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Learn PowerPoint Now

Microsoft PowerPoint 365 for Beginners

John Cordova

Do you want to learn to use Microsoft PowerPoint but don't know where to start or feel overwhelmed? Not to worry.  In my Learn PowerPoint Now: Microsoft PowerPoint for Beginners course, I will guide you from the very beginning of the program through interactive video lessons, activities, resources, and other material exclusively found in this course.

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Do you want to learn to use Microsoft PowerPoint but don't know where to start or feel overwhelmed? Not to worry.  In my Learn PowerPoint Now: Microsoft PowerPoint for Beginners course, I will guide you from the very beginning of the program through interactive video lessons, activities, resources, and other material exclusively found in this course.

All of the essential fundamental knowledge you need to get started using PowerPoint is mentioned and covered in this course, and you will be shown how PowerPoint can be used to create visually appealing presentations with charts, animations, videos, images, tables, and more. As this course is a complete introduction and walkthrough to PowerPoint, you will be guided button by button and tab by tab. In addition to this, you will learn some shortcuts and tips to execute certain functions to improve your efficiency and productivity, along with the terminology associated with the PowerPoint program. This course fills every gap that every beginner would need to start using the program.

Unlike other PowerPoint courses, my course requires ZERO prior experience, background, or knowledge of PowerPoint. Apart from having a computer, all you need is your time and attention to complete this course and learn PowerPoint through it.

Whether you have the The differences between each version of PowerPoint at the beginner's level are minimal at best, so this course is made with all versions of PowerPoint in mind. However, please be aware that the 2021/365 version of Microsoft PowerPoint is used on a Mac OS computer in this course's video lectures for demonstration purposes.

So if you're ready to get started with PowerPoint and start creating your very own presentations, whether for school, work, or personal use, then enroll in this course today.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the basics of the microsoft powerpoint program
  • Learn how to create presentations using powerpoint
  • Understand the purpose and functions of each tab and button
  • Learn the language and terms related to the powerpoint program

Syllabus

Introduction

A short introduction video welcoming you to this course, telling you what to expect, and other relevant things to know regarding this course and the Microsoft PowerPoint program itself.

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Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint

To start off this course, we will learn how to launch and open the PowerPoint program and break down what the interface on startup looks like.

In this video lecture, we will go over one of the most essential parts of the PowerPoint program's interface and architecture: the Ribbon.

In this video lecture, we will learn about the Slides Side Tab in PowerPoint, where it is located, why it's significant, and what its purpose is.

In this video lecture, we will learn about the Presentation Window within PowerPoint and why it's such an essential component of the program.

In this video lecture, we will learn about the Quick Access Toolbar in PowerPoint by finding where it is in the program, what it can do, and why it can be very useful.

In this video lecture, we will talk about the Title Bar and Search Bar in PowerPoint. We will learn where these two bars are located within the program, and why they are important.

In this last video lecture of this section of the course, we will learn about the Status Bar within PowerPoint and why it's useful when using the program.

A quiz covering the Microsoft PowerPoint topics and vocabulary that we've covered thus far in this section of the course.

The Microsoft PowerPoint Menu Bar

To begin this section of the course, we will learn and talk about the "PowerPoint" and "File" buttons found in the Menu Bar above the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

In this video lecture, we will learn about the "Edit" button within the Menu Bar in the Microsoft PowerPoint program.

To wrap up this section of the course, we will talk about other things that are relevant and important to know about the Menu Bar in PowerPoint, such as how a lot of the buttons found in the Menu Bar mirror the buttons found in the Ribbon (which we'll get into more in the next section of this course).

Exploring the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "Home" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "Home" tab) in this course into 10 questions.

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "Insert" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "Insert" tab) in this course into 10 questions.

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "Draw" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "Draw" tab) in this course into 5 questions.

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "Design" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "Design" tab) in this course into 5 questions.

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "Transitions" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "Transitions" tab) in this course into 10 questions.

