how do i make my powerpoint presentation full screen

How to Fill Screen in PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filling the screen in PowerPoint is a simple task. Open your presentation, go to the “Design” tab, and click on the “Slide Size” button. Choose “Standard” or “Widescreen” and select “Ensure Fit” or “Maximize” to make your content fill the screen.

After completing this action, your PowerPoint slides will occupy the entire screen during a presentation, providing a more professional and engaging experience for your audience.

Introduction

When it comes to presentations, the visual aspect is nearly as crucial as the content itself. A well-designed slide can captivate your audience, keep them engaged, and make your message more memorable. That’s where PowerPoint comes in handy. It’s a powerful tool used by professionals, educators, and students worldwide to create dynamic presentations. However, a common hiccup many encounter is ensuring that the content on their slides fills the screen properly.

This is important because slides that don’t fill the screen can appear unprofessional and can distract the audience from the content. It’s relevant to anyone using PowerPoint to ensure their presentations look polished and professional. Knowing how to adjust the slide size to fill the screen is a simple yet essential skill that can make a significant difference in the presentation’s impact.

Step by Step Tutorial to Fill Screen in PowerPoint

Before diving into the tutorial, it’s crucial to understand what these steps will accomplish. By following the steps below, you will be able to resize your PowerPoint slides so that they fill the entire screen when presented, enhancing the visual appeal and professionalism of your presentation.

Step 1: Open Design Tab

Open your PowerPoint presentation and click on the “Design” tab at the top of the window.

The Design tab houses the tools you need to modify the overall look of your presentation, including the slide size option.

Step 2: Click on Slide Size

In the Design tab, locate and click on the “Slide Size” button, often found on the right side of the ribbon.

This will open a dropdown menu with different size options for your slides.

Step 3: Choose Size

From the dropdown menu, select either “Standard” (4:3) or “Widescreen” (16:9) depending on the aspect ratio you prefer.

The Standard size is ideal for older monitors, while Widescreen fits better on modern, wide displays.

Step 4: Select Option

After choosing the size, you’ll be prompted to select between “Maximize” or “Ensure Fit.”

“Maximize” will increase the size of your slide content to fill the screen, while “Ensure Fit” will make sure all content fits on the slide without being cut off.

Additional Information

While the steps above will help your slides fill the screen, there are a few more things to keep in mind. For instance, always preview your presentation on the actual screen you’ll be using, if possible. This can help you catch any issues with how your slides appear. Keep in mind that images and graphics should be high-resolution to avoid pixelation when enlarged.

Also, when choosing between “Maximize” and “Ensure Fit”, consider the content of your slides. If you have critical information near the edges, “Ensure Fit” might be the safer option to avoid having any content cut off. Additionally, if you’re collaborating with others, ensure everyone is using the same slide size settings to maintain consistency across the presentation.

Remember, the goal is to make your presentation as impactful as possible, so don’t overlook the importance of a well-fitted slide.

• Open Design Tab
• Click on Slide Size
• Choose Size
• Select Option

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between standard and widescreen in powerpoint.

Standard (4:3) is the traditional aspect ratio for slides, suitable for older monitors and projectors, while Widescreen (16:9) is tailored for modern, wide displays.

Will changing the slide size affect my existing content?

Changing the slide size can reposition or resize content, so you might need to adjust your slides after the change.

Can I customize the slide size beyond the Standard and Widescreen options?

Yes, PowerPoint allows you to input custom dimensions for your slides if the default options don’t meet your needs.

What should I do if my images become pixelated after resizing?

Ensure your images are high-resolution before inserting them into your slides, which can help reduce pixelation when they’re enlarged.

Is it better to use Maximize or Ensure Fit?

It depends on your content. Use Maximize to fill the screen but be wary of content being cut off. Ensure Fit is safer for keeping all content visible.

Filling your PowerPoint slides to fit the screen is more than just a cosmetic adjustment; it’s a crucial step in ensuring your presentation makes the maximum impact. Whether you’re in a boardroom, classroom, or any other setting, the ability to command your audience’s attention through a well-executed, visually engaging presentation is invaluable.

Keep practicing, tweaking, and perfecting your skills in PowerPoint, and you’ll find yourself delivering memorable, professional presentations each time. If you’ve found this guide on how to fill the screen in PowerPoint helpful, consider exploring more advanced features to further enhance your presentations and captivate your audience.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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Byte Bite Bit

How to Make PowerPoint Full Screen: A Step-by-Step Guide for Presentation Perfection

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of nailing a presentation. When you open your PowerPoint and see all your hard work sprawled neatly on a full screen, ready to capture your audience’s attention—it’s a game-changer. Navigating PowerPoint’s settings to make your presentation full-screen is quick and easy , and the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Now, you might be thinking, “How do I actually do this?” It doesn’t have to be a hassle. Simply go to the “Slide Show” tab and click “From Beginning” to make your presentation full screen. Pressing the F5 key is another quick shortcut that’ll have your slides in full glory right away. This ensures every pixel of your screen is utilized, making your presentation look professional and engaging.

Having your PowerPoint in full screen not only enhances visual appeal but also keeps your audience’s focus right where you want it. There’s no better way to ensure nothing distracts from your impressive content. Trust me, mastering this small trick deliver massive gains during presentations.

• 1.1 Using the Design Tab and Slide Master
• 1.2 Incorporating Transitions and Animations
• 1.3 Optimizing Content and Aspect Ratio
• 2.1 Navigating Full Screen and Presenter View
• 2.2 Leveraging Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
• 3.1 Customizing Slide Size and Orientation
• 3.2 Dealing with Different Monitor Setups

Crafting Compelling PowerPoint Slides

Creating engaging and visually appealing PowerPoint slides involves utilizing various features within the software. From the Design Tab to Slide Master and content optimization , each aspect plays a crucial role in delivering an impactful presentation.

Using the Design Tab and Slide Master

To design striking slides, the Design Tab is your go-to tool. Here, you can adjust the slide size to standard (4:3) or widescreen (16:9) formats, catering to different projectors or screens.

For custom dimensions , select “Custom Slide Size” to set your preferred width and height.

Slide Master helps maintain a cohesive look across all slides. By editing the Slide Master , you can control fonts, colors, and layouts consistently, ensuring your presentation looks professional and unified. You can also add logos, headers, or footers that appear on every slide.

These tools are essential for setting up a solid foundation for your slides.

Incorporating Transitions and Animations

Transitions and animations can bring your slides to life, but use them sparingly to avoid distraction. Under the Transitions Tab , you can choose effects like Fade , Wipe , or Push to smoothly segue between slides.

In the Animations Tab , you can animate text or objects. Start by selecting what you want to animate, then pick an effect.

Keep transitions and animations relevant to the content. For example, use a subtle Fade for moving between points in a serious presentation. Over-the-top effects can feel gimmicky, reducing the presentation’s impact.

Optimizing Content and Aspect Ratio

Ensuring your content is clear and fits well on the screen is key. First, match your slide size with the aspect ratio of the screen or projector you’ll use. Choose between Standard (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9) formats by going to the Design Tab and clicking Slide Size .

For best results, select Ensure Fit to adjust the content to your chosen slide size without distortion. If details are paramount, opt for Maximize to utilize the entire screen space.

