Microsoft PowerPoint Training Course:
Basic to Intermediate
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will:
• Understand and navigate the PowerPoint environment
• Create and manage presentations
• Use essential PowerPoint tools like ribbons, QAT, and dialog boxes
• Apply productivity techniques for building effective slide decks
1|Page
Course Modules:
Module 1: Getting Started with PowerPoint
• What is PowerPoint?
• How Microsoft PowerPoint Works
• Starting PowerPoint
• Exploring the PowerPoint Start Screen
• Creating a New Blank Presentation
• Understanding the PowerPoint Screen Interface
Activity: Open PowerPoint and identify the key areas on the screen
Step 1: Open Microsoft PowerPoint from your desktop or Start menu.
Step 2: Explore the Start Screen: Choose from a blank presentation or a template.
Step 3: Click on "Blank Presentation" to begin from scratch.
Step 4: Familiarize yourself with the PowerPoint screen:
• Title Bar
• Ribbon
• Slide Pane
• Notes Area
• Status Bar
2|Page
3|Page
Module 2: Navigating the Ribbon and Toolbar
• What is the Ribbon?
• Using the Ribbon Tabs and Groups
• Understanding Ribbon KeyTips
• Showing and Collapsing the Ribbon
Tip: Use Alt + KeyTips to navigate without a mouse
Step 1: Observe the Ribbon divided into tabs (Home, Insert, Design, etc.).
Step 2: Click on each tab to see related tools grouped logically.
Step 3: Use Ribbon KeyTips by pressing the Alt key. Letters will appear—press
corresponding keys to navigate.
Step 4: Collapse the Ribbon by clicking the small arrow in the lower-right corner or
pressing Ctrl + F1.
4|Page
5|Page
Module 3: Using the Backstage View
• What is the Backstage View?
• Accessing File Options (Save, Open, Print, Share)
• Navigating the Backstage Menu
Activity: Open a file and explore the Info, Save As, Export options
Step 1: Click the File tab to access the Backstage View.
Step 2: Explore the menu options:
• Info
• New
• Open
• Save
• Print
• Share
Step 3: Try each option to understand what it does, especially Save As and Export
6|Page
7|Page
Module 4: Shortcut Menus and Dialog Boxes
• Right-click Shortcut Menus
• Customizing using Shortcut Menus
• Understanding Dialog Boxes
• Launching and Navigating Dialog Boxes
Tip: Use Ctrl + D to duplicate and Ctrl + M to add a new slide
Step 1: Right-click on different parts of your slide (e.g., text box, background) to access
Shortcut Menus.
Step 2: Try commands like Copy, Paste, Format Shape, etc.
Step 3: To open Dialog Boxes, look for small diagonal arrows in the bottom-right of a
Ribbon group.
Step 4: Launch a dialog box (e.g., Font or Paragraph) and explore advanced settings.
8|Page
Module 5: Quick Access Toolbar (QAT)
• What is the QAT?
• Adding/Removing Commands to the QAT
• Customizing the QAT for Efficiency
Activity: Add "New Slide" and "Print Preview" to your QAT
Step 1: Locate the QAT above the Ribbon or below the Title Bar.
Step 2: Click the dropdown arrow on the QAT to add common commands like New, Open,
Save, etc.
Step 3: Customize the QAT:
• Right-click on any command in the Ribbon
• Choose "Add to Quick Access Toolbar"
Step 4: Go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar for more customization.
9|Page
Module 6: Status Bar and Presentation Control
• Understanding Elements on the Status Bar
• Customizing the Status Bar
• Using View Buttons (Normal, Slide Sorter, Reading View)
Step 1: Observe the Status Bar at the bottom of the PowerPoint window.
Step 2: Identify:
• Slide number
• Theme applied
• Language
• View buttons (Normal, Slide Sorter, Reading View)
Step 3: Customize by right-clicking the Status Bar and selecting which indicators to
show.
Step 4: Use the Zoom slider to adjust the slide size on-screen.
10 | P a g e
11 | P a g e
Module 7: Exiting and Saving Safely
• Exiting PowerPoint Properly
• AutoSave and Manual Save
• File Formats: PPTX vs PDF vs PPSX
Tip: Always back up important presentations to OneDrive
Step 1: Save your presentation frequently: Press Ctrl + S.
Step 2: To exit, go to File > Exit or click the X in the top right corner.
Step 3: If you have unsaved work, PowerPoint will prompt you to save.
Step 4: Use Save As to create copies in different formats (PPTX, PDF, PPSX).
Step 5: Backup your file by saving to OneDrive or an external device.
12 | P a g e
