What is the Fastest Way to Learn PowerPoint?

PowerPoint remains the industry-standard presentation software--even after more than forty years on the market. From attorneys to bankers to members of the clergy, people across a wide array of fields rely on PowerPoint to share information, impress clients, or lend structure to shareholder meetings. Even volunteers in schools and civic organizations can benefit from understanding how to use PowerPoint effectively.

The particular uses of PowerPoint will dictate how much any individual will need to learn. If you plan to use the software in a professional environment, you’ll likely need to gain high-level skills. If you’re using it in a very basic way, at home or in a low-stakes community context, chances are you can get by with a minimal amount of training. Regardless of the level of training you’re looking for, this article will deep dive into the fastest ways to learn PowerPoint so that you can get started building slide decks that meet your individual needs.

Determine Your User Model

Because PowerPoint has so many uses, it’s important to determine your particular needs before deciding how best to learn the software. Do you expect to make slideshows to share with extended family after you take a trip abroad? Are you wanting to help your elementary-aged child build a class presentation? If so, you will probably be able to learn enough by checking out PowerPoint tutorials on the Microsoft support website. Add in a few YouTube videos and any basic questions you have are likely to be answered.

If you’re planning to use PowerPoint professionally, your training needs are going to be different. Sharing information with clients or building a slide deck to use in conjunction with an oral presentation creates a higher-stakes situation. You may need to incorporate the use of animation or video, integrate tables and charts from Excel, or manage larger presentations with custom shows--all of which will be covered in a high-level PowerPoint class.

Consider Learning by Doing

Before investing in a course, have a look at PowerPoint yourself to see how much you can learn in an hour. Open the program and create a new document. Choose a template that matches the style and authority you’d like to project. Begin experimenting with typefaces, try to upload an image, play with color. Give yourself an hour to play around in this way, and see how much you’ve learned. How much farther do you think you’ll need to go? Would spending another hour make a marked difference?

One reason to start on your own is that no matter what, you’ll be ahead of the curve going into a beginner classroom setting: at least you know how to open a PowerPoint document. You may also discover that the basics are easy for you to master--in which case you might be able to skip a level one course and go straight to a more advanced offering. This can save you both time and money in the end. On the other hand, if you find PowerPoint to be unintuitive and frustrating, you’ll want to take a different path: rather than continuing on your own, sign up for an introductory-level class right away and get the help you need.

Go Low-Tech

It may sound counterintuitive to choose a low-tech method of learning a tech-based skill, but it can be a way of addressing your unique learning style. If it feels challenging to open up a PowerPoint program and begin to play around, that could be because a computer program is not your preferred modality. There are plenty of books on the market that teach the basics of PowerPoint, and perhaps your brain will process that information better when reading it off the page. Auditory learners may prefer to hear the book read to them as an audiobook, and there are also podcast episodes available that break down how to build effective presentations using PowerPoint.

For some people, moving while listening or reading can help better synthesize the information. This may mean going for a walk while listening to an audiobook or podcast on the subject, or taking your book to the gym and reading it on a stationary bike. Trying multiple ways of learning can help you determine what type of student you are, which will make it easier to decide what class to take when you do.

Barriers to Self-Directed Learning

Teaching yourself using books, podcasts, or audiobooks, or by experimenting with the software on your own, can be a fast way to learn PowerPoint--but only if you create a dedicated time and space to do it. Self-directed learning can be challenging when you aren’t able to carve out time during your day because of work or personal obligations. Even sleep can be a barrier: if your plan is to experiment with presentation design after a long day at work or once your kids go to bed, you may find you’re too tired to even begin.

Another issue that can arise when teaching yourself is allowing your other commitments to take priority--which is a perfectly natural thing to do. After all, your work and family don’t stop requiring your attention just because you’re trying to gain a new skill. You’ll have to keep your goal in mind and work diligently toward it if you choose the self-directed route and want to learn PowerPoint quickly. 

Find a Class

Of course, the truly fastest way to learn PowerPoint is to enroll in a class. For most people, starting with a level one class will provide the grounding that’s needed; you can then move on to an advanced class if those additional skills will help you in your learning journey. An introductory class will cover such basics as adding text, images, shapes, and transitions.

If you’ve already begun tinkering with the program or have listened to a few podcasts, you may already understand the basics. If that’s the case, it’s worth looking at syllabi for a few level two or advanced PowerPoint classes, as you will need to make sure you meet the prerequisites. An advanced class will tend to cover the use of animation and video, ways of managing large presentations with custom shows and sections, as well as custom themes.

For students who want to achieve expert-level skills in a relatively short amount of time, a PowerPoint bootcamp will be the best bet. These classes combine levels one and two, and tend to be offered over the course of two or three days. You will want real-time instruction and direct feedback from the teacher--so opt for either an in-person or live online class. Some course providers will offer a bootcamp as a bundled course pack, which means