Keep text concise and highlight key points with bullet lists or bold text. Images and graphics should be high-resolution to avoid pixellation. This way, your presentation remains visually appealing and easily comprehensible.

Mastering Presentation Delivery

Achieving full command over your PowerPoint presentation helps present ideas effectively and keeps the audience focused. Here, I’ll guide you on how to navigate Full Screen and Presenter Views and leverage keyboard shortcuts.

Navigating Full Screen and Presenter View

Full Screen Mode allows the slides to occupy the entire screen, perfect for audience engagement. When you’re ready to begin, simply open your presentation, click on the “Slide Show” tab , and choose “From Beginning” or “From Current Slide” . Pressing the F5 key will achieve the same result.

Switching to Presenter View offers some crucial advantages. This view displays your notes and upcoming slides on your screen while the audience only sees the current slide. To activate it, press Alt + F5 . This way, you can smoothly transition between different parts of your slide show, maintaining eye contact and connection with your audience.

Exiting full screen or presenter view is straightforward – just hit the Esc key or click the Exit button on your screen’s bottom-right corner.

Leveraging Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency

When dealing with tight schedules, you need every edge you can get. Keyboard shortcuts in PowerPoint significantly speed up your workflow. Here are some essential ones :

These shortcuts allow you to manage your presentation without fuss, keeping things smooth and professional. Start refining your approach with these tools and experience a more streamlined, effective presentation delivery.

Expanding Your Skill Set with Advanced Features

Mastering full-screen mode in PowerPoint can greatly enhance your presentations. Besides the basic tools, advanced features like customizing slide size and managing different monitor setups can ensure your presentation looks polished and professional.

Customizing Slide Size and Orientation

Adjusting slide size and orientation helps in fitting your content perfectly on different screens. Let’s start by going to the Design tab and clicking on Slide Size in the ribbon menu.

You have options like 4:3 (standard) and 16:9 (widescreen). Select the one that suits your presentation environment, whether it’s a projector or a monitor.

To avoid letterboxing, choose Ensure Fit if you’re not sure about the screen’s aspect ratio. For a specific audience setup, Maximize can be a better option. This adjustment also supports various devices, making your presentation more engaging.

Dealing with Different Monitor Setups

Managing multiple monitors or various display settings can be tricky. When presenting with two monitors, configure your Slide Show tab under “Set Up Slide Show.” Select “Presented by a speaker (full screen)” to control which screen shows the full presentation.

For a seamless experience, check your display settings beforehand. Adjust the view options to manage and position your PowerPoint window effectively. Use the Windows key + P to easily switch between display modes.

By customizing these settings, I ensure my presentations are smooth, whether I’m using an extended monitor or a projector. This preparation is crucial for maintaining a professional and engaging presentation.

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How To Full Screen In PowerPoint

In this tutorial by Regina Griffin, a teacher from Oregon, US, we will explore what full screen mode is, how it enhances presentations, and the simple steps to enter and exit full-screen mode.

Dive in and take your PowerPoint skills to the next level!

Key Takeaways:

What is full screen in powerpoint.

Full Screen in PowerPoint refers to the display mode where the presentation covers the entire screen, maximizing visibility for the audience.

Utilizing the Full-Screen view in PowerPoint can significantly elevate the impact of your presentation. By eliminating any distractions and focusing solely on the content, you ensure that your message is delivered clearly and effectively. This mode is particularly helpful in large auditoriums or online settings, where every pixel counts in engaging your viewers.

How Does Full-Screen Mode Help in Presentations?

Full-screen mode in PowerPoint aids presentations by eliminating distractions, focusing attention on the content, and providing a seamless viewing experience for the audience.

When presented in Full Screen Mode , the entire screen is utilized, ensuring that all eyes in the room are fixed on your slides and that your message is delivered clearly without any interference. By immersing the audience in the presentation, you create a more engaging atmosphere that captivates their interest and enhances information retention. The elimination of external elements like toolbars and taskbars allows the content to take center stage, emphasizing key points and graphics for better comprehension.

How to Enter Full-Screen Mode in PowerPoint?

To begin, open your PowerPoint presentation and navigate to the Slide Show tab located in the top menu bar. From there, click on the Set Up Slide Show option to access the various display settings. Within the Set Up Show dialog box, under the Show type section, select the Presented by a speaker(full screen) option to ensure the presentation fills the entire screen.

Step 1: Open the PowerPoint Presentation

To begin entering Full-Screen Mode in PowerPoint, open the desired presentation file on your device.

Once you have launched the PowerPoint software and accessed the file containing your slides, you are ready to move forward in presenting your work effectively. This initial step paves the way for a seamless transition into Full Screen Mode, optimizing your viewing experience and engaging your audience. By following these simple instructions, you are setting the stage for a polished and professional presentation that captivates your viewers. Remember, meticulous preparation and mastery of PowerPoint’s features are key to delivering impactful slideshows.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Slide Show’ Tab

Step 3: select ‘from beginning’ or ‘from current slide’.

Choose whether to start the presentation from the beginning of the current slide by selecting the appropriate option to proceed with Full Screen Mode in PowerPoint.

This decision can significantly impact the flow of your presentation, determining how smoothly the transitions between slides occur and how the timing is managed throughout your PowerPoint presentation.

How to Exit Full-Screen Mode in PowerPoint?

Alternatively, for those who prefer a visual cue, the ‘Exit’ button provides an on-screen control that can be easily accessed. By simply clicking on this button located strategically in the bottom right corner, users can smoothly exit Full-Screen Mode with minimal interruption to the flow of their presentation.

Option 1: Press the ‘Esc’ Key

To exit Full-Screen Mode in PowerPoint quickly, press the ‘Esc’ key on your keyboard to return to the regular view.

Option 2: Click on the ‘Exit’ Button in the Bottom Right Corner

Alternatively, to exit Full-Screen Mode, locate and click on the ‘Exit’ button positioned in the bottom right corner of the screen to transition back to the standard PowerPoint view.

What are the Keyboard Shortcuts for Full Screen in PowerPoint?

When presenting a PowerPoint slideshow, quick access to Full Screen Mode enhances the overall audience experience and minimizes distractions for the presenter. Plus ‘F5’ and ‘Esc’, other essential shortcuts include pressing ‘Ctrl+F’ to toggle Full-Screen Mode and using ‘Ctrl+S’ for Speaker Notes view. These shortcuts not only improve efficiency but also allow presenters to control the flow of their presentations effortlessly. By mastering these shortcuts, presenters can focus more on delivering engaging content rather than navigating through the software interface.

Enter Full-Screen Mode: F5

The ‘F5’ key not only maximizes your slides but also activates interactive features like animations, transitions, and embedded media to showcase your presentation dynamically. It serves as a fundamental tool for presenters looking to enhance the visual impact and overall professionalism of their slides.

Exit Full-Screen Mode: Esc

How to use the ‘presenter view’ in full screen mode.

Leveraging the Presenter View feature in Full Screen Mode enhances the presenter’s experience by providing additional tools, notes, and control options on a separate monitor for improved presentation management.

Step 1: Connect a Second Monitor

To enable Presenter View functionality in Full Screen Mode, connect a secondary monitor or projector to the device to access the extended display for presenter tools and notes.

