New Course: Microsoft PowerPoint 2016

CBT Nuggets trainer Simona Millham recently completed her Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 course, introducing learners to tips and tricks needed to become PowerPoint super-users. Simona takes a practical, real-world approach to her course, providing demonstrations and examples to equip you with the skills you need for real success.

In this 25-video course, Simona takes you through a step-by-step learning experience using Microsoft's popular presentation software. The course is designed to meet the needs of users who are new to PowerPoint (we humbly suggest that you proceed through the course chronologically, from start to finish) as well as veteran PowerPoint users by providing lesser-known shortcuts and tips to help you maximize the software.

We asked Simona about her new course and what you can expect during your CBT Nuggets Learning Experience.

Q: Why should companies train their IT professionals and end users using this PowerPoint 2016 course? What value does mastery of PowerPoint bring to an organization?

We've all experienced "death by PowerPoint," so I hope that learners will understand the full potential of PowerPoint and appreciate that there is more to delivering presentations than just a series of bulleted lists!

Q: How does mastery of PowerPoint improve a learner's career opportunities?

Many of us need to deliver presentations as part of our jobs, and for some of us, that can be very stressful. Mastering PowerPoint can help relieve some of that stress.

Q: From a learner perspective, what did you keep in mind when creating this course?

Many people only create PowerPoint presentations under stressful conditions, for example, when they have to deliver a big customer pitch. So mastering the technology can be really valuable.

Q: Any out-of-the-box tips for learners to get the most out of your course?

Dive straight into the Nuggets that interest you most! You can always backtrack to previous Nuggets if you need to.

Q: What was your favorite Nugget to create in this course?

Triggers and Action Buttons because the possibilities are endless! The limit is your imagination.

Q: What's the most important thing you hope learners take away from this course?

There is more to PowerPoint than bulleted lists!

Q: What course(s) or certification(s) should learners complete before diving into your IT Expertise: Installing Network Cabling and Devices course?

None!

Q: What course(s) or certification(s) should learners look to jump into after they complete your IT Expertise course?

None.

(Editor's note: While Simona is technically correct that there are no courses formally designed to follow Microsoft PowerPoint 2016, we suggest you consider some of Simona's other excellent Microsoft Office courses to master the complete Office productivity suite!)

Q: Aside from formal presentations, in what other ways might learners use PowerPoint?

Interactive training courses, quizzes, or even customer or internal proposals that will be read on-screen rather than printed.

Q: Are there any disadvantages to using PowerPoint?

People often have a tendency to use PowerPoint as a crutch because they are nervous about giving the presentation. That means they put far too much information on a slide. But never forget that a presentation is usually designed to be a visual accompaniment to your talk track rather than a document which is read.

Q: How many PowerPoint presentations would you guess you have created throughout your career? Do you think that number is higher or lower than average?

Oh my goodness! It must be in the 1,000s because it's a tool for my job as a Microsoft trainer! That's WAY more than average.

Q: What are your two favorite features of PowerPoint 2016?

1) Presenter View: it's not new, but allows you to see your speaker notes and hop between different slides while your audience just sees the slide; and 

2) Summary Zoom: A new feature in Office 365 that allows you to easily and dynamically jump from one section to another rather than being stuck in that traditional linear PowerPoint delivery.

Q: What is the single best PowerPoint presentation you've ever seen? And the worst?

Best: Using PowerPoint animation to explain the Microsoft licensing implications of a user accessing their corporate environment inside and outside of the office. Worst: Slide after slide of bulleted lists; I don't remember anymore because I dozed off! Kick off your mastery of Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 with Simona Millham today!

Learn more about the CBT Nuggets Learning Experience.