resources. To learn more, visit us here .

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How to Go Into Presentation Mode in PowerPoint

Presenting your idea, content or report to an audience can be a daunting task. However, with the right preparation, practice and knowledge of PowerPoint, you can deliver a captivating presentation with ease. One of the most important aspects of presenting with PowerPoint is to know how to go into presentation mode. In this article, we will show you step-by-step how to access presentation mode and how to use it effectively.

Table of Contents

Preparing your PowerPoint Presentation for Presentation Mode

Before you can present your PowerPoint presentation, it is important to prepare your slides for presentation mode. Here are some important tips to follow:

• Make sure your presentation has a clear structure with a logical flow of ideas
• Use eye-catching and relevant visuals to support your points
• Practice your presentation and time yourself to ensure it is within the allotted time frame
• Make sure all hyperlinks and multimedia elements are working properly
• Ensure your text is legible and easily readable by audience members in the back of the room

Another important aspect to consider when preparing your PowerPoint presentation for presentation mode is to engage your audience. You can do this by asking questions, encouraging participation, and using humor where appropriate. Additionally, it is important to be confident and enthusiastic when presenting, as this will help to keep your audience engaged and interested in your presentation.

Understanding the Different Views in PowerPoint

PowerPoint offers different views to help you create and edit your presentation. These include the Normal view, Slide Sorter view, and the Slide Show view. When in Normal view, you can edit and create your presentation, while in the Slide Sorter view, you can rearrange and organize your slides. The Slide Show view is where you can present your PowerPoint presentation.

In addition to these three main views, PowerPoint also offers a Notes Page view and a Reading view. The Notes Page view allows you to add speaker notes to your slides, which can be helpful during a presentation. The Reading view is designed for reviewing your presentation, and it displays your slides in a full-screen format without any editing tools.

Another useful feature in PowerPoint is the ability to switch between views seamlessly. For example, you can switch from Normal view to Slide Sorter view to get an overview of your presentation, and then switch back to Normal view to make edits. This flexibility allows you to work more efficiently and effectively when creating your PowerPoint presentation.

How to Access Presentation Mode in PowerPoint

To access presentation mode in PowerPoint, simply click on the Slide Show tab and then click on the From Beginning or From Current Slide buttons, depending on where you want to start your presentation from. Alternatively, you can press F5 on your keyboard to start presentation mode.

It is important to note that before entering presentation mode, you should ensure that your presentation is fully prepared and that all necessary edits have been made. You can also preview your presentation in presentation mode by clicking on the Preview button, which will allow you to see how your slides will appear to your audience.

Navigation Tips for Effective Presentations

During your presentation, you may need to navigate between slides to emphasize your points or answer questions. Use the following navigation tips to effectively control your presentation:

• Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move forward and backward between slides
• Press the Esc key to end your presentation
• Use the spacebar or Enter key to move to the next slide
• Press the B key to darken the screen
• Press the W key to white out the screen

Another useful navigation tip is to use the mouse to click on the slide you want to go to. This can be helpful if you need to quickly jump to a specific slide during your presentation.

It’s also important to practice your navigation before your presentation to ensure that you are comfortable with the controls. This can help you avoid any technical difficulties or awkward pauses during your presentation.

Using Presenter View to Enhance Your Presentation

If you have a second monitor or projector, you can enable Presenter View in PowerPoint to help you deliver a professional and engaging presentation. With Presenter View, you can see your slides, notes, and the next slide in your sequence, while the audience only sees the presentation. To enable Presenter View, go to the Slide Show tab and click on the Use Presenter View option.

Presenter View also allows you to zoom in and out of slides, highlight important points, and draw on your slides in real-time. This can be especially useful when presenting complex data or diagrams. Additionally, you can use Presenter View to keep track of time and stay on schedule by setting up a timer that will display on your screen. Overall, Presenter View is a powerful tool that can help you deliver a more polished and professional presentation.

Customizing Your Slide Show Settings

Customizing your slide show settings can greatly enhance the delivery of your presentation. Here are some ways to customize your slide show settings:

• Set up automatic timings for your slides to progress without manual intervention
• Choose to show or hide your pointer during the presentation
• Change the animation settings of your slides to make your points more engaging

Another way to customize your slide show settings is to add background music or sound effects to your presentation. This can help set the tone and create a more immersive experience for your audience. You can also adjust the resolution and aspect ratio of your slides to ensure they display properly on different devices and screens. Experimenting with different customization options can help you create a more polished and professional presentation.

