Category: Lessons

Why You Need Props at Your Next Presentation

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Italy

Marco Montemagno

metaphors

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Aug 02, 2013

Props in Presentations

When you hear the word “prop” do you think of those cotton horse heads on a stick that the actors pretend to ride around on?The truth is props are universally profiled as cheesy theatrical objects, much like the horse on a stick, good only for middle-school plays. Because of this, props are obsolete in the eyes of the typical presenter, and that’s a problem.While by definition, the word “prop” does refer to theatrical property, its purpose is overlooked. Any given prop is used to add realism to a given story and to help advance the narrative in a more palpable way. This idea is directly transferable and applicable to any corporate presentation, PowerPoint presentation, or sales pitch.By thinking of props as relics of the past, we are blinding ourselves of the many creative and effective ways to utilize props in today’s world.Here’s my favorite example:

Italian entrepreneur and television host Marco Montemagno is the renowned founder of digital domination summit. “Digital Domination Summit is a free online event, featuring prerecorded video messages & video interviews from up to 30 leading authorities on how to do business in the digital world”. Montemagno’s also hosts live talks that are are known to be among the most engaging and intriguing throughout of Italy and Europe for that matter. He focuses on the topic of Internet culture. His talks revolve around showing Italians why the Internet should be embraced and not feared. Montemagno presents to audiences of up to 3,000 people in cities including Milan, Rome, and Venice. In spite of his goal to bridge a divide between his technical expertise and the everyday language of his audience, Montemagno uses devices meant to engage his listeners, namely props.

Montemagno’s audience members get a pen and paper before taking their seats. During the presentation, he asks them to turn to the person to their right and in 30 seconds sketch their portrait. He then asks them to write the title of their favorite song, movie, etc. They pass the paper around and repeat the process until the paper has changed hands up to five times. Each audience member then takes home a piece of paper that once belonged to someone else. The exercise is intended to demonstrate how information is shared among individuals across networks.

Montemagno shows us a unique and creative medium through which to apply props. He takes a complex subject, and simplifies to an experience that every member of the audience can feel, and therefore remember vividly. This is what props are useful for, helping the audience feel, understand, and remember. If you manage to get your audience to go through these three sensations about  you and your PowerPoint presentation, you will find your business reaching new heights!

3 Reasons Why You’ll Benefit from Using Props:

 Your presentations will be more memorable. Sure, you can repeat the same description of your product 12 times, and increase audience retention, or you can just bring out the actual product, explain it once, and get the same effect.You can apply them as effective metaphors. Using props as metaphors are great way to get your audience’s attention in a matter of a few seconds.You will create emotional impact. While facts and stats will tell, emotion will sell!

References:

“Digital Domination Summit 2013.” Wired UK. June 28, 2013.Gallo, Carmine. “Using Props to Improve Your Presentations.” Bloomberg.com. January 27, 2009.”How Do Props Help a Presentation?” Manner of Speaking. September 25, 2011.”Putting Your Presentation before Your PowerPoint.” SlideGenius. December 9, 2013.”Ten Tips for Using Props in a Presentation.” Manner of Speaking. September 28, 2011.

How to Incorporate the Audience into Your Presentation

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audience incorporation

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Jul 26, 2013

Incorporating your audience into a presentation fosters engagement and ensures they stay connected to your message. Here are effective ways to include your audience:

1. Ask Questions

  • Why it works: Asking direct or rhetorical questions draws the audience into the conversation and makes them think critically about your content.
  • How to apply: Start with an open-ended question to gauge the room’s knowledge on the topic or to introduce key points. You can also use polling software (e.g., Poll Everywhere or Slido) to collect live feedback.

2. Encourage Participation

  • Why it works: Active participation keeps the audience attentive and helps break up the passive delivery of information. It also makes the presentation more interactive and memorable.
  • How to apply: Involve the audience in small group discussions or activities related to the presentation’s topic. For instance, have them brainstorm ideas or provide their own experiences.

3. Use Storytelling with Audience Relevance

  • Why it works: Sharing personal stories or relatable examples makes your content more relatable. Tailoring stories to your audience’s experiences or field of interest makes it easier for them to connect with your message.
  • How to apply: Incorporate examples or scenarios that are familiar to the audience’s industry or background. This personalization helps them visualize the problem or solution you’re addressing.