Upon reaching the ‘Slide Show’ tab, look for the ‘Monitors’ group where you will spot the ‘Presenter View’ button. Click on it to initiate this feature, designed to offer presenters a comprehensive view of their presentation layout, tools, and speaker notes. Presenter View allows you to project slides for the audience while keeping notes and upcoming slides visible to the speaker. This ensures a smooth flow of the presentation, aiding in better timing and engagement with the audience.

Step 3: Select ‘Presenter View’ Option

Mastering Full-Screen Mode  in PowerPoint enables presenters to deliver engaging and visually immersive presentations that captivate audiences and convey information effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how do i fully screen a powerpoint presentation, to full-screen your powerpoint presentation, simply press the f5 key on your keyboard or click the “slide show” tab at the top of the screen and select “from beginning” or “from current slide.”, 2. can i fully screen a powerpoint presentation on a mac, yes, on a mac, you can full-screen a powerpoint presentation by pressing the command+enter keys on your keyboard or by clicking the green “full screen” button in the top left corner of the screen., 3. what if i want to exit full-screen mode during a powerpoint presentation, to exit full-screen mode during a powerpoint presentation, simply press the esc key on your keyboard or right-click on the slide and select “end show.”, 4. how do i control the slides while in full-screen mode, to control the slides while in full-screen mode, use the arrow keys on your keyboard or click the left and right arrows at the bottom of the screen., 5. can i use presenter view while in full-screen mode, yes, you can use presenter view while in full-screen mode. press the alt+f5 keys on your keyboard or click the “slide show” tab and select “presenter view.”, 6. what if my slides are not filling up the entire screen in full-screen mode, if your slides are not filling up the entire screen in full-screen mode, click the “slide show” tab and select “set up slide show.” then, under “multiple monitors,” select “all” and click “ok.” this should fill your slides to the entire screen during full-screen mode., similar posts, how to make a slideshow in powerpoint, how to ungroup in powerpoint, how to embed html in powerpoint, how to make video in powerpoint, how to record presentation in powerpoint with webcam, how to change the view in powerpoint.

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How To Make Powerpoint Full Screen? A Complete Guide With Pictures

• October 4, 2023

While presenting a PowerPoint presentation, the slides do not appear full screen and often leave blank spaces. Though the full screen does not add any extra value, it embellishes the overall appearance of your presentation. The presentation appears most defined and crisp in full screen. 

So, how to make PowerPoint Fullscreen? Users will get different slide size options by clicking the Slide Size tab. The Widescreen (16:9) option made my PowerPoint slide Fullscreen. Users must explore the options and see which makes their slide Fullscreen.

Follow the steps stated below to get a detailed idea of keeping the slides fullscreen in PowerPoint presentations.

How To Make Powerpoint Full Screen? Step-by-Step Guide

Well, there are two methods you can use to keep the slides full-screen while presenting them. You can follow any of the processes and get full-screen slides.

[Note: I have attached demo pictures. The tasks are done in PowerPoint 2013. You can follow the steps in any PowerPoint version. The interface is quite the same for all the versions. ]

Method 1: Setting the Aspect Ratio

There is a default aspect ratio setting for the PowerPoint slide. In this process, we will adjust the aspect ratio as per the device so that no blank space appears. 

• Step 1: Open the PowerPoint

First, Launch the PowerPoint app and create your slides. To launch, press the “ Window ” key and search for PowerPoint. Click the PowerPoint Icon to open the software. 

Picture: A normal PowerPoint Slide

• Step 2: Open The Design Tab

Now, go to the design tab and click it. Once you click the design tab, you will see a toolbar named slide size . 

Picture: Design and Slide Size tab

• Step 3: Go for the Slide Size Option

Click the slide size option. Upon clicking, you will see three options: Standard (4:3), Widescreen (16:9), and Custom Slide Size . 

Picture: Slide Size Options

• Step 4: Click the Options to Determine which keep the Slides Full Screen 

Click any options (4:3 or 16:9) and then go to the toolbar below called Slide Show . Click the slide show button and see if the slide appears Full Screen. 

Picture: The Slide Show Tab

• Step 5: The Widescreen (16:9) Worked for me

On my device, when I click the Standard (4:3) size, there remain blank spaces, and the slide does not appear full-screen. But when I click the Widescreen (16:9) option, the slide does appear full-screen. 

Picture: Upon clicking the Standard (4:3) size, there remain black spaces

Picture: Upon Clicking the Widescreen (16:9), there remain no blank spaces

• Step 6: If Nothing Makes Your Slide Full Screen, Go For Custom Slide Size 

You must determine which size creates a full-screen appearance on your device and determine the size accordingly. You can also customize the slide size through the Custom Slide Size . When I clicked the Widescreen option, the slide size was: width: 10.333 inches, height: 7.5 inches. 

• Step 7: Now, Return Back 

Double-click or press ESC to return from the full screen. 

You can follow the YouTube link below for a better understanding: 

Method 2: Through the Slide Master Option

Apart from the aspect ratio setting, there is another way that we will discuss in the following steps.

• Step 1: Find The View Option 

Click the View option from the toolbar. 

Picture: View option

• Step 2: Click View Option and Look for the Slide Master

When you click the View option, you will see an option named Slide Master . Click on the option. 

Picture: Slide Master option

• Step 3: Find the Slide Size Option

Now, click the Slide Master, and another option will refer to Slide Size . 

Picture: Slide Size 

• Step 4: Explore The Slide Size Options

Again, when you click on the slide size , there will be three options: Standard (4:3), Widescreen (16:9), and Custom Slide Size. You will get the full-screen view if you choose the Widescreen (16:9) option. You have to select a suitable option for your device. 

Picture: The slide appeared full screen upon choosing the Widescreen (16:9) option. 

• Step 5: Return To Your Home Page

[Note: To see whether the slide appears full screen, click a taskbar placed below in the screen, named Slide Show.]

Picture: Slide show option

The audience does not care whether you are in a windowed or full screen while presenting. Yet the full-screen mode has some perks of its own. First things first, the full-screen mode looks way more satisfying and presentable. 

You can open two windows side by side, where there will be a full-screen presentation in one window. And in another window, you can keep your notes. This way, your notes remain unshared.

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How to Fill Screen in Powerpoint

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PowerPoint gives you the options you need to show your presentation exactly the way you want, including how much of the screen it takes up. To ensure there's no letterboxing (black borders) on your slides when they are displayed, set the slide sizes to match the aspect ratio of the screen you're showing them on -- either 4:3 (traditional) or 16:9 (widescreen). You can also toggle between the windowed and full-screen modes from the slideshow options dialog.

Launch PowerPoint, and open the presentation you wish to work with. Alternatively, choose "Blank Presentation" to create a new slideshow from scratch.

Click or tap inside the thumbnail list of slides on the left, and then press "Ctrl-A" to select all of the slides in your presentation.

Open the "Design" tab on the ribbon menu and choose "Slide Size." Select the aspect ratio that matches the screen you're showing the presentation on. If the primary display doesn't match 4:3 or 16:9, select "Custom Slide Size" to configure the aspect ratio manually (see the Tips section for details).

Choose the "Maximize" option when scaling down a presentation to ensure the new slides take up the whole of the output display.