Keyboard Shortcuts to Control Your Presentation

Keyboard shortcuts can be a real time-saver when presenting with PowerPoint. Here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts to control your presentation:

• Press B to make the screen go black
• Press W to make the screen white
• Press Ctrl+P to go to the previous slide
• Press Ctrl+N to go to the next slide
• Press Ctrl+S to stop the slide show

It’s important to note that not all keyboard shortcuts work on all versions of PowerPoint or on all operating systems. Be sure to check the keyboard shortcut options for your specific version of PowerPoint and operating system before your presentation to ensure that the shortcuts you plan to use will work.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Presentation Mode

In some instances, you may encounter common issues when presenting in PowerPoint. Here are some of the most common issues with presentation mode in PowerPoint:

• Presentation is in a different resolution than the monitor
• Multimedia elements not playing or displaying properly
• Slides appearing blurry or pixelated
• Presenter view not displaying properly or at all

If you encounter any of these issues, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, try adjusting the resolution of your presentation to match the resolution of the monitor you are presenting on. If multimedia elements are not playing or displaying properly, make sure they are properly embedded in your presentation and that you have the necessary software or plugins installed. If your slides appear blurry or pixelated, try adjusting the image quality settings in PowerPoint. Finally, if presenter view is not displaying properly or at all, make sure your computer is properly connected to the display and that you have selected the correct display settings in PowerPoint.

Tips for Delivering a Captivating Presentation

Aside from knowing how to go into presentation mode and utilizing the various features of PowerPoint, there are other tips to help make your presentation captivate and engage the audience:

• Use stories or personal anecdotes to humanize and add interest to your presentation
• Maintain eye contact with your audience
• Use humor where appropriate
• Speak clearly and confidently
• Use body language effectively to emphasize your points

Another important tip for delivering a captivating presentation is to tailor your content to your audience. Consider their interests, knowledge level, and what they hope to gain from your presentation. By doing so, you can ensure that your presentation is relevant and valuable to your audience, which will help keep them engaged and interested throughout.

Recording and Sharing Your PowerPoint Presentation

If you want to share your presentation with a wider audience or review your presentation for performance improvement, you can record your presentation in PowerPoint. Simply go to the Slide Show tab and click on the Record Slide Show option. Once you have recorded your presentation, you can save it and share it with your audience.

By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you will be well-equipped to go into presentation mode in PowerPoint and deliver an engaging, informative, and memorable presentation.

Another way to share your PowerPoint presentation is by uploading it to a cloud-based storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. This allows you to easily share the presentation with others, without having to send large files via email. You can also control who has access to the presentation and make changes to it in real-time.

It’s important to keep in mind that when sharing your presentation, you should consider the file size and compatibility with different devices and software. To ensure that your presentation looks the same on different devices, you can save it as a PDF or use PowerPoint’s compatibility checker to identify any issues before sharing it.

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• Use Presenter view Video
• Set up your presentation Video
• Deliver your presentation Video

Set up your presentation

Before you give your presentation in front of an audience, you can rehearse it with your slides. Watch this video to find out how.

First, go to the SLIDE SHOW tab and make sure Use Presenter View is selected.

For rehearsal, you can press ALT+F5 to display the Presenter view on a single screen.

Rehearsing this way will help you get comfortable with your slides, and give you practice using the Presenter view.

View your speaker notes as you deliver your slide show

Draw on or highlight slides during a presentation

Turn your mouse into a laser pointer

Add speaker notes to each slide in a presentation

Before you give your presentation in front of an audience, you can rehearse it with your slides using the Presenter view.

During the show, you'll use dual monitors, but for rehearsal, you can press ALT+F5 to display the Presenter view on a single screen.

Keep in mind that when you are using the Presenter view, you are in Slide Show mode, so you can’t edit your slides or notes.

This is good, because it prevents you from unintentionally altering your slides during a show.

Laptops are used by many presenters for both creating and running their shows.

Most laptops available today have dual monitor capabilities built in.

So when you arrive at the presentation room, all you have to do is plug the presentation projector or monitor into the connector on your laptop and you are ready to go.

Start the show to make sure everything is working.

If you want to change which monitor shows the Presenter view, click DISPLAY SETTINGS , and then, click Swap Presenter View and Slide Show .

Before the audience arrives, run through some your slides to make sure everything works and you can see your laptop.

Also, make sure any non-essential programs, like email and browsers, are closed and your desktop is clean.

These other programs slow down your computer, and can cause a distraction if the audience sees them.

The last thing to do is start the Slide Show .

Plan your PowerPoint presentation, so the audience sees a welcome slide as they enter.

This way, the audience will know immediately that you are ready to begin.

Up next, we'll give the presentation using the Presenter view.

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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• Q&A: Tips for viewing the 2024 solar eclipse

Q&A: Tips for viewing the 2024 solar eclipse

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On Monday, April 8, the United States will experience a total solar eclipse — a rare astronomical event where the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, blocking out the sun’s light almost completely. The last total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. was in 2017, and the next one won’t be until 2044.

If the weather cooperates, people across the United States — from northeastern Maine to southwestern Texas — will be able to observe the eclipse using protective eyewear. Those in the path of totality , where the moon entirely covers the sun, will have the best view, but 99% of people in the continental U.S. will be able to see a partial eclipse. Weather permitting, those on the MIT campus and the surrounding area will see 93 percent of the sun covered, with the partial eclipse starting at 2:15 p.m. and reaching its peak around 3:29 p.m. Gatherings are planned at the Kresge Oval and the MIT Museum , and a live NASA stream will be shown in the Building 55 atrium .