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "Animations" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "Animations" tab) in this course into 10 questions.

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "Slide Show" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "Slide Show" tab) in this course into 8 questions.

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "Review" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "Review" tab) in this course into 5 questions.

In this video lecture, we will learn all about the "View" tab within the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a short quiz condensing what you have learned within the previous video lecture (the "View" tab) in this course into 5 questions.

In this bonus video lecture, we will learn about the "Tell Me" button found next to the Microsoft PowerPoint Ribbon.

This is a timed course test covering overall things you should know about Microsoft PowerPoint by now that we've covered in the past video lectures and sections of this course.

Conclusion

A short thank you and conclusion video to wrap up the course, along with some other information that I hope you will find helpful.

These are 10 personal tips and recommendations from me to help make your PowerPoint presentations look more professional and well-made.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive walkthrough of PowerPoint, guiding users button by button and tab by tab, which is helpful for those new to the software
Teaches how to create visually appealing presentations with charts, animations, videos, images, and tables, which are useful for various presentation needs
Requires zero prior experience, background, or knowledge of PowerPoint, making it accessible to individuals with no prior exposure to the program
Uses the 2021/365 version of Microsoft PowerPoint on a Mac OS computer for demonstration, but the differences between versions are minimal at the beginner's level
Includes quizzes after each section to reinforce learning, which is helpful for knowledge retention and skill development
Offers tips and recommendations to help make PowerPoint presentations look more professional and well-made, which is useful for enhancing presentation skills

