Microsoft PowerPoint
What is it?
PowerPoint is a computer program that allows you to create and show slides to support a presentation. You can combine text, graphics and multi-media content to create professional presentations for a range of uses. PowerPoint has accessibility features such as subtitles which help you make videos and presentations more accessible for other people.
Microsoft PowerPoint will allow you to:
- Organise and structure presentations.
- Create a professional-looking and consistent format for your slides.
- Provide an illustrative backdrop for the content of your presentation.
- Animate your slides to give them a greater visual impact.
- Provide subtitles to presentation in a range of languages.
- Rehearse presentations and receive in-app coaching.
- Use a teleprompter to capture recordings of your presentations in order to create video that includes PowerPoint slides and your audio and\or webcam.
PowerPoint is accessible as a desktop application and as an online version via Office.com. Functionality differs slightly between the two so it’s worth trying both options.
Support
The help available within each application should be the first place to visit for ‘how to’ questions. The help function can be accessed by pressing the F1 key or going to the ‘Help’ menu on the top ribbon in most M365 applications.
For further help with PowerPoint, please visit the M365 Help and Support site. Here you will find:
- Bitesize videos and webinars explaining how to use the key features of PowerPoint
- Pages to help you find your local Digital Champion to support you with any other questions that you have.
- Information on how to make your content and presentations more accessible for others
PowerPoint is self-supported, meaning that IT Services do not have any special knowledge of this application. However, if you are unable to resolve your query or if you appear to have a technical issue, you can contact the IT Support Centre.
Instructions for staff and postgraduate research students on how to install Microsoft 365 are available here:
- Microsoft 365: Staff and PGR personal computer install
- Microsoft 365: Accessing MS365 applications via the web
- Microsoft 365: Install MS365 applications on your mobile or tablet (iOS & Android)
Learning about PowerPoint
Microsoft provide a number of written resources with associated videos which tell you more about PowerPoint:
- You can learn about all the elements of PowerPoint in the PowerPoint help & learning centre.
- There is a comprehensive Getting Started guide to take you through the basics.
- Learn about collaboration (save and share your PowerPoint presentations).
- Learn about design (design your slides using templates, themes, watermarks and headers/footers).
- Learn about animations (animate your slides, transitions and insert multi-media).
- Learn how to present (print and/or present your slides).
- Learn how to work with templates and forms.
- Learn how to use slides and text.
Information handling
Information classified as Very Sensitive must not be processed or stored on Microsoft 365 (M365) and advice must be sought from the Information Governance Office if you handle this type of information.
If you’re processing/storing information or data classified as Highly Restricted in M365, follow the information handling minimum controls set out in the Information security classification examples and handling guidance for confidential information.
Continue to adhere to the Information Governance Office Best practice guidance on sharing and storing information and Records Retention Schedule whenever you’re working with data.
Need help on information handling? Contact your Information Governance Guardian.
Limitations
Global limitations:
Some PowerPoint features are only available in the online version. You can compare the features available on each platform on the Microsoft site.
University of Manchester limitations:
The self-service addition of apps and add-ins for Microsoft 365 Office and associated products is still under review by the IT Service Security Working Group as to how they can be risk assessed and supported. This process should be completed in the near future at which time information will be updated and communications will be sent out to staff.