4. Ask for Opinions or Insights

  • Why it works: This not only engages the audience but also makes them feel valued as part of the conversation. It opens the door for them to share their knowledge and ideas, contributing to a dynamic presentation.
  • How to apply: Throughout your presentation, pause to ask for feedback or input, particularly on controversial or thought-provoking topics. Let them vote on solutions or share their experiences with the subject matter.

5. Use Real-Time Polls or Quizzes

  • Why it works: Interactive tools like polls and quizzes allow the audience to engage directly with your presentation, giving them a sense of participation.
  • How to apply: Use tools like Kahoot, Mentimeter, or Zoom’s built-in polling feature to run real-time quizzes or get instant feedback on key questions. These can break the monotony and re-energize the audience.

6. Invite Volunteers

  • Why it works: Bringing a few audience members up to participate in a demo or activity makes the presentation more dynamic and entertaining. It also encourages others to pay attention, as they may be the next to interact.
  • How to apply: Create moments in your presentation where a task or example can be demonstrated by a volunteer. This could involve helping with an experiment, providing an opinion, or participating in a role-play scenario.

7. Use Eye Contact and Body Language

  • Why it works: Maintaining eye contact and using open body language makes the audience feel like you’re speaking directly to them, fostering a sense of connection and inclusivity.
  • How to apply: Make an effort to look at different sections of the audience throughout the presentation. Use gestures to emphasize points and create a more engaging visual presence.

8. Field Questions at Key Moments

  • Why it works: Allowing for questions or comments at intervals keeps the conversation flowing and ensures the audience stays engaged throughout the presentation.
  • How to apply: Instead of leaving all questions for the end, pause after major points to invite questions. This provides clarity and gives the audience a chance to contribute.

Incorporating these strategies into your presentation makes the audience feel involved, turning a monologue into a conversation. The more engaged the audience, the more impactful your presentation will be.

Winston Churchill: Orator of the Century

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Winston Churchill

Jul 25, 2013

Widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century, Winston Churchill inspired Great Britain and the Western world to stand up, and fight against the strongest military empire of the century. You can agree that convincing millions of people to support you in any cause is an almost impossible task. Churchill was very tactful when it came to give convincing speeches. In fact he famously said, “Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip.”First, and perhaps most importantly, becoming a great speaker is a matter of practice and persistence, not natural talent. Even Churchill himself was not born a great presenter. He actually had a slight stammer and a lisp (that made him sound drunk) when he was young. He spent hours on end crafting his speeches, perfecting every word. Churchill himself said “Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking our potential.”With that, here are four lessons Winston Churchill can teach us about perfecting our speeches and professional powerpoint presentations:

Speak in crisp and direct sentences.

As ugly and inconvenient as what you say may be, be straightforward in what you say and your audience will respect you. Winston says, “If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time – a tremendous whack.”Churchill’s examples of this:

“An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.”

“A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.”

Be eloquent and rhythmic in your vocabulary.

By this, I don’t mean stuff big words everywhere just to sound fancy. What I mean is that you should make the simplest form of whatever you’re saying into the most professional way it can be said. Churchill also had a melodious flow to his speeches, keeping the audience on their toes at all points throughout. At any rate, bettering your vocabulary can also be a very helpful activity for bettering your vocational skills. Learning 5 new words a day might be a great way to start…

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.

Churchill utilizes repetition in almost ever single one of his speeches. He would consistently use phrases or words over and over again in the same breath to highlight a point.Churchill’s examples of this:

“Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.”

“We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

Ironical humor.

Churchill was known for his wit and word play. While wit seems like a more “born-with-it” sort of concept, one will surely develop it by knowing a certain concept through and through. Once you master a specific idea or issue, you will have the necessary background to react quickly and wittily to questions or comments you are confronted with. This ultimately comes down to practice; know what you are talking about and you will know what to say at all times.Churchill’s examples of this:

 “If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect for the law.”

“We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English.”

As one of the most revered leaders and orators in history, Winston Churchill changed the world with both his voice and his actions. Following and epitomizing Churchill in your next professional powerpoint presentation will be a great way to improve yourself as a public speaker and powerpoint expert. 

Reference:

“Winston Churchill Quotes.” BrainyQuote.

