5 Simple PowerPoint TipsWhen you hear PowerPoint, many connotations often negative likely come to mind. Perhaps this piece of software has forced you into late-night work sessions, high-stress mornings before a conference or even malfunctions in the boardroom.But imagine a world where PowerPoint could help empower you. Thats what its supposed to do, of course.Here are 5 simple tips that will help you leverage PowerPoint like a true presentation design expert:1. Align ObjectsWhen you have multiple icons or photos on a slide, make sure everything is arranged in a beautiful, professional and orderly manner. You can make sure this is the case by following these simple steps:1. Select the objects that you want to align2. Select Arrange in the home menu bar3. Go to the bottom tab that says Align or Distribute4. Select the alignment option you want

2. Simplify Charts and GraphsWhen utilizing charts and graphs in PowerPoint, dont just opt for the generic elements. You need to customize them to match the color and style of your brand. Also, when you first create a chart or graph in PowerPoint, it automatically provides standard numbers and labels that you might not need. Eliminate these numbers and reduce the clutter in order to keep your charts clean, simple and to the point. When you have a chart picked out, follow these suggestions:1. With the chart selected, go to the chart layout tab. Here you can change the layout of all the labels, as well as take them out completely2. If you go to the format tab, you can change the colors of the charts as well as add effects like shadows and custom chart styles

3. Custom Shape Your PhotosDid you know you can make yourphotosstand out by putting them into shapes? This can give your presentation some individuality and make it more customized. Follow these steps:1. Select the image that you want to change2. Click on the Format tab3. Choose Crop and then Mask Shape4. Select the shape you want your photo to be

4. Add AnimationsAdding simple animations will add value and heightened interest to your next presentation. Beware! Too many complex animations can make things confusing and messy. Having just the right amount of simple animations and transitions one every 5-10 slides is a good target can make your presentation really stand out. Follow these instructions:1. Select the object you want to animate2. Go to the Animations tab3. Select an animation from the entrance effects. Pick one based off of the mood that you want to get across. Maybe a simple fade or float in4. In the far right corner, select Reorder5. Here you can reorder your animations as well as change the timing and effects options

5. Change the Size of Your PresentationIf you need a custom presentation size or if you need to create a custom banner or handout, you can do this easily in PowerPoint. Abide by these steps:1. Choose File then page setup2. Change the height and width of the background and click ok

PowerPoint:You either love it or hate it. If you are in the latter category, I hope youll take steps to master this powerful platform its worth it!READ MORE: 3 Presentation Design Trends Every Presenter Should KnowAbout the AuthorScott Schwertly is the author of How to Be a Presentation God and CEO ofEthos3, a Nashville, TN-based presentation boutiqueproviding professional presentation design and trainingfor national and international clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to branded individuals like Guy Kawasaki.If Scott is not working with his team building presentations, you will find him in the pool, on the bike, or on a long run. Scott lives in Nashville, TN with his wife and three dogs. He has a B.A. and M.B.A. from Harding University. Find Scott onGoogle+.Related Posts Slide Makeovers: Presentation Design Lessons from Real Slides How to Choose the Right Photographs for Your Presentation Upload From Box, Google Drive and More Cloud Services #CultureCode: Retaining Startup Magic at Scale Lessons From the Masters: 5 Rules of Storytelling