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Save Learn PowerPoint Now: Microsoft PowerPoint 365 for Beginners to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn PowerPoint Now: Microsoft PowerPoint 365 for Beginners with these activities:
Review Presentation Design Principles
Reinforce foundational knowledge of design principles to create more effective and visually appealing PowerPoint presentations.
Browse courses on Presentation Design
Show steps
  • Research basic design principles like contrast, balance, and hierarchy.
  • Find examples of good and bad presentation design.
  • Identify how design principles are applied (or not applied) in each example.
Review 'Presentation Zen' by Garr Reynolds
Learn the principles of minimalist design to create impactful PowerPoint presentations.
View Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book 'Presentation Zen'.
  • Summarize the key principles of Zen presentation design.
  • Identify ways to apply these principles in PowerPoint.
Read 'Slide:ology' by Nancy Duarte
Learn about visual storytelling and presentation structure to create more engaging PowerPoint presentations.
View Good Charts for Persuasive Presentations on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book 'Slide:ology'.
  • Identify the key elements of a compelling presentation narrative.
  • Analyze how visual elements can enhance the message.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a PowerPoint Template
Solidify understanding of PowerPoint's design features by creating a reusable template.
Show steps
  • Determine the purpose and style of the template.
  • Design a master slide with consistent fonts, colors, and layouts.
  • Create several different slide layouts for various content types.
  • Save the template as a .potx file.
Create a Presentation for a Fictional Product
Apply PowerPoint skills to create a complete presentation, reinforcing learned concepts and encouraging creative application.
Show steps
  • Choose a fictional product or service.
  • Define the target audience and key message.
  • Create a PowerPoint presentation with at least 10 slides.
  • Incorporate text, images, charts, animations, and transitions.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.
Recreate Existing Presentations
Improve PowerPoint proficiency by recreating existing presentations, focusing on replicating design elements and animations.
Show steps
  • Find examples of well-designed PowerPoint presentations online.
  • Choose a presentation to recreate.
  • Recreate the presentation in PowerPoint, paying attention to detail.
  • Compare your version to the original and identify areas for improvement.
Follow Advanced Animation Tutorials
Expand animation skills beyond the basics by following tutorials on advanced techniques.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on advanced PowerPoint animation techniques.
  • Choose a tutorial that covers a specific effect or technique.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step to recreate the effect.
  • Experiment with different settings and variations.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn PowerPoint Now: Microsoft PowerPoint 365 for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Presentation Specialist
A Presentation Specialist creates and delivers engaging presentations, often for internal or external audiences. This role may involve transforming data into visually compelling stories using presentation software. This course helps someone build a foundation in Microsoft PowerPoint, teaching how to effectively use charts, animations, videos, images, and tables. By understanding all the tabs and buttons, you will be able to construct presentations efficiently. If you're looking at a career as a Presentation Specialist, this course will guide you step by step.
See salaries and explore the career path for Presentation Specialist
Training Coordinator
Training Coordinators often develop and deliver training materials, and a key part of that can be creating presentations. They will often use software like PowerPoint to convey information in a clear and engaging manner. This course will show a Training Coordinator how to create visually appealing presentations using all of the program's features, and may also help them learn to be more efficient in the process using tips and tricks they'll learn. If you want to be a Training Coordinator, learning how to use all of Powerpoint's tools and techniques will be very valuable for helping to prepare your training materials.
See salaries and explore the career path for Training Coordinator
Marketing Assistant
A Marketing Assistant often supports marketing teams by contributing to presentations and reports. They may be required to create slides that highlight key data and marketing campaign results. This course teaches how to utilize the program’s features to create engaging presentations with charts, animations, videos, images, and tables. This course will provide specific information about PowerPoint, such as all of the tabs and buttons, and it may increase the ability of a Marketing Assistant to develop effective presentations. If you want to be a Marketing Assistant, understanding how to use PowerPoint is crucial.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Assistant
Sales Representative
Sales Representatives often rely on presentations to communicate product details and sales strategies with potential clients. Creating a visually appealing presentation using a program like PowerPoint is important for many Sales Representatives. This course can show you the basics of the Microsoft PowerPoint program, from the ground up. You will learn how to create presentations and understand all of the tabs and buttons in order to construct compelling slides. If you see yourself as a Sales Representative, this course may be a great introduction to PowerPoint.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Representative
Teacher
Teachers often use presentations as part of their educational material. This course provides a complete introduction to PowerPoint which is a very common tool for teachers. Teachers can use PowerPoint to create visually appealing materials that can improve the quality of their lectures. This course will help a teacher understand the software from the very beginning, including going over all of the tabs and buttons. A teacher may find value in this course in the creation of engaging and informative presentations. If you are a teacher, this course may help you construct your material.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistants often create presentations for internal meetings and reports. They frequently need to prepare concise and engaging slide decks that communicate key information. This course provides an introduction to PowerPoint, including all of the tabs and buttons, and how to add charts, animations, and other elements. For an Administrative Assistant, this course may help them learn how to craft presentations. It may be particularly helpful for learners with no previous PowerPoint experience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Administrative Assistant
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinators often communicate project updates and strategic plans to stakeholders through presentations. They must be able to organize and present information effectively. This course will help someone learn how to create effective presentations using PowerPoint, using all of the tools and techniques available within the software. It covers every tab and button within the program. For a Project Coordinator, learning PowerPoint through this course may be a strong asset in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator
Business Analyst
Business Analysts often present their findings and recommendations using presentation software. They often need to create visual aids like charts and graphs to enhance their analysis. This course will help a Business Analyst learn PowerPoint from the very beginning, teaching the key functionality and how to use different elements within a presentation. Understanding all of the tabs and buttons might help a Business Analyst construct presentations more efficiently. This course may be useful toward improving a Business Analyst's presentation skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists create presentations for press conferences and community engagements. They need to create professional and persuasive materials. This course may be helpful for the Public Relations Specialist who has little or no background in PowerPoint, as it begins with the basic interface and goes through each tab and button. It covers the creation of presentations from the ground up. This course may improve the efficiency of the Public Relations Specialist in creating persuasive presentations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create training materials and educational content, often utilizing presentations as part of their curriculum. They use programs like PowerPoint to deliver information in a structured format. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the PowerPoint program, teaching the functions of each button and tab. An Instructional Designer may find this course useful in crafting presentations. If the Instructional Designer has no previous experience, this course may be particularly helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Content Creator
Content Creators often use slide-based presentations to deliver information on social media or other channels. They often need to create engaging and visually appealing decks that will draw eyes to their content. The program’s interface, tabs, and buttons are covered in this course, which includes how to add videos, images, and tables into presentations. A Content Creator may find this course helpful in understanding PowerPoint's features. For a Content Creator who wants to improve their presentations, this course may be valuable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Technical Writer
Technical Writers may need to create presentations for training or to communicate technical information. They often use visual aids to convey complex ideas more efficiently. This course may be useful for a Technical Writer looking to learn the basics of PowerPoint. It covers the program from the very beginning, including all of the different tabs and buttons. The Technical Writer may find value in the tips that are given on making presentations more visually appealing. This course may add to their presentation toolkit.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Specialists often use presentations to communicate policies and training procedures. They may need to prepare materials for group settings. The features and functions of PowerPoint are completely explained in this course, including all of the tabs and buttons. A Human Resources Specialist may consider this course to be particularly valuable if they lack experience in PowerPoint. By understanding what is available within the program, a Human Resources Specialist may be more efficient in their presentations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Specialist
Account Manager
Account Managers interact with clients and will often use presentations to communicate their strategies, updates, and successes. They need to create visually appealing materials that reflect well on their work. While not a core function of their job, knowing how to use PowerPoint can be useful, and this course is an excellent introduction to the program and its capabilities,. An Account Manager may find it helpful to understand how to add charts, animations, and other elements. This course may be a resource to improve presentation skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager
Research Assistant
Research Assistants often need to present their research findings in a clear and concise manner using presentation software. Although not their primary duty, Research Assistants will sometimes need to prepare a slide deck for an audience. This course teaches the fundamentals of PowerPoint. It covers the interface, tabs, and buttons, as well as how to create presentations from the ground up. A Research Assistant may find this course useful for organizing and presenting information. This course may add a skill to a Research Assistant’s professional toolkit.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Assistant

