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PowerPoint® Shortcuts

PowerPoint is a highly versatile software program that allows even the most graphically-challenged person to create interesting, effective slides. But like all tools, PowerPoint can be misused, often distracting from the content instead of illustrating it. Here are some tips to make PowerPoint a plus.

Before the presentation:

  • Use the same transitions through the presentation to avoid distracting the audience.
  • Build a text slide line-by-line only if you plan to present the information line-by-line.
  • Place a blank slide at the end of your presentation to provide a background for the question-and-answer period.


  • After the presentation:
  • Use Slide Navigator to hide slides for reference only if questions come up. You can access Slide Navigator with a right click.
  • Use the "B" key to make the screen go black; tap it again to display the slide again.
  • To advance slides, click any of the following keys: right arrow, enter, page down, space bar, or left mouse click.


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