A PowerPoint workshop can help you become more skilled and confident in using this popular presentation software. With some planning and practice ahead of time, you’ll be ready to get the most out of the workshop experience. Here are some tips to prepare for a productive and worthwhile PowerPoint workshop.
Clarify the workshop details
First, make sure you understand the logistics of the workshop.
– What is the date, time, and location?
– How long will the workshop last? A few hours, a full day?
– Who is conducting the training? An expert instructor? Peer-to-peer learning?
– What is the general agenda for the workshop? The topics and skills that will be covered?
– Are there any pre-workshop materials to review? Handouts, lesson slides, practice files?
– What version of PowerPoint will you be using? Make sure you have access to the same software.
– Will you receive a certificate of completion?
Getting clear on these details will help you know what to expect and how to prepare. Ask the workshop host any unanswered questions you still have.
Assess your current skills
Next, spend some time evaluating your existing PowerPoint abilities. This will help identify the areas you most want to improve on during the workshop.
– How comfortable are you with PowerPoint basics? Creating and formatting slides, adding text, images, shapes, charts.
– Can you apply custom slide master templates and themes?
– Do you know how to add slide transitions and animations?
– How about inserting video or audio clips?
– Have you worked much with presentation design best practices? Consistent fonts, color schemes, readable text size, concise bullet points instead of paragraphs.
– Are you familiar with slide organization techniques like storyboarding? Arranging information in a logical sequence?
– Do you know how to deliver an effective slideshow presentation? Making good eye contact, tracking time limits, highlighting key points instead of reading slides verbatim.
Be honest about the beginner, intermediate or advanced skills you want to hone during the training. This will help you get the most relevant value from the workshop.
Set specific learning goals
With your current skill assessment in mind, set 2-3 particular goals you want to accomplish in the PowerPoint workshop. Having defined objectives will give your learning more focus and purpose.
For example:
– I want to learn how to format and brand slides using templates, themes, and masters.
– I want to gain skills adding animations and transitions that enhance my slideshows without distracting.
– I want to practice presentation delivery techniques that capture audience attention.
Setting goals will help you recognize the most useful parts of the workshop to pay close attention to. And you’ll leave the training with tangible skills you aimed to develop.
Review PowerPoint basics
Especially if you’re newer to PowerPoint, take some time before the workshop to review the software basics. Work through tutorials or the Microsoft Office help centre to familiarize yourself again with core functions like:
– Creating and saving presentations
– Inserting and formatting text boxes
– Adding images and graphics
– Creating charts, graphs, and tables
– Inserting shapes and symbols
– Applying slide transitions
– Running a basic slideshow
Getting re-acquainted with the fundamentals will help you make the most of learning more advanced skills at the workshop. You won’t be struggling with PowerPoint basics while also trying to master new tricks and tips.
Study sample presentations
Also spend time before the workshop looking at professional PowerPoint template designs and presentations. Pay attention to:
– Appealing color schemes and font choices
– Consistent formatting on master slides
– Good balance of text, images, charts
-Logical sequence of information
– Simple and Sparing animations/transitions
– Professional design themes
Observing presentation best practices in examples will inspire you to apply the techniques yourself. You’ll also learn what to avoid like overcrowded text, distracting sounds, disorganized sequences, and unsuitable templates.
Practice your skills
After reviewing basics and examples, do some hands on practice building your own simple presentations. Recreate sample slide designs and delivery techniques you learned. Experiment with features like:
– Photo slideshows
– Color and font formatting
– Charts and graphs
– Custom background templates
– Basic animations and transitions
– Slide notes for oral talking points
The more you familiarize yourself beforehand, the quicker you can build on those skills during the workshop. You’ll gain confidence, reinforce knowledge, and have practice presentations to improve on.
Ask questions
Think of questions you want to ask the workshop trainer, such as:
– What are your top 3 tips for presentation formatting best practices?
– How do you recommend rehearsing a slideshow delivery?
– What PowerPoint features do beginners underutilize the most?
– What is the difference between animations and transitions? When is each appropriate to use?
– What is the best way to maintain consistency across a multi-slide presentation?
Identifying questions will help you clarify points during the training and check your understanding of important techniques. The instructor will appreciate your engagement and preparation too.
Bring relevant materials
The workshop host should provide any software and handouts. But consider bringing supplementary items, like:
– Laptop with PowerPoint installed (if working hands-on)
– PowerPoint visual aids you’ve created to improve
– Blank digital copies of template presentations
– Notebook and pen to take notes
– Water and snacks to stay energized
Having your own materials handy will let you actively follow along, take reference notes, and practice applying skills. This leads to deeper learning during the training.
Conclusion
Preparing adequately for a PowerPoint workshop requires some forethought and effort. But you’ll be rewarded with a more focused, productive, and skill-building session. By clarifying details, assessing objectives, reviewing basics, studying examples, practicing skills, identifying questions, and organizing materials, you’ll be ready to absorb the most value from the instructor’s guidance. With some planning and practice ahead of time, you can elevate your presentation abilities, apply new design techniques, and become an expert PowerPoint user.
Time Remaining | Recommended Preparation Task |
---|---|
2-3 weeks before | Clarify workshop logistics and agenda |
1-2 weeks before | Assess your current skills and set learning goals |
Few days before | Review PowerPoint basics and study examples |
Day before | Practice skills and prepare questions and materials |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring my own laptop to the PowerPoint workshop?
Bringing your own laptop is recommended if the workshop includes hands-on practice. Having your own device with PowerPoint installed will allow you to actively follow along with the instructor’s lessons.
How much experience do I need to take a PowerPoint workshop?
These workshops are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Come prepared to learn something new regardless of your experience. The instructor can tailor guidance based on the attendees’ abilities.
What software version of PowerPoint should I have?
Check with the workshop host on which version they recommend having installed. Current versions include PowerPoint 365 (subscription), PowerPoint 2021, 2019, 2016, or 2013. The core features are similar, but the latest may have new options.
Should I take notes during the PowerPoint workshop?
Yes, take paper or digital notes to reference later. Summarize key tips, shortcuts, and lessons from the instructor. Note any specifics that apply to your learning goals and projects.
Will I receive a completion certificate for attending the workshop?
Whether they provide a formal certificate varies by workshop, so check with the host. But you’ll gain valuable new presentation skills regardless that can benefit your work and advancement.