Mastering your presentation skills: A guide to using PowerPoint Presenter Coach

Posted on Thursday June 13, 2024

Giving a PowerPoint presentation doesn't have to be a daunting task with the right tools. PowerPoint Presenter Coach is one such tool that's designed to help you hone your presentation skills and boost your confidence. Whether you're preparing for a business meeting or a public speaking event, this guide will show you how to make the most of PowerPoint Presenter Coach to deliver a polished, professional presentation every time.

What is PowerPoint Presenter Coach?

PowerPoint Presenter Coach is a feature within Microsoft PowerPoint designed to help users improve their presentation skills. This innovative tool provides real-time feedback on various aspects of your delivery, helping you practice and perfect your presentation before facing an audience. You can access PowerPoint Presenter Coach if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription or a 2019 version of PowerPoint for Windows and Mac.

Prerequisites to use Presenter Coach

Before you start using PowerPoint Presenter Coach, make sure you have the following:

• Built-in or external microphone to record your voice
• Stable internet connection to access real-time feedback
• Webcam to track your body language and facial expressions
• Presentation slides with speaker notes (optional)
• A quiet environment with minimal background noise

How does PowerPoint Presenter Coach help improve presentations?

PowerPoint Presenter Coach evaluates various aspects of your presentation skills, offering detailed feedback to help you improve. Here are some key areas where it can assist you:

Pacing

Maintaining the right pace is crucial for keeping your audience engaged. PowerPoint Presenter Coach monitors the speed of your speech, ensuring you don't talk too fast, which can overwhelm listeners, or too slow, which can bore them. By providing feedback on your pacing, the tool helps you find a rhythm that is easy to follow and keeps your audience attentive.

Monotone pitch

A monotone pitch can make your presentation sound dull and lifeless. Presenter Coach detects variations in your pitch and encourages you to use a more dynamic tone. By varying your pitch, you can emphasize key points, express enthusiasm, and keep your audience interested.

Speech refinement

Concise speech is essential for effective communication. Presenter Coach helps you refine your speech by identifying and providing feedback on filler words, repeated words and phrases, informal speech, and culturally sensitive terms.

Pronunciation

Clear pronunciation ensures that your audience understands your message. Presenter Coach provides feedback on mispronounced words, helping you practice and improve your articulation.

Body language

Nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures play a significant role in communication. PowerPoint Presenter Coach uses your webcam to analyze your movements and provide feedback on your posture, eye contact, and overall body language, helping you appear more confident and engaging.

How to use PowerPoint Presenter Coach

To access PowerPoint Presenter Coach, follow these simple steps:

1. Open your presentation in PowerPoint.
2. Find the Slide Show menu and select Rehearse with Coach under the Presenter Coach section.
3. Presenter Coach will open in a new window, and you can click Get Started to start your rehearsal.
4. Make sure to enable your microphone and allow access for Presenter Coach to use your webcam.
5. As you present, Presenter Coach will provide real-time feedback on different aspects of your delivery, including speech refinement, body language, and pacing.
6. After finishing your rehearsal, you'll receive a detailed report highlighting areas for improvement and suggestions for how to enhance your delivery.

 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced speaker, PowerPoint Presenter Coach offers valuable insights to elevate your presentations to the next level. So why not give it a try? For more tips on getting the most value from your Microsoft productivity apps, call us today.