Brian Mernoff , manager of the CommLab in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is an accomplished astrophotographer and science educator. Mernoff is headed to Vermont with his family to experience the totality from the best possible angle — but has offered a few thoughts on how to enjoy the eclipse safely, wherever you are.

Q: What should viewers expect to see and experience with this solar eclipse?

A: When you’re watching TV (the sun) and your toddler, dog, or other large mammal (the moon) blocks your view, you no doubt move over a bit to try to get a partial or full view of the TV. This is exactly how the path of totality works for an eclipse. If you are exactly in line with the moon and sun, it will be completely blocked, but if you start moving away from this path, your view of the sun will start to increase until the moon is not in the way at all.

The closer you are to the path of totality, the more of the sun will be blocked. At MIT, about 93 percent of the sun will be blocked. Those in the area will notice that things around you will get slightly darker, just like when it starts to become overcast. Even so, the sun will remain very bright in the sky and solar glasses will be required to view the entirety of the eclipse. It really goes to show how incredibly bright the sun is!

Within the narrow path of totality, the moon will continue to move across the sun, reaching 100 percent coverage. For this short period of time, you can remove your glasses and see a black disk where the sun should be. Around the disk will be wispy white lines. This is the corona, the outermost part of the sun, which is normally outshone by the sun’s photosphere (surface). Around the edges of the black disk of the moon, right as totality begins and ends, you can also see bright spots around the edges, known as Bailey’s Beads, caused by sunlight shining between mountains and craters on the moon.

But that’s not all! Although you will be tempted to stare up at the sun throughout totality, do not forget to observe the world around you. During totality, it feels like twilight. There is a 360-degree sunset, the temperature changes rapidly, winds change, animals start making different sounds, and shadows start getting weird (look into “shadow bands” if you have a chance).

As soon as totality ends, and you start to see Baily’s Beads again, put your solar glasses back on as it will get very bright again very fast as the moon moves out of the way.

Q: What are the best options for viewing the eclipse safely and to greatest effect?

A: No matter where you are during the eclipse, make sure you have solar glasses. These glasses should be ISO-approved for solar viewing. Do not use glasses with scratches, holes, or other damage.

If you are unable to obtain solar glasses in time, you can safely view the eclipse using a home-made projection method , such as a pinhole camera or even projecting the image of the sun through a colander.

The best view of the eclipse will be from within the path of totality, but even if you are not within it, you should still go outside to experience the partial eclipse. Use the NASA Eclipse Explorer to find the start, maximum, and end times, and then find a nice spot outside — preferably with some shade — put on your glasses, and enjoy the show.

For a closer view of the sun, find a friend that has a telescope with the correct ISO-certified solar filter. This will let you see the photosphere (or chromosphere if it is an H-alpha scope) in a lot more detail. If you do not have access to a telescope, NASA plans to livestream a telescope view throughout the eclipse. [The livestream will be displayed publicly on a large screen in Building 55 at MIT, rain or shine.]

The only time you can look at or image the sun without a filter is during 100 percent totality. As soon as this period is done, glasses and filters must be put back on.

After the eclipse, keep your glasses and filters. You can use them to look at the sun on any day (it took me an embarrassing amount of time to realize that I could use the glasses at any time instead of lugging out a telescope). On a really clear day, you can sometimes see sunspots!

Q: How does eclipse photography work?

A: This year I plan to photograph the eclipse in two ways. The first is using a hydrogen-alpha telescope. This telescope filters out all light except for one wavelength that is given off by hydrogen. Because it blocks out most of the light from the sun’s surface, it allows you to see the turbulent upper atmosphere of the sun, including solar prominences that follow magnetic field lines.

Because this telescope does not allow for imaging during totality as too much light is blocked, I also plan to set up a regular camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the total eclipse with the surrounding environment as context. During the 2017 eclipse, I only captured close-ups of the sun using a regular solar filter and missed the opportunity to capture what was going on around me.

Will it work? That depends on if we get clear skies, and how many pictures of my 1.5-year-old need to be taken (as well as how much chasing needs to be done).

If you would like to take pictures of the eclipse, make sure you protect your camera sensor. The sun can easily damage lenses, sensors, and other components. Here are some examples of solar damaged cameras . The solution is simple, though. If using a camera phone, you can take pictures through an extra pair of solar glasses, or even tape them to the phone. For cameras with larger lenses, you can buy cardboard filters that slide over the front of your camera or even buy ISO-approved solar film and make your own.

Q: Any fun, unique, cool, or interesting science facts about this eclipse to share?

A: If you want to get even more involved with the eclipse, there are many citizen science projects that plan to collect as much data as possible throughout the eclipse.

NASA is planning to run several experiments during the eclipse , and researchers with MIT Haystack Observatory will also be using four different technologies to monitor changes in the upper atmosphere , both locally and across the continent.

If you are interested in learning more about the eclipse, here are two of my favorite videos, one on “ unexpected science from a 0.000001 megapixel home-made telescope ” and one on solar eclipse preparation .

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