Bullet+points


 * Bullet Points**


 * WARNING: Many people are sick and tired of bullet points! Use them only if you feel you must.**

Bullet points are a staple of most PowerPoint presentations.

Most of the Master Slide formats come with pre-formatted bullet point lists, but if you are creating a slide on your own, adding bullet points is easy. The simplest way is to select the slide format that includes a title and a bulleted list, a format called “title and text” in the Slide Format tray. This slide format asks you to type in a title for the list and then adds bullet points as you add items on your list by hitting the Return key. Simple enough.

If you wish to change from the traditional bullet shape to a different shape, select “bullets and numbering” from the Format menu and make a selection. From this menu, you can also select a wide range of symbols (using the “customize” button) or even an image that you’ve saved on the desktop (using the “picture” button). For example, you might add a pointing finger or an insignia to jazz up your list…though, in most cases, simpler is better.


 * To make bullet point lists even more effective**, consider adding a transition effect that makes each bullet point appear (or, if you prefer, fly in) one at a time as you introduce it in your presentation. To add this transition, select “animation schemes” from the Slide Show menu. Highlight the first item on your list and apply an entrance animation. Repeat with the rest of the list, one item at a time. Dramatic animation schemes can add pizzazz to your presentation, but they can also make it seem silly or unprofessional. Use animations with caution. It’s probably a good idea to use the same sequence of animations with each bulleted list you include in your presentation.

For the newest version of PPT: a. create your bullet pointed list b. click on the first item on the list and then click on the "animations" tab. c. Choose the type of entrance (and, if you want, exit) you desire d. repeat for each item in the list. (don't do the whole list together or the entire list will come in at once)