Using Images to Control Your Audience

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CEO

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Facebook

Gregory Berns

Mark Zuckerber

Mark Zuckerberg

Picture Superiority Effect

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Jul 23, 2013

It’s safe to say that most people that went through elementary school have heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.” What most people don’t know is exactly what those thousand words can make people do or think.Some of the world’s most famous CEO’s are adopting an image-rich style when it comes to their corporate presentations. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, and even Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer all jumped on the bandwagon. If these global business leaders are doing it, it must be effective.Here’s an overused fact: the brain processes information more effectively when the information is expressed in both pictures and words in place of words alone. The process is called Picture Superiority Effect, and as overused as it may be, most people don’t genuinely understand the value in the statement and consequently don’t act on it.Each of the aforementioned business leaders have continued to prove that image-rich presentations are powerful forces for helping audiences retain the information being presented. Here is a list of ways they use the Picture Superiority Effect to shape the way their audiences react to their presentations.

Use Images…

  • to spark some confusion that you will resolve. 

Show a weird scenario that attracts the eye, but doesn’t fully explain itself. Then go on to explain it yourself.

  • to highlight a point through silliness. 

Laughter is always a great component of keeping your audience in an interested and open-minded state.

  • to tease your audience for your next slide. 

Always keep your audience guessing what is next. As soon as they think they found some predictability aspect to your sequence, they will zone out and think they already know what you are saying.

  • to visualize the abstract. 

Many business related concepts, more commonly financial ones, are difficult to grasp. Use images to clarify.

  • as a play on words.

Hearing and seeing an explanation of a certain concept will make it much more relatable. 

  • as a rhetorical ploy. 

Metaphors and analogies shown through images.Gregory Berns said it best, “A person can have the greatest idea in the world— completely different and novel—but if that person can’t convince enough other people, it doesn’t matter.” Using images is a vital component of convincing your audience during you presentation. It really doesn’t matter what you are talking about. Images, like colors, music, and food, are universally understood and valued. Use them to your advantage!Ill leave you with Jonathan Klein’s AMAZING TED talk about the power of images.

References:

Gallo, Carmine. “Jeff Bezos And The End of PowerPoint As We Know It.” Forbes. September 7, 2012.”Pictures in PowerPoint.” Microsoft MVP Award Program Blog. April 23, 2012.Stenberg, Georg. “Conceptual and Perceptual Factors in the Picture Superiority Effect.” 2006.

Presentation Lessons from the Fed; Intentional Vagueness & Ambiguity

Alan Greenspan

Although Fedspeak

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data

Europe

Federal Reserve

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statistics

Steve Jobs

Jul 19, 2013

When Federal Reserve officials speak, their words are often deliberately vague and ambiguous. This strategy allows them to navigate complex topics without making overly specific promises, giving them flexibility in the future. While this communication style might seem counterintuitive for a presentation, there are times when a similar approach can be useful.Here are key presentation lessons from the Federal Reserve’s use of intentional vagueness and ambiguity:

1. Manage Expectations Carefully

The Federal Reserve often leaves its statements open to interpretation, which allows for flexibility and adaptability. In presentations, you can use vagueness strategically to avoid overpromising or committing to details that may change.Why It’s Important:

  • Provides Flexibility: Leaving certain points open-ended gives you the room to adapt as circumstances evolve.
  • Manages Audience Expectations: Ambiguity can help temper audience expectations if the situation is uncertain.

How to Apply It:

  • Use qualifiers such as “likely,” “potentially,” or “subject to change” when discussing future plans or outcomes that may not be guaranteed.

Example: If discussing the projected growth of a project, say, “We are likely to see growth in the next quarter, but it will depend on market conditions.”

2. Avoid Overloading with Specifics

The Fed often refrains from giving overly specific details to avoid overwhelming its audience. Similarly, in presentations, too much granular detail can bog down your message and distract from the key takeaways.Why It’s Important:

  • Prevents Information Overload: Keeping things high-level allows your audience to focus on the bigger picture.
  • Encourages Audience Reflection: Leaving some details vague encourages the audience to think more deeply and engage in discussion.

How to Apply It:

  • Focus on the broad strokes and only provide specific details when they’re critical to understanding the overall message.

Example: In a presentation about a long-term plan, emphasize the overarching strategy rather than diving into every individual task.

