This is one of the more "timely" books I've read in awhile.It's Cutting Edge PowerPoint For Dummies by Geetesh Bajaj, and I plan on incorporating a number of things from this book in my next presentation at Lotusphere...Contents:
Part 1 - Powering Up PowerPoint: PowerPointing with the Best of Them; Empowering Your PowerPoint Program; Color Is Life; Streamlining with Masters and Templates
Part 2 - Achieving Visual Appeal: AutoShape Magic; Drawing in PowerPoint; Dressing Up the Text Stuff; Adding Images to Your Presentation; Pulling in Diagrams, Charts, Equations, and Maps
Part 3 - Adding Motion, Sounds, and Effects: Listening and Watching - The Sound and Video Stuff; Moving On with Animations and Transitions
Part 4 - Communicating Beyond the PowerPoint Program: Interactivity and Linking; Exchanging Information; Preparing and Delivering Your Awesome Presentation
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: My Ten Favorites PowerPoint Tips; Ten PowerPoint Problems
What's On The CD-ROM; Index
I've put together my share of PowerPoint presentations, and I normally know enough to get the basics down.I'm a firm believer in "just because you can doesn't mean you should", and I try to stay away from font and animation overload.All of that is well and good, but it usually means my slides can lack a bit in the "pizazz" department.Bajaj has written a book that starts beyond the "what is PowerPoint" mark and starts to delve into all the features that can make your presentation stand out.Yes, there is plenty of time spent on how to animate things and such, but he also offers the caveat that too much activity is distracting, not informational.Use with caution.All versions of PowerPoint from 2000 through the current version are well-covered, so you're not shut out totally if you haven't bothered to keep up with Microsoft's latest offerings.
On top of just learning about features you haven't played with before, the author offers up insights and tips based on his extensive experience with the product.You'll learn how best to avoid corrupted PowerPoint files, what features work well (and what features don't), as well as some hidden gems you probably don't know about.For instance, did you know that you can create a basic PowerPoint presentation using Notepad?Neither did I, and it's an intriguing way to get your thoughts and structure down "on paper" before you get distracted by all the PowerPoint bright shiny objects.This is also one of the few books which quickly ended up with a broken seal on the CD container.The full version of Camtasia 3 that's offered gratis is something I've long wanted to play with.Just in time for January's Lotusphere session...
I usually get *something* out of most every book I read.Some books offer up more than a few "somethings".This one ended up in the very upper range of value for my time and money...Very good stuff...
Product Description
Use these great ideas to help you make your point
Create PowerPoint presentations with Flash(r) movies, Excel(r) charts, and more
Okay, you've PowerPointed before, right? And you knew there must be more cool things you could do? Here they are! This handy guide gives you pointers on what makes a powerful presentation, tips on using the right formats and templates, and directions for dressing up text, wowing 'em with color, adding action, and much more.
Discover how to
* Tweak and streamline PowerPoint
* Get the most from color
* Avoid amateur mistakes
* Use shapes, fills, and 3D effects
* Add photos, soundtracks, and DVD video
* Deliver your presentation with punch
From the Back Cover
Use these great ideas to help you make your point
Create PowerPoint presentations with Flash® movies, Excel® charts, and more
Okay, you've PowerPointed before, right? And you knew there must be more cool things you could do? Here they are! This handy guide gives you pointers on what makes a powerful presentation, tips on using the right formats and templates, and directions for dressing up text, wowing 'em with color, adding action, and much more.
Discover how to
- Tweak and streamline PowerPoint
- Get the most from color
- Avoid amateur mistakes
- Use shapes, fills, and 3D effects
- Add photos, soundtracks, and DVD video
- Deliver your presentation with punch
Click Here to see more reviews about: Cutting Edge PowerPoint For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)
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