PowerPoint is nearly ubiquitous in today's world--in business settings, of course, but in schools and universities, clubs and organizations--almost everywhere you turn. It's not a difficult tool to use, but the presentations people create in PowerPoint range widely in quality--dazzling or dull, enlivening or enervating. Now, to help users deliver high-quality presentations, even when they're short on time, is this smart, concise guide designed to take them from standing start to stellar finish on their first presentations. Rather than cover every last option PowerPoint offers, author Tom Negrino steps readers through on a single, basic presentation, showing them the quickest, easiest, most effective way to communicate their ideas. Each short lesson builds a component of a basic presentation, from creating slides, formatting charts and tables, incorporating sound and video, creating transitions, and adding a bit of polish to their debut presentations. Friendly, step-by-step instructions and large, full-color screen shots make the information instantly accessible.

1. explore powerpoint
2. write your presentation
3. gather image and sound files
4. pick a design
5. work with text
6. illustrate your presentation
7. make it move
8. prepare to present
9. deliver your presentation
10. present everywhere

Tom Negrino is a contributing Editor to Macworld magazine as well as the author of numerous books on software and technology. He is also a consummate presenter, frequently teaching and speaking at industry trade shows and conferences.