3. Encourage Follow-Up Discussions

The Federal Reserve’s vagueness often leads to analysis and interpretation from experts and stakeholders. You can use this technique in presentations to encourage further discussion and engagement after the formal talk is over.Why It’s Important:

  • Keeps the Conversation Going: Leaving some aspects of your presentation open-ended can spark curiosity and lead to more in-depth discussions afterward.
  • Builds Engagement: Encouraging follow-up questions or discussions shows that you value input from your audience.

How to Apply It:

  • End your presentation with an open-ended question or a statement that invites feedback: “There are many factors at play, and I’d love to discuss your thoughts on how we can address these challenges moving forward.”

Example: After presenting an industry trend analysis, say, “These are just preliminary thoughts, and the situation is still evolving. I’d welcome further insights as we monitor these changes.”

Final Thoughts

Intentional vagueness and ambiguity, when used strategically, can help manage expectations, simplify complex topics, and foster continued engagement. While it’s important to be clear on key points, leaving room for interpretation can create flexibility and encourage deeper discussions, much like the communication style of the Federal Reserve.

Lessons from The Godfather: How to Make Them an Offer They Can’t Refuse

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Don Corleone

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Mario Puzo

Michael Corleone

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Vito Corleone

Work Cited

Jul 18, 2013

“Italians have a little joke, that the world is so hard a man must have two fathers to look after him, and that’s why they have godfathers.”

-Tom Hagen, the Godfather’s consigliore

Well in our boundless affinity for Mario Puzo’s trilogy, we’ve found that the Don’s wisdom reaches all the way into the world of presentation consulting!It seems as though sometimes, the best advice comes from where you least expect it. Though he may not be a presentation expert, here are 4 lessons Don Corleone can teach you about making an offer your audience can’t refuse, which can be applied immediately to any corporate presentation:

  1. Have a clear message and tangible vision. Michael Corleone makes it clear that he has a plan to evolve his illicit family dealings into a completely legal and officially recognized business. In the beginning of the second film, Michael describes this dream to Kay, his wife, claiming how “in 5 years our [his] family business will be completely legitimate.” While he never achieves this goal, the Don pushes himself and those around him in its direction throughout the three films. It’s crucial to make clear to the people you work with, or want to work with, what your goals are (quantify everything), what you want for your company in the short and long term, and what your overarching focus is on. If your presentation can say all of this, and leave your audience on the same page as you are and earn the respect and approval you deserve.
  2. Know your competition. “Never let anyone outside the family know what you are thinking.” Michael Corleone, and practically every mobster shown in the trilogy seems to know that competition in any industry is tough, and one has to think and act a very specific way in order to come out on top (or alive). Vito Corleone educates us about competition in saying, “never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” While presenting, it is actually a good tactic to use your competition to show how you’re different or better than they are. Don’t blatantly insult or undermine them, simply come up with rational and objective facts that support your reasoning.
  3. You’re always building your community. The Godfather is recognized for knowing not only how to do a favor, but how to ask for others to repay it. He shows us that community building and networking is a 24/7 job. Business can be made anywhere from a conference room to a birthday party, to even a flight to San Francisco. With that in mind, use your presentation to reel in new friends into your family. Know who you’re speaking in front of, what interests they might have, and most importantly, show them what unique qualities you can offer them. Also, don’t be afraid or too lazy to do a favor. After all, you might even get lucky enough to repeat Marlon Brando’s iconic statement: “Someday, and that day may never come, I’ll call upon you to do a service for me.”
  4. Show decisiveness. The Godfather is both loved and feared for his decisive, and sometimes ruthless, character. Both Vito and Michael knew that protecting their family, and expanding their influence was necessary for survival and success. When circumstance called for it, both Vito and Michael were willing to kill or die for what they believed in. While you may not have to kill anyone to prove your point, it’s imperative to think logically and act quickly. Specifically to your presentation, if you’re asked a question, know the answer! Anticipate everything by practicing a lot and in front of varied audiences. Hesitation leads to regret. Additionally, don’t come off as ambiguous in any aspect of the content you present. Know your position.

