PowerPoint made easy: Adding videos from your device

Have you ever attended a presentation where the slides were loaded with text, and the speaker was droning on?

Or have you been in a situation where you had to present information, but the audience’s attention seemed to be wandering off?

We’ve all been there.

As an audience, it’s hard to stay engaged when the presentation is dull, and as a presenter, it’s tough to keep the audience interested when you’re limited to static images and bullet points.

Thankfully, Microsoft PowerPoint’s latest update has a new feature that can make your presentations more dynamic and engaging: the ability to add videos from your device. No longer will you have to rely on YouTube or Vimeo videos to spice up your presentations; now, you can use your videos to add a personal touch.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make your presentations stand out by incorporating videos from your device. Whether you’re a student presenting a project, a professional business pitching a new idea, or anyone in between, this update will take your presentations to the next level.

So if you’re tired of lackluster PowerPoint presentations, keep reading to learn how to make your presentations pop with the latest PowerPoint update.

Benefits of Adding Videos to Your PowerPoint Presentation

Incorporating videos into your PowerPoint presentations can be a game-changer. It adds visual interest to your slides and can also help enhance audience engagement and deliver your message more effectively.

Here are some of the benefits of adding videos to your PowerPoint presentation:

1. Improved audience engagement

Videos help break up the monotony of a slide deck and grab your audience’s attention. They can also be used to illustrate complex concepts or ideas in a way that’s easier to understand, keeping your audience engaged throughout your presentation.

2. Improved message delivery

Videos can help you deliver your message more effectively by allowing you to demonstrate a concept or idea in action. This can be particularly useful in product demonstrations, training sessions, or educational presentations.

3. Increased retention

Studies have shown that incorporating visuals into presentations can help increase retention and recall of information. By adding videos to your PowerPoint presentation, you can help ensure that your audience remembers the key points of your presentation.

4. Increased emotional impact

Adding videos to your PowerPoint background can tap into your audience’s emotions and help you connect with them on a deeper level. By integrating videos that resonate with your audience, you can create a presentation that is not only more impactful but also more memorable.

5. Improved storytelling

Videos can be used to tell a story or illustrate a point more compellingly than just text or images alone. You can create a more cohesive and impactful story by strategically using videos throughout your presentation.

6. Accessibility

Videos can also help make your presentation more accessible for those with different learning styles or abilities. By incorporating visual and auditory elements, you can cater to a broader audience and ensure everyone understands and retains your message.

How to Add Videos to Your PowerPoint Presentation From Your Device?

If you frequently use PowerPoint to create presentations, you’ll be pleased to know that Microsoft has introduced a new feature that simplifies incorporating videos into your slides.

While it was previously possible to add videos from online platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, PowerPoint did not support adding videos directly from your own device. Fortunately, Microsoft has now responded to user requests and is making this feature available to PowerPoint for web users.

So, if you want to add videos from your device to your PowerPoint template, here’s how to do it:

1. First, locate and open the PowerPoint presentation where you want to add a video.
2. Next, navigate to the slide where you wish to insert the video.
3. Once you have selected the appropriate slide, proceed to the top of the screen and click on the ‘Insert’ tab located within the ribbon.
4. Click on the ‘Video’ icon in the ‘Media’ section of the ribbon.
5. Select ‘This Device’ from the dropdown menu.
6. Browse your computer to find the video file you want to add.
7. Select the video file and click ‘Insert.’

Once you’ve added the video to your slide, you can use the ‘Playback’ tab of the ribbon to customize how the video plays. You can set options like whether to play automatically or on click and whether to loop the video.

Note: Remember that the maximum file size limit is 256MB for videos you include in your presentation. For an optimal viewing experience, Microsoft suggests utilizing the .mp4 video file format.

Best Practices for Using Videos in Your PowerPoint Presentation

Incorporating videos into your PowerPoint presentation is an effective method to capture your audience’s attention and improve the impact of your message.

However, using videos strategically and in a way that supports your overall presentation is vital.

Below are some effective practices that can help you use videos in your PowerPoint presentation:

1. Keep it brief

Using lengthy videos in your presentation may be counterproductive and could detract from the overall message you are trying to convey. Keep videos short and to the point, ideally at most two minutes.

2. Choose high-quality videos

Low-quality videos can be a hindrance and detract from your presentation’s polished and professional appearance. Make sure to choose videos with good resolution and audio quality.

3. Use videos to illustrate a point

Videos should be used to enhance your message, not just for the sake of having a video. Choose videos that support the key points of your presentation and help illustrate your message more engagingly.

4. Use videos strategically

Don’t overload your presentation with videos. Use them strategically to punctuate critical points or break up longer sections of your presentation.

5. Use closed captions

Closed captions can be a great way to make your presentation more accessible for all viewers, including those with hearing impairments or who may be watching the presentation without sound.

6. Practice with the videos

Make sure to test the videos in your presentation before presenting to an audience. Practice with the videos to ensure they play smoothly and do not cause technical issues.

Wrapping It Up

Microsoft’s latest update has made it easier to add videos to your PowerPoint presentations directly from your device.

This latest addition to PowerPoint’s features allows you to design more dynamic and impactful presentations, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. So, why not give it a try?

Take advantage of this new feature and explore the possibilities of adding videos to your PowerPoint presentations today.

Remember, the key to success is to use videos in a way that supports your overall message and keeps your audience engaged. Creativity and careful planning make it possible to produce truly memorable presentations.

So, go ahead and start incorporating videos into your PowerPoint presentations and see the difference for yourself!