Select "Slide Show" from the ribbon menu, and then select "Set Up Slide Show." Tick the box labeled "Presented By A Speaker" or "Browsed At A Kiosk" to force the presentation to run in full-screen mode. Click or tap "OK" to confirm.

• Microsoft Office Support: Change the Slide Size to Standard or Widescreen
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• PowerPoint uses the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio by default for all new presentations. To change this to 4:3, save a 4:3 presentation to the main gallery (via "Save Current Theme" on the "Design" tab), right-click (or tap and hold) on it and choose "Set As Default Theme." New presentations will then adopt the 4:3 aspect ratio.
• If you're using a theme included in PowerPoint 2013 or later, you'll find it's designed to switch smoothly between the 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios without losing any of your content. If you are using an older theme, you may have to make some adjustments to the positioning and size of your slide elements before the presentation is ready to show.
• Insert a video clip into your presentation. You have the option to play this within the slide or in full-screen mode. Select the movie, and then open the "Playback" tab under the Video Tools heading to tick or untick the "Play Full Screen" box.
• These steps have been tested in Microsoft PowerPoint 2013, the latest version as of August 2013. If you are using an alternative version of the software, the process may be different.

An information technology journalist since 2002, David Nield writes about the Web, technology, hardware and software. He is an experienced editor, proofreader and copywriter for online publications such as CNET, TechRadar and Gizmodo. Nield holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and lives in Manchester, England.

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PowerPoint presentations in a window not full screen

PowerPoint presentations don’t have to be full-screen, that’s the default and normal way to show a deck, but a window option is also there.  A windowed presentation lets you display the slides in other software like virtual cameras or desktop capture.

Go to Slide Show | Setup Slide show and choose ‘Browsed by an individual (window)’.

The options are the same in PowerPoint for Windows or Mac.

Start the slide show (Slide Show | From Beginning or From Current Slide) as usual except now it appears in a resizable window.

Windowed presentation controls

There are back and forward slide buttons on the bottom status bar (see above).

Click on the icon between those two buttons to see some more options.

The same options appear if you right-click in the presentation while windowed.

• Next / Previous
• Go to Slide – choose a slide from the flyout list.
• Go to Section – for decks in Sections
• Zoom In / Zoom Out
• Print Preview and Print
• Edit Slides
• Full Screen

It would be really nice if Presenter View could appear in a second window – but alas it’s not an option. That would let the use control the presentation properly while the slides appear in another window (which could be visible via a third-party tool).

Switching Full Screen and window slide show

Starting from a windowed presentation means you can switch between Full Screen and the window presentation without showing the entire PowerPoint menus etc.  It’s a little neater and more professional.

Go to Full Screen from the menu option.

In Full Screen mode press Escape to return to the windowed presentation.

Why use a windowed PowerPoint presentation?

Having the slides in a resizable window gives you options not available when the deck is taking up the whole screen.

Perhaps you’re demonstrating some software?  Have the presentation in one window and the software in another? See A better Side-by-Side document view for Windows and Mac to see how to use windows controls in Windows or Split View on a Mac.

A windowed presentation can be selected as an input option for a virtual camera or other service which lets you choose to display a selected running program.  Full screen PowerPoint can’t be selected but the same slide can be chosen from a windowed presentation.

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How to make power point full screen

Learn how to captivate your audience by making your PowerPoint presentation go full screen with these steps.

• Custom Slide Show (Optional): You can create custom slide shows within your presentation by selecting specific slides to include in a custom sequence. To start a custom slide show, go to the "Slide Show" tab, click on "Custom Slide Show," and select the custom show you want to present.

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How to Make PowerPoint Full Screen

PowerPoint allows you to easily make your presentations full screen for more impact and engagement with your audience. Here are some tips on enabling full screen mode in PowerPoint.

Set Slide Show to Full Screen

Keyboard shortcuts, set videos to play full screen, check presentation resolution.

Design your slides to match the resolution of the display device or projector used to present:

Rehearse Timings

Presenter view.

Presenter View keeps your presentation running smoothly without the audience seeing behind-the-scenes activity.

Avoid Transition Issues

Troubleshooting display issues ensures flawless full screen presentations.

Following these tips will help you effectively present PowerPoint slides in full screen for more engaging and impactful presentations. Let your creativity shine through!

About The Author

Vegaslide staff, related posts.

PowerPoint 2013: Managing Slides

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How To Make PowerPoint Full Screen on Any Projector In 3 Simple Steps

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• Step 1: Determine and adjust the projector’s aspect ratio to match the content of your PowerPoint presentation to avoid distortion.
• Step 2: Change your PowerPoint slide size to the aspect ratio that aligns with your projector, using the Custom Slide Size option in the Design tab.
• Step 3: Enter full-screen mode for your PowerPoint slides by using the Slide Show button, pressing F5 , or selecting options from the Slide Show ribbon.

In this guide, I will teach you three simple steps in sequence to make your PowerPoint presentation full-screen on any projector.

Let’s get started!

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Step 1: Adjusting the Aspect Ratio on Your Projector

Step 2: match the aspect ratio of the slide to the projector for optimal display, step 3: set the powerpoint to fullscreen mode, bonus: presenter view mode, how to make powerpoint full screen on a projector properly.

Setting your projector’s aspect ratio is vital after connecting your projector to your laptop or desktop computer for presentation.

The step helps ascertain the PowerPoint slide’s outline so that the images don’t look squeezed, stretched, etc.

The aspect ratio is foundational to the entire arrangement. If it’s not set right, consider the basic footing to be wrong.

A 16:9 projector layout and 4:3 PowerPoint slide dimensions won’t be congruent. It will be akin to force-fitting a square into a rectangle.

If you own a BenQ projector and want to learn about its aspect ratio, click here . For Epson projector owners, here is your guide .

Needless to say, the instructions provided shall apply to projectors of other brands, too.

If you don’t know what you’re doing or cannot manually change the aspect ratio, let the projector do it for you.

In other words, set its aspect ratio settings to Auto and let the device modify its native layout to match your PC or laptop’s content on its own.

To confirm, check if the projector did its job correctly or if the aspect ratios of your PowerPoint slide and projector match.

This step is to ensure no letterboxing or picture distortion issues in the event of the aspect ratios not matching.

Keep reading if you’d like to know more about the subject or learn how to match the aspect ratios.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open the PowerPoint file. Select Design from the top Ribbon menu.

Step 2: Next, select Slide Size and then Custom Slide Size .

Step 3: Select an aspect ratio matching your projector’s aspect ratio and then hit OK . It’s On-Screen Show (16:9) in my case.

Step 4: Select the Ensure Fit feature to ensure the fresh slide’s size doesn’t chop any content out.

Once you’ve completed the above, go full-screen mode with your PowerPoint. Continue reading to learn how that’s done.

There are different ways to go full-screen with your PowerPoint. Below are some veritable methods:

1. Hit the Slide Show key at your screen’s bottom right corner.

2. Or hit your keyboard’s F5 key.

3. You can also head to the ribbon menu at the top, select Slide Show , and pick between the self-explanatory From Current Slide or From Beginning options.

The PowerPoint slides should now appear on your projector screen in fullscreen mode, as pictured below.

PowerPoint’s full-screen mode provides a distraction-free viewing experience to the audience. But as the presenter, you may want access to the notes simultaneously.