While I don’t endorse crime or the mafia, it would be foolish to oversee the valuable lessons they share, applicable to all presentation designers. And finally, always remember, “Great men aren’t born great, they grow great.” Work Cited:

The Art of Non-Verbal Comedy: Decoding Stand-Up Comedians’ Body Language

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Dimitri Martin

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Jim Carrey

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professional presentation

public speaking

Zach Galifianakis

Jul 17, 2013

Despite often appearing to be the least serious people on the planet, stand-up comedians have a lot to teach us about the visual aspect of presenting. Stand-up comedy blends performance art and public speaking, and these comedians must work tirelessly to perfect their presentation skills in order to not make a fool of themselves on stage.These comedians incorporate drastic body language, visual aids and creative nonverbal communication to get their “message” across. Here are a few impressive examples that can teach anyone giving a professional presentation a lot about how to wow an audience. Here is an excellent display of nonverbal communication by one of the most vibrant comedians around at the very start of his career. His entire joke, which lasts more than three minutes, consists of just a couple sentences wrapped up by a three-word punchline. If you take a look at our previous post discussing how to use body language to improve your presenting skills, you’ll see that the majority of how we communicate is nonverbal. Though it may seem ludicrous, Jim Carrey uses his body language as a powerful communication tool, and relies almost exclusively on it during his performance. Creating a unique persona for yourself is a highly effective way to make a lasting impression on people you encounter. While in the business world, especially when giving a professional presentation, a positive, confident persona will most likely be the best strategy, comedian Zach Galifianakis has mastered the art of creating a whole persona–an easily recognizable character–in so subtle a way that he can seemingly stand there, say practically nothing, and have people rolling on the ground laughing.Syncing your talking points with your presentation tool (your PowerPoint presentation) is vital in order to get your message across clearly and concisely. Dimitri Martin is a master of visual comedy, and here he is showing something very similar to a slide-by-slide presentation. Pay careful attention to Martin’s timing and momentum, especially the way he builds anticipation for the point he’s about to make.When giving a professional presentation, we always recommend having a professionally designed PowerPoint in your arsenal. Simply showing up to the presentation with a PowerPoint presentation (no matter how good it is) will be quite enough. Knowing how to blend your talking points, body movements and your visual accompaniment is the key to a seamless presentation.When crafting your presentation to compliment your PowerPoint–or the other way around–it’s important to practice and coordinate carefully. Think about timing, simplicity, and highlighting your key points so that they’ll make an impact on your audience.

If You Don’t Want To Spend Money On Yourself, Why Would Others?

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Facebook

Mark Zuckerberg

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Raise Capital

San Diego California

Jul 17, 2013

In early 2004, when I was 19 or 20, I came up with this crazy idea to create a website where people would essentially log in to a virtual version of their real lives. People would’ve uploaded their own profiles with their own bio and interests. They’d choose to connect or not connect with other users in the network. They’d upload pictures they took on their recent trips or parties and then tag their friends. People would have been able to play games, watch videos, or read articles and then share them with the world with one simple click! I honestly think that idea could’ve changed the world like never before. The problem was that the cost to incorporate my idea was around $1000. As a student I really didn’t have much to live off of, so I decided not to go through with it.Imagine if that was Mark Zuckerberg’s story. Imagine if he decided not to spend that initial $1000 in Facebook (or “thefacebook” as it was called back then). Zuckerberg knew that $1000 wasn’t a cost, but an investment. Knowing the difference between the two is one of the most useful tools in any business.Investing in the way your company presents itself is one of the most tactical ploys of investment as a whole. Whether you are pitching to a client, raising capital or presenting to a group of your peers and employees, a well-crafted presentation will make your message more memorable. When people remember your name or company, they will reference you when they need expertise in your field. It really comes down to simple math: Better presentation = Increase in sales.At SlideGenius, our presentation experts see on average over 200 PRESENTATIONS PER MONTH and have years of professional experience creating captivating PowerPoint presentations for a wide variety of clients. We can update an existing presentation or build one from scratch, leveraging your brand. We work with you to ensure that the message you want to get across to your audience is communicated as effectively as possible.If you do’t have a professionally designed PowerPoint Presentation you’re undeniably leaving business on the table. Many sales people have reported an increase of up to 25-50% in closed sales simply by providing a highly visual presentation.With SlideGenius custom PowerPoint development services you will immediately:

  • Enhance your reputation.
  • Increase the customer’s confidence and trust.
  • Maximize your conversion ratio.
  • Increase your sales leads.
  • Raise Capital.
  • Increase your sales volume.
  • Decrease your operating costs.
  • Get the right message across.