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn PowerPoint Now: Microsoft PowerPoint 365 for Beginners.
Cover image
Presentation Zen
Save
Emphasizes simplicity and clarity in presentation design. It provides a framework for creating visually engaging and memorable presentations. It valuable resource for understanding the philosophy behind effective presentation design, which complements the practical skills learned in the PowerPoint course. This book is commonly recommended for those seeking to improve their presentation skills.
Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation...
Paperback
$$
Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation...
Paperback
$$
Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles...
Paperback
$$
Presentation Zen Design
Paperback
$
Presentation Zen Storyboarding Sketchbook (Voices...
Hardcover
$$
Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation...
Kindle Edition
$$
Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Good Charts for Persuasive Presentations
Save
Explores the art and science of creating visually compelling presentations. It provides a structured approach to storytelling and visual communication. It valuable resource for understanding how to craft a narrative and design slides that support the message. This book is often used by professionals to enhance their presentation skills.
Good Charts for Persuasive Presentations
Paperback
Check
Good Charts for Persuasive Presentations
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
4.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
John Cordova
Language
English
Good to know
Provides a comprehensive walkthrough of PowerPoint, guiding users button by button and tab by tab, which is helpful for those new to the software
Teaches how to create visually appealing presentations with charts, animations, videos, images, and tables, which are useful for various presentation needs
Requires zero prior experience, background, or knowledge of PowerPoint, making it accessible to individuals with no prior exposure to the program
Uses the 2021/365 version of Microsoft PowerPoint on a Mac OS computer for demonstration, but the differences between versions are minimal at the beginner's level
Includes quizzes after each section to reinforce learning, which is helpful for knowledge retention and skill development
Offers tips and recommendations to help make PowerPoint presentations look more professional and well-made, which is useful for enhancing presentation skills
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