To solve this conundrum, PowerPoint offers its Presenter View mode. The feature lets you see your presentation content and notes on the device while your audience only sees the slides.

In other words, you (the presenter) see slide notes, the next slide, the timer, etc. The audience will be oblivious to all the information at your disposal.

The notes and extra information facilitate organization, a smooth flow, and access to reference points for things to say next or when on a particular slide.

It’s a more modern or well-designed version of PowerPoint’s “normal view” or “window mode.”

To present your slides in the Presenter View mode, here are the steps ( Note : You’ll need two monitors for the job):

Step 1: Open your PowerPoint file and choose Slide Show from the options above. Next, choose Use Presenter View .

Step 2: Next, choose the screen for your presentation or set it as “Speaker View,” which is typically the Primary Monitor .

Step 3: Hit the Alt + F5 keys on the keyboard.

This setup will project the slide only on your projector screen. Your computer or laptop screen will showcase the data-rich layout, which includes speaker notes, following slide preview, etc.

The knowledge will make you appear more confident and professional since you’d not be clumsy with the mouse and moving through slides seamlessly.

A full-screen PowerPoint presentation is vital to deliver a distraction-free and impactful presentation.

Although the option to encompass the whole screen with the slide is a primary PowerPoint feature, it may not work as seamlessly at times.

Or you may be struggling to enable the full-view mode when dealing with multiple screens, such as a laptop and a projector screen.

If you’re stuck too, the above methods hopefully offer you the solution and help you seamlessly switch between slides and the various presentation modes.

Catherine Tramell has been covering technology as a freelance writer for over a decade. She has been writing for Pointer Clicker for over a year, further expanding her expertise as a tech columnist. Catherine likes spending time with her family and friends and her pastimes are reading books and news articles.

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How to Make a Picture Full Screen in PowerPoint

Last updated on August 19th, 2023

The purpose of this article is to explain how to make an image fit the whole slide so that when running the slide show, the image is shown as full screen in PowerPoint. For the demonstration, we have downloaded one of the free PowerPoint backgrounds  available at SlideHunter.com, but you can use virtually any image you want. There are many other resources to download free images or use your pictures.

Using Full Screen Image in PowerPoint (Step by Step)

How do you make a picture fill the whole slide in PowerPoint? Before we delve into the steps, it’s important to note that images are typically in either JPG or PNG formats. There are multiple techniques to resize and adjust them to fit the entirety of your slide for a full-screen display.

1. Inserting and Adjusting an Image on a PowerPoint Slide

The process is very simple, just drag the corners of the image to the corner of the slides (it is recommended to hold the shift key so the image won’t lose the proportions). If you are using the same format or aspect ratio for the slideshow and the pictures, the image should fit the slide perfectly.

2. Expanding the Image to Fit the PowerPoint Canvas

Sometimes the aspect ratio of your image might not align with the format of your slide. In such cases, you’ll need to enlarge the image to exceed the slide borders, ensuring it fully covers the slide.

As mentioned earlier, this method is straightforward as you only need to resize the picture in PowerPoint by dragging the image corners.

For instance, let’s assume you have a square image, but your slide uses a 16×9 aspect ratio.

• First, insert the image onto your slide.
• Next, resize the image to extend beyond the slide borders.

You can hold the shift key in order to preserve proportions. The following image shows an example how we made the background image to fit the slide when the image is a squared picture and the slide is configured to use 16×9 aspect ratio. First of all, we inserted the background into the slide.

Then, we resize the picture to go beyond the slide borders, as shown below:

The above process can be applied similarly to a 16×9 image background fitting a 4×3 presentation.

Pro Tip: How to make PowerPoint full screen? You can use the key F5 to play the slideshow and make the PowerPoint appear in the full screen of your display or projector.

Why Use Full-Screen Images in PowerPoint?

Some may question the need for full-screen images in a PowerPoint presentation. Presenters often find that expansive images are an effective technique, as they can capture audience attention more effectively and helps toward the audience engagement.

Now that we have learned how to make the picture full screen in PowerPoint, let’s see some creative ideas on how you can apply this technique in your presentations. Using full-screen images can greatly enhance the visual appeal and effectiveness of your PowerPoint presentations. Here are a few creative ideas on how you could apply this technique:

• Make Picture Full Screen on Click in PowerPoint : Using animations and triggers, you can set an image to become full screen when clicked during the presentation. This can be especially effective when you want to reveal detailed data, infographics, or diagrams for closer examination.
• Interactive Image-based Quizzes : By employing full-screen images and hyperlinks, you can create an interactive quiz within your PowerPoint presentation. For example, each image could be a question, with clickable areas leading to different slides based on the answers.
• Progressive Image Reveal : You could use a series of full-screen images, each revealing a bit more of the whole image as you progress through the slides. This can add an element of suspense and encourage audience engagement.
• Image-Based Storytelling : Full-screen images can also be used for a visual storytelling effect. Sequential slides with evocative full-screen images, accompanied by minimal text, can be used to narrate a compelling story or illustrate a concept.
• Comparison Slides : To emphasize contrasts or comparisons, use two different full-screen images on successive slides. By rapidly flipping between the two slides during the presentation, you create a “before-and-after” or “comparison-contrast” effect.
• Virtual Tour : If you’re presenting about a particular location, you can use a series of full-screen images to provide a virtual tour. With careful selection and sequencing of images, you can guide your audience through the location as if they were physically moving through it.

Conclusions

In this article we can learn how to make an image fit full screen. If you use the methods described above, it is possible that the shapes are in front of other objects already inserted into the slide. In this case, you’d need to move the objects to the background. Go to Picture Format menu in the Ribbon and then click Selection Pane to reorder the shapes, or click Send to Background option while having the background image selected.

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How to use Microsoft PowerPoint

Creating a successful slideshow is no small task. So, if you’re new to Microsoft PowerPoint, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the features and tools you need to build a presentation.

How to create a slideshow

How to add a slide, how to insert slide elements, how to use different views, how to add speaker notes, how to start and end a presentation.

We’ll guide you through the process of creating a PowerPoint slideshow by adding slides and elements as well as how to present the show when you finish. These basics are just what you need as a beginner and should get you off to a terrific start with PowerPoint.

Note : The information in this tutorial applies to PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 on Windows. While you may see variations in features or menus, most PowerPoint versions have the same basic options.

When you open the application, you can create a new blank slideshow or use a built-in PowerPoint template . To best familiarize yourself with the application and the items we’ll walk through here, select a Blank slideshow on the Home screen and follow along.

Next, you’ll want to name and save your presentation file. Select File > Save or Save As name the file on the right, choose a location for it, and select Save .

Be sure to continue saving your slideshow regularly as you work on it by selecting Save in the Quick Access Toolbar.

A blank presentation in PowerPoint starts you off with a main slide. You’ll notice a text box at the top for the title and one beneath for the subtitle. Simply click inside these boxes to enter your text.

While it’s good to get in the habit of using title slides like these to begin future presentations, you’ll also need to know how to insert the additional slides.

Go to either the Home or Insert tab and open the New Slide menu in the ribbon.

Choose the layout you want to use for the new slide. You’ll see several options that include placeholders, which is handy for popping in what you need like text, lists, or images.