According to a survey by Accenture, nearly 90 percent of sales executives said that they are not as good at PowerPoint as they should be and that they would sell more products if their message was more effectively conveyed. Stop looking at enhancing your presentations as a cost, and start investing in yourself. If you don’t want to spend money on yourself, why would others?

The Many Faces of President Obama as a Public Speaker

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Barack Obama

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Linguist Geoff Nunberg

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President Obama

public speaking

Writer Carmine Gallo

Jul 16, 2013

A great public speaker is versatile. Despite one’s personal feelings about the 44th president, it’s hard to deny Barack Obama‘s prowess as a public speaker. The ability to have his range, seamlessly transitioning from humbly grave in the face of tragedy to the lighthearted performer at the White House Correspondents Dinner is a pivotal reason for his popularity and perhaps his greatest strength as an effective leader.The New York Observer did an excellent analysis of Obama as a public speaker in February of 2008, when he was a candidate vying for the office he now holds. Many professors interviewed about the president’s oratory skills liken him to past famous speech makers, such as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.Linguist Geoff Nunberg credits much of the president’s excellent speaking skills to controlling his hand and body movements in a way that accentuates what he is saying without going overboard. Nunberg also cites Obama’s controlled, limited vocal range, which allows him to “convey passion without exhibiting it.”Another excellent piece appeared on Forbes.com titled “Barack Obama: A Master Class in Public Speaking.” Writer Carmine Gallo outlines three tools Obama uses in nearly every one of his speeches that makes him one of the most effective public speakers in modern American history.

Transcendence

The ability to tell a compelling anecdote and have audience members feel as though they’ve been transported to an entirely different place is a very effective skill for drawing out an emotional response in those you’re presenting to. If, for instance, you’re giving an investor presentation, and you have a powerful (or even mildly interesting) personal story about how your business or idea was formulated, tell it. This can foster a strong connection with audience members or potential investors, and can help them establish a sense of trust with you.

Repetition

The classic example of repetition is in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, but Obama also incorporates this into his speeches very well. Great public speaking has a rhythm to it, and it’s often likened to songwriting. This aspect of public speaking, the art behind it, can appear abstract, but all the great speakers have this almost poetic quality to their speeches that enable their presentations to inspire.

Gestures and Voice

As stated above, Obama’s voice and movements are very controlled and deliberate. He doesn’t shy away from communicating with body language, and he frequently gets visibly emotional during speeches, but he always does so in a very meaningful manner. He appears to be a master of manipulating his mannerisms and emotions in order to elicit a response from an audience, which can take lengthy practice in speaking in public.Personally, what impresses me about Obama as a public speaker is his ability to work a room. To read exactly how to approach each audience and to cater himself to them accordingly. This video starts near the end of his comedic speech at the 2013 correspondents dinner, where after a hilarious speech that had the whole crowd going, he abruptly transitioned to a grave, heartfelt speech about the recent Boston bombings. This stark change of pace could only be done in such a natural way by a truly deft presenter.

How To Insert Youtube Videos In PowerPoint

Posted Apr

presentation

video

Windows Movie Maker

Feb 13, 2012

You have just downloaded a video from YouTube and want to do a project. Want to insert YouTube videos in PowerPoint? Follow the guide to add a video to PowerPoint.Notice: Not all videos can be imported to PowerPoint. Downloaded videos are in .FLV format but PowerPoint supports MP4, WMV. In order to compatible video with PowerPoint, you need convert video to the right format. Get the converter at the bottom of the article.After all the preparing work is done, you can embed YouTube videos to PowerPoint right now!

For PowerPoint 2003:

Drop-down Insert menu and point to Movies and Sounds>Movie from File. It will show you a box to select video files from your hard disk.Then PowerPoint prompted you a message asking how you want the movie to start in the slide show. Choose “Automatically”.To edit the videos in PowerPoint, you can right click the Movies Object shortcut. Change setting on the menu and click OK to save.

For PowerPoint 2007:

Adding YoutTube videos in PowerPoint 2007 is easier than in 2003.At Insert menu, choose Movie>Movie from File. You are enables to insert a video into the presentation.For both versions, you can preview videos you added to PowerPoint by clicking Slide Show>View Show.For other tools, Windows Movie Maker is another Microsoft-published program where you can edit your videos easily. With this tool, you can customize videos and cut black bars making your videos friendly for PowerPoint.