Using the AutoContent Wizard
The AutoContent Wizard guides you step-by-step through the creation of a PowerPoint presentation and is the option that provides the most assistance and automation. You answer a few basic questions about the type of presentation you need to make, and PowerPoint does the rest. The result is a complete series of slides with content suggestions based on the presentation type you chose. In addition to creating your presentation based on a content template, PowerPoint also applies a design template suitable to the type of presentation you want and applies a slide layout to each individual slide.
→ To learn techniques for adding dynamic content to your presentations, see Chapter 22, “The Message—Scripting the Concept.”
From here, revise the content suggestions with your own information, and you'll be ready to present. As an alternative, you can modify the appearance of your presentation by applying a different design template, modifying the design, adding or removing slides, and so forth.
To start the AutoContent Wizard, follow these steps:
Select File, New to display the New Presentation task pane if it isn't already displayed.
Click From AutoContent Wizard on the New Presentation task pane. The wizard appears (see Figure 2.5).
Figure 2.5. The AutoContent Wizard offers detailed guidance on creating a presentation.
Click Next to continue to the next step, shown in Figure 2.6.
Tip from
To add your own presentation to the AutoContent Wizard, click the Add button. To remove a presentation, click Remove.
Figure 2.6. You can choose from a variety of presentations in specific category groups.
Select the presentation you want to use and click Next.
Having trouble finding a design template to fit your recurring needs? See “Creating Your Own Template” in the “Troubleshooting” section near the end of this chapter.
Caution
Not all presentations are installed initially. PowerPoint lets you know if you choose a presentation that isn't currently installed and asks if you want to install it. You must have your Office XP installation CD in the CD-ROM drive to do this.
Select the type of output to use. Choices include the following:
Onscreen presentation The standard PowerPoint presentation format, delivered on a computer screen
Black-and-white overheads Useful as a backup or as a cost-effective alternative to full-color overheads
35mm slides Formatted for delivery to a service bureau for conversion to 35mm slides
PowerPoint chooses a background and color scheme suited to the output you select. Press Next.
Tip from
To change the background after you've created your presentation, click Color Schemes on the Slide Design task pane and choose from the available options.
Enter a presentation title.
If you want to include a footer on each slide, enter it. For example, you could enter your company name or a copyright statement in the Footer field.
Select the Date Last Updated check box or Slide Number check box to include this information in the presentation.
Click Finish.
PowerPoint displays a presentation with sample content that you can replace. You can also delete images and slides that you don't need, change the design of your presentation, and otherwise modify it to your satisfaction. Figure 2.7 illustrates a sample presentation for facilitating a meeting.
Figure 2.7. The AutoContent Wizard includes content suggestions for facilitating a meeting.