Once the slide appears, click inside a placeholder to add the necessary elements.

Continue to insert as many slides as you want the same way.

Along with using the placeholders on the slides, you can add your own items. This is helpful if a slide doesn’t contain the number or type of placeholders you need.

Add a text box

One popular slide element to add is a text box, which is just like the title and subtitle boxes on the title slide. With it, you can insert and format text as you wish.

Go to the Insert tab and select Text box in the Text group.

You can use your cursor to draw the size of the box you want or simply click the slide and begin typing inside the box.

To format the text in the box, select it and go to the Home tab. Use the options in the Font section of the ribbon to adjust the style, size, color, or emphasis.

Specific to PowerPoint on Windows, you’ll also see a floating toolbar appear near the text that you select. This toolbar contains the same features as on the Home tab along with additional options.

Add images, shapes, and icons

Because a slideshow is a visual tool, you’ll likely want to add photos, illustrations, shapes, or icons to slides.

Go to the Insert tab and open the Pictures , Shapes , or Icons menu.

• Pictures : Pick an image from your device, one of the stock images, or an online picture and select Insert .
• Shapes : Pick a shape from the menu and use your cursor to draw it on the slide.
• Icons : Search or use the categories to find the icon, select it, and click Insert .

Once you insert one of the above on your slide, you’ll see the corresponding tab appear to format the object. For pictures, you have a Picture Format tab, for shapes, you have a Shape Format tab, and for icons, you have a Graphics Format tab.

You can use the tools in the ribbon to do things like change the color, add a border, align or rotate the object, and resize it.

Add audio or video

Another useful object to add to your slides is an audio file or video. You can then play the sound or video clip during your presentation.

Go to the Insert tab and open the Audio or Video menu.

• Audio : Pick an audio file to add to PowerPoint from your device or record audio on the spot.
• Video : Pick a video to embed into your presentation from your device, one of the stock videos, or an online video and select Insert .

Like with images and shapes, you’ll see tabs appear to format the file you insert. For audio, you have an Audio Format tab, for video, you have a Video Format tab, and for both types of files, you have a Playback tab.

Use the Format tabs to adjust the color, add a border, or apply an effect and the Playback tab to set a fade in or out effect, loop the playback, or play it in the background.

You can take advantage of different views in PowerPoint for accomplishing various tasks. This is helpful for seeing all of your slides in a grid, viewing a notes page, or working with an outline.

Go to the View tab and you’ll see the options in the Presentation Views group.

• Normal : Use this to create and edit your slides.
• Outline View : Use this to work with an outline of your presentation. Each slide is numbered with a hierarchy of slide elements.
• Slide Sorter : Use this to see your slides in a grid format for an overall slideshow view.
• Notes Page : Use this to view your presentation with notes — this is where you print a PowerPoint presentation with notes .
• Reading View : Use this to play your slideshow in the same window without entering full-screen mode.

Use the tools in the Show section of the View tab to display a Ruler , Gridlines , or Guides . These items can help you line up your slide elements.

You can also select the Zoom and Fit to Window options in the Zoom section of the ribbon to get a better view of slide items or the overall slide.

Presenting a slideshow is similar to giving a speech where you may want to use speaker notes. Like note cards, you can add notes to each slide in your presentation. When you present the slideshow, only you can view your notes; your audience cannot see them.

Select Notes in the Status Bar at the bottom of the PowerPoint window or go to View > Notes .

Add your notes in the section that appears below the slide.

You can use the options in the Font section of the Home tab to add emphasis or create a list.

For more detail, check out our how-to for adding notes in PowerPoint .

When you’re ready to present your PowerPoint slideshow or to see it as your audience will, you can start the presentation anytime.

Go to the Slide Show tab.

To display your speaker notes and a dashboard of controls while you present, check the box for Use Presenter View in the Monitors section. Then, select the monitors for the slideshow display and presenter view using the Monitor drop-down menu.

On the left side of the ribbon, pick From Beginning or From Current Slide per your preference.

When the slideshow starts, you’ll see what your audience sees on one monitor with Presenter View on the other. This is a super helpful way to present your slideshow because the Presenter View window provides you with controls.

If you’re unable to use more than one monitor, you’ll also see controls on the bottom left of the slides.

In the Presenter View window, you’ll see the current slide on the left with the controls beneath and the next slide on the right along with your speaker notes.

To use a control, hover your cursor over each button for a brief description.

From left to right, you can choose a laser pointer or pen, see all slides in a grid, zoom in on the slide, display a black screen, turn the subtitles or camera on or off, and view additional options like changing the subtitle settings or ending the presentation.

To stop presentation mode, press your Esc key, select End Slide Show at the top, or use the three dots to choose End Show .

While this beginner’s guide to using PowerPoint should get you off to a great start creating and presenting your first slideshow, there’s plenty more to learn. Check out how to use Presenter Coach for rehearsing your presentation and best practices for making awesome PowerPoint slides for tips and suggestions.

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Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Make a Presentation Longer: 7 Strategies to Master

How to Make a Presentation Longer: 7 Strategies to Master

A common question asked by presenters is how to extend a presentation’s duration. This can be because they feel the topic is covered superficially for the audience’s knowledge level or because they find themselves intimidated by the allocated time slot. Either way, adding filler content without care can lead to losing audience interest and significantly impact the presentation’s effectiveness.

The key to making a presentation longer without compromising quality lies in enhancing content depth, utilizing visual and interactive elements, and effectively managing the timing of the delivery. In this article, we will explore seven different strategies for extending a presentation’s length while preserving its quality and ensuring the additional time is meaningful.

Table of Contents

Strategy 1 – Expanding Content Depth

Strategy 2 – enhancing visuals and multimedia, strategy 3 – interactive elements and audience engagement, strategy 4 – revisiting and recapping, strategy 5 – time management and pacing, strategy 6 – supplementary materials and handouts, strategy 7 – enhancing the introduction and conclusion, final words.

As we previously mentioned, the feeling that the presentation can go much in depth is frequent when presenters have to simplify the complexity of their ideas (check our article on how to present complex concepts for more information) to meet the audience’s knowledge level. This can either work or be a total disaster if the presentation is trimmed without considering if the audience is getting a clear picture of what you’re explaining.

N.B.: If you’re wondering how to simplify explanations in your presentation to speak with a non-technical audience, check our article on applying Feynman’s Technique for presentations . 

Revisiting Core Topics: Adding Depth to Key Points

Start by reviewing the main topics of your presentation. Identify areas where you can provide additional insights or expand on existing points. This could involve discussing the historical context, exploring underlying theories, or addressing potential counterarguments. By doing so, you not only lengthen your presentation but also offer a more thorough exploration of the subject matter. This is a strategy commonly applied in thesis presentations .

For example, if your presentation is on marketing strategies, you could delve into the psychological principles behind consumer behavior or discuss the evolution of marketing trends over the years. This added depth can provide valuable context and make your presentation more compelling.

Providing Additional Examples and Case Studies

Real-world examples and case studies are powerful tools that help illustrate key points and make abstract concepts more relatable. By including more examples and detailed case studies, you can extend the length of your presentation while enhancing its practical value.

Consider breaking down elaborate examples step-by-step, analyzing the outcomes, and discussing lessons learned. You can also compare multiple case studies to highlight different approaches or outcomes, adding depth and duration to your presentation. An ideal tool for such a purpose is a comparison chart .

