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Presentation Skills

Tools for Creating Presentations

Creating a presentation doesn't have to be an intense technology experience—there are many potential tools that you can use! In this section, we'll look at a few suggested tools to get you started on your way to creating an amazing presentation.

Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful slide show presentation program. It is probably the presentation tool that people are most familiar with. Watch the video below to learn how to create a presentation using PowerPoint.

Creating Presentations Using PowerPoint by The Learning Portal

With the PowerPoint desktop app and browser app, you have a lot of options to choose from making this an excellent choice. Some features that make this a good choice include:

  • AppsAnywhere at Sheridan: Sheridan students can use all Microsoft Apps, including PowerPoint, for free!
  • Speaker Coach: An AI feature that can help you rehearse your presentation by highlighting pace, wordiness, complexity, informal speech, and more.
  • Support: There is large amount of help content found on the internet.
  • Common tool: PowerPoint is a fairly standard presentation tool, so you will be adding common skills to your resume.

Canva is an easy to use tool to create presentations and more. It offers a collection of templates to create your own slideshow.

Watch the video below to learn how to create a presentation using Canva.

Creating Presentations Using Canva by The Learning Portal

Canva can be used for creating many different multimedia projects, including presentations. Some features that make this a good choice include:

  • Templates: Canva is known for a large collection of templates to use, including mobile, game, video, and traditional presentations. The templates make it easy to create gorgeous presentations with little design knowledge.
  • Browser based:: Canva "presents" right from within the browser, making this a good option if you are not sure about what kind of computer will be in the room.
  • Canva Lite: You can present right in Canva, have your audience follow along with the presentation, and submit questions live.

Google Slides is a presentation program included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google.

Watch this video to learn how to create a presentation using Google Slides.

Creating Presentations Using Google Slides by The Learning Portal

Google Slides is one of the most popular presentation tools available and there are many reasons that make this a good choice. Some of those features include:

  • Browser based: Google Slides allows you to present with downloading any additional software reducing the number of technical issues you may encounter.
  • Themes: Slides makes it easy to find free, attractive, and easy to use themes and templates to make your presentation look good with little design knowledge.

There are lots of other presentation tools you can try out too! Check out a few of the options below:

Choosing a Presentation Tool

Not sure which presentation tool is best for you? Here are a few things to consider:

  • Do you need to make an account?

    Tools like Canva and Google Slides require you to sign up for accounts.

  • Do you already have the software?

    For example, students at Sheridan have access to PowerPoint and other Microsoft 365 apps through AppsAnywhere!

  • Do you want to be able to work online?

    Canva and Google Slides are online tools, so may not be ideal if you have an unreliable internet connection.

  • Are you familiar with the tool?

    If this is the first time you're using the tool, you'll need to make plans to train yourself how to use it and add time to experiment.

  • Do you want to work from a template?

    Canva has a variety of customizable templates. PowerPoint and Google Slides have some templates, but they may not be fully customizable.

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