Alternative ways to use Power Point software (Part 1)

Hear the word "Power Point" and I would assume that most of you would start to think about presentations and handouts. Are you remembering your favourite slide design or animation? Perhaps you are recalling your personal experiences with this software or maybe the opportunities you have had in your career to attend a multitude of presentations given using Power Point. Whatever memories have come to mind, it is most likely that the scene is set in a business or educational environment. However, once you have the technical know-how and a little time to spare, this presentation software can also be put to various alternative uses. Let us review some interesting applications of Power Point.

Slideshows

Once you have designed your slides, it is possible to select the slideshow option to display your work. In times gone by, you would probably think of a series of photographic images being projected onto a screen in a darkened room, upon hearing the term slide show. You too, can follow in the footsteps of projectionists from days gone by and create a digital slideshow of your holiday photos, for example. The advantage of using Power point is that you can add amusing comments to your photos and even record a narration. Then, all you need is a willing audience.

Quizzes

Continuing with the entertainment theme, you could consider taking advantage of the multimedia capabilities of Power Point to design a quiz show. Your prospective audience could be family members gathered together for the holidays or perhaps work colleagues needing a little light entertainment. Using Power Point templates and music and sound files downloaded onto your computer, you can incorporate question rounds, picture rounds and even song and movie clips into your quiz.

Award certificate

Perhaps someone in your personal or professional life has had a success of some kind. One way to mark such an occasion is to offer them an award certificate which you can design using Power Point. Templates are available for various themes including employee of the month, most improved student and for recognising excellence or attendance at an event. You just need to enter the personal details of your nominee, the date and details of their achievement. Another idea is to offer certificates of attendance, in addition to handouts, to all individuals attending your presentations.

Technology is not only streamlining our working practices but also, if we let it, technology can make it easier for us to get in touch with our creative side. Attending Power Point courses offers you the opportunity to further develop your presentation design skills and thereby benefit your career and perhaps now, your family and friends. You may also receive a certificate of attendance.