Integrating Data and Statistics

Data and statistics add credibility and authority to your presentation. More data points, charts, and graphs can help you fill additional time while supporting your arguments with concrete evidence.

When presenting data , take the time to explain its significance, how it was gathered, and what it means in the context of your topic. This will add length and ensure that your audience fully understands the importance of the information presented.

Visual elements and multimedia can significantly contribute to a presentation’s overall length and quality. By thoughtfully incorporating more slides, videos, and interactive media, you can both extend your presentation and make it more visually appealing.

Using More Slides with Detailed Information

One simple way to extend your presentation is by adding more slides. However, it’s essential to ensure that these slides contribute meaningful content. Apply one of the core concepts of the 10-20-30 rule of PowerPoint presentations and deliver one idea per slide.

For instance, if discussing a new software tool, you could dedicate one slide to its features, another to its benefits, and additional slides to real-world applications. This approach allows you to cover more ground without overwhelming your audience with too much information on a single slide.

Adding Videos and Animations

Working with video presentations and adding animations to PowerPoint slide decks can effectively increase the length of your presentation while providing a dynamic change of pace. Videos can serve as powerful visual aids, offering demonstrations, testimonials, or additional context that might be difficult to convey through text alone.

Ensure that any videos or animations used are directly relevant to the content and add value to the presentation. You can also pause after the video to discuss its content in detail, further extending the time. Another tip we can mention from our experience is to test the control buttons for the video, as sometimes presenters lose a lot of time trying to stop or rewind a video if a question arises.

Incorporating Infographics and Diagrams

Presentation infographics and diagrams are valuable tools for summarizing complex information in a visually engaging way. By taking the time to explain each component of an infographic or diagram, you can extend your presentation while helping your audience better understand the material.

For example, if your presentation involves explaining a process, a flowchart or diagram can break down each step. You can then discuss each part in detail, highlighting its significance and how it contributes to the overall process.

Let’s be clear: audience engagement is THE power element to extend your presentation’s length. This can be as simple as incorporating exercises inside your presentations, like questions to let the audience think about an idea. This section will explore three different approaches to boosting engagement through audience interaction.

Including Q&A Sessions

Designating specific times for Q&A sessions throughout the presentation effectively engages your audience and extends the presentation’s length. Encourage your audience to ask questions about the content you’ve covered and provide thorough answers.

If you anticipate questions that require more detailed responses, consider preparing additional slides or materials to support your answers. This lengthens the presentation and ensures that your audience feels their questions are being addressed comprehensively.

Q&A sessions don’t have to be neglected to the final part of your presentation. You can add them in the middle after defining a series of concepts and then engage with the audience to test their understanding until that point.

Utilizing Polls and Surveys

Interactive presentation elements like polls and surveys are great tools for involving your audience and gathering real-time feedback. You can use polling software to ask questions during the presentation, and the results will be displayed instantly on the screen, or work with a traditional method like survey PPT templates .

After each poll, discuss the results. You can compare them to industry data or research and explore what the answers might imply about your audience’s perspectives. This interaction extends the presentation and makes it more engaging for participants.

Encouraging Group Discussions

This strategy is commonly used in motivational presentations when speakers invite their audience to do two—to three-minute exercises in which a question is asked between pairs. 

After the group discussions, bring the audience together to share insights and observations. You can then comment on these points, adding your own perspective and tying the discussion back to the main content of your presentation.

Revisiting key points and providing recaps is a highly effective strategy for increasing content retention while extending the duration of your presentation.

Summarizing Key Points After Each Section

Summarize the key points at the end of each major section of your presentation. This reinforces the material and helps the audience retain the information.

Briefly recapping the content allows you to transition smoothly into the next section, which can naturally lengthen the presentation. This practice not only aids retention but also ensures that your audience stays on track with the flow of the presentation. Additionally, it can be a good strategy if the slide deck is repurposed in PDF format so the audience can revisit each section and remember the concepts.

Providing Multiple Recaps Throughout the Presentation

In addition to summarizing after each section, consider including recaps at various points throughout your presentation. These could be more detailed and involve revisiting earlier content in light of new information presented later.

For instance, if you introduce a concept early in the presentation, you could revisit it in a new context, showing how it applies to a different aspect of your topic. This would extend the presentation and deepen the audience’s understanding of the content.

We’ve spoken in the past about the importance of time management in leadership . For presenters, time management is as clear as understanding which is the adequate pacing for your speech, which areas to prioritize, and where you feel you can add an extra edge for the sake of improving your performance as a presenter.

Slowing Down Delivery for Emphasis

Presenters can naturally extend their presentation by slowing down their delivery, particularly when emphasizing key points. Speaking more slowly and deliberately can give your audience time to absorb the information and reflect on your words.

This approach also gives you the opportunity to elaborate on important concepts, ask rhetorical questions, and create a more thoughtful, measured pace for your presentation.

Practicing to Ensure Adequate Timing

Practice is essential for acknowledging that your presentation is the correct length. By rehearsing multiple times, you can identify areas where you can slow down, add more detail, or insert pauses for reflection or interaction.

Consider timing yourself during practice runs to see where you might need to extend or shorten sections. This will help you achieve a balanced, well-paced presentation that meets your time goals. 

Providing supplementary materials and handouts can add depth to your presentation and extend its duration by encouraging ongoing engagement with the content.

Preparing Extended Handouts

Create detailed presentation handouts that expand on the content of your talk. These can include additional information, resources for further reading, or detailed explanations of complex topics.

Refer to these handouts during the presentation and walk through them with your audience. This not only extends the presentation but also ensures that the audience has access to valuable take-home materials.

Distributing Reading Materials During the Presentation

If appropriate, you can distribute reading materials during the presentation and give the audience time to read them before continuing. These could be articles, reports, or any other document that adds to the presentation content.

After the reading, take the time to discuss the material with the audience, asking for their thoughts or providing your analysis. This is a well-known method of encouraging active learning in presentations.

Using Post-Presentation Content for Extended Engagement

To extend engagement after the presentation, consider offering additional content or activities. This could include follow-up emails with additional resources, online discussions, or even a webinar that delves deeper into the topic.

The introduction and conclusion of a presentation are critical moments that set the stage and leave a lasting impression. Expanding these sections can effectively lengthen your presentation while ensuring it is impactful from start to finish.

Starting with a Detailed Introduction

Presenters often dwell on the best way to start a presentation . A well-crafted introduction does more than just outline the structure of your presentation—it sets the tone and provides context that can draw in your audience. Take time to introduce the topic comprehensively, explaining why it matters and how it relates to the audience’s interests or challenges.

You might also include a brief overview of what led you to explore the topic, such as personal experiences, research findings, or current industry trends. This adds a narrative element to your presentation, making it more engaging and setting the stage for the detailed content to follow.

Additionally, consider using an anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising statistic to hook your audience from the start. These elements capture attention and allow you to explore the topic from different angles, thus extending the length of your introduction.

Expanding on the Conclusion with Actionable Takeaways

The conclusion of your presentation should do more than simply recap the content—it should also offer actionable takeaways that the audience can apply in their own work or lives. Take the time to clearly articulate these takeaways, explaining why they are important and how they can be implemented.

You can also revisit any questions or challenges posed in the introduction, providing answers or solutions based on the content covered in the presentation. This full-circle approach reinforces the material and adds additional time as you guide the audience through applying what they’ve learned.

Consider ending with a call to action slide , encouraging your audience to take specific steps based on the information presented. Whether it’s implementing a new strategy, conducting further research, or simply reflecting on the insights shared, a strong conclusion with clear next steps can significantly extend the duration of your presentation while leaving a lasting impact.

We’ve explored seven ways of creating more meaningful time in your presentations, several of which encourage active audience participation. Working on your presentation skills is a good idea to optimize your abilities in handling transitions, unexpected pauses, unplanned questions, and any inconvenience that can divert your attention from the planned course. 

Whether you are preparing for a business, academic, or public speaking event, the strategies outlined in this article provide a comprehensive guide to ensuring your presentation is both longer and more impactful.

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Use keyboard shortcuts to deliver PowerPoint presentations

Many users find that using an external keyboard with keyboard shortcuts for PowerPoint helps them work more efficiently. For users with mobility or vision disabilities, keyboard shortcuts can be easier than using the touchscreen and are an essential alternative to using a mouse.

For a separate list of shortcuts to use while creating your presentation, go to  Use keyboard shortcuts to create PowerPoint presentations .

The shortcuts in this topic refer to the US keyboard layout. Keys for other layouts might not correspond exactly to the keys on a US keyboard.

A plus sign (+) in a shortcut means that you need to press multiple keys at the same time.

A comma sign (,) in a shortcut means that you need to press multiple keys in order.

This article describes the keyboard shortcuts and some other common shortcut keys that apply while you're delivering your presentation with PowerPoint for Windows.

To quickly find a shortcut in this article, you can use Search. Press Ctrl+F, and then type your search words.

If an action that you use often does not have a shortcut key, you can record a macro. For step-by-step instructions to record a macro, refer to the section “Record a macro” in Automate tasks with the Macro Recorder to create one.

During the presentation, to open a list of shortcuts, press F1. Use the arrow keys to move between the tabs in the Slide Show Help dialog box.

Get the PowerPoint 2016 keyboard shortcuts in a Word document at this link: PowerPoint 2016 for Windows keyboard shortcuts .

In this topic

Frequently used shortcuts, control the slide show, control media in the slide show, pointer and annotations in the slide show, rehearse the presentation, maneuver in presenter view.

This table lists the most frequently used shortcuts in PowerPoint for Windows.

Top of Page

You can use the following keyboard shortcuts while you’re delivering your presentation in Slide Show (full-screen) mode, with or without  Presenter View .

Control media in the slide show 

These keyboard shortcuts work with video files imported from your computer or other device. They don't work with online video files.

Use the following keyboard shortcuts to control the pointer and to use it to create annotations during your presentation.

You can use these keyboard shortcuts when you are rehearsing your presentation.

You can use the following keyboard shortcuts while you’re delivering your presentation using Presenter View  in newer versions of PowerPoint.  Presenter View lets you look at your presentation with your speaker notes on one screen (your laptop, for example), while the audience views the notes-free presentation on a different screen.

When you are connected to a second display, Presenter View is shown automatically when you start the slide show. To start a presentation in Presenter View even if you have only a single display, press Alt+F5.

Tip:  If Presenter View does not start automatically with two displays, go the Slide Show tab, select the Use Presenter View checkbox, and select the preferred monitor.

PowerPoint help & learning

Screen reader support for PowerPoint

Use keyboard shortcuts to create PowerPoint presentations

Basic tasks to create a presentation in PowerPoint with a screen reader

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate PowerPoint

This article describes the keyboard shortcuts and some other common shortcut keys that apply while you're delivering your presentation with PowerPoint for macOS.

The settings in some versions of the Mac operating system (OS) and some utility applications might conflict with keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft 365 for Mac. For information about changing the key assignment for a keyboard shortcut, refer to Mac Help for your version of macOS or your utility application.

If you don't find a keyboard shortcut here that meets your needs, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut. For instructions, go to Create a custom keyboard shortcut for Office for Mac .

Many of the shortcuts that use the Ctrl key on a Windows keyboard also work with the Control key in PowerPoint for macOS. However, not all do.

To quickly find a shortcut in this article, you can use the Search. Press Command+F, and then type your search words.

During the presentation, to open a list of shortcuts, press forward slash (/).

Pointer and annotations in the slide show

Navigate the presenter view on macos 10.15 (catalina) and later.

This table lists the most frequently used shortcuts in PowerPoint for macOS.

You can use the following keyboard shortcuts while you’re delivering your presentation in Slide Show (full-screen) mode, with or without the Presenter View .

Use the following keyboard shortcuts to control media during a presentation.

You can use the following keyboard shortcuts while you’re delivering your presentation using the Presenter View on macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and later, and when the keyboard control navigation is turned on. For instructions, refer to Turn on the keyboard control navigation .

Use the shortcuts in the table below to move in the Presenter View in PowerPoint for macOS.

Skip ahead in your presentation

You can use your keyboard to skip ahead several slides without the audience seeing the slides as you transition to the new slide.

Press the Tab key until you reach the Slide Navigator control (filmstrip).

Press and hold down the Option key and press the Left or Right arrow key repeatedly until you find the slide you want to skip to.

Release the Option key to move to the slide you want to skip to.

Turn on the keyboard control navigation

To use your keyboard to move between and activate controls on your Mac, turn on the keyboard control navigation.

If you're not using VoiceOver, on your computer, select System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts , and select the Use keyboard navigation to move focus between controls checkbox.

If you're using VoiceOver, the control navigation should be on by default. To check the setting, do the following:

On your computer, press Control+Option+M to access the Apple menu bar item. To open the Apple menu, press Control+Option+Spacebar.

Press Control+Option+Down arrow key until you hear "System preferences ellipses," and then press Control+Option+Spacebar.

The System Preferences window opens. The focus is in the Search text box.

Type Keyboard , and then press Return. The Keyboard dialog box opens.

Press Control+Option+Right arrow key until you hear "Shortcuts tab," and then press Control+Option+Spacebar.

Press Control+Option+Right arrow key until you hear: "Use keyboard navigation to move focus between controls." VoiceOver also announces if the option is selected or unselected. To toggle the option on or off, press Control+Option+Spacebar.

To close the Keyboard dialog box, press Command+W.

This article describes the keyboard shortcuts that apply while you're delivering your presentation with PowerPoint for the web.

If you use Narrator with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you have to turn off scan mode in order to edit documents, spreadsheets, or presentations with Microsoft 365 for the web. For more information, refer to Turn off virtual or browse mode in screen readers in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update .

When you use PowerPoint for the web, we recommend that you use Microsoft Edge as your web browser. Because PowerPoint for the web runs in your web browser, the keyboard shortcuts are different from those in the desktop program. For example, you’ll use Ctrl+F6 instead of F6 for jumping in and out of the commands. Also, common shortcuts like F1 (Help) and Ctrl+O (Open) apply to the web browser – not PowerPoint for the web.

This table lists the keyboard shortcuts you can use to control the slide show.

Technical support for customers with disabilities

Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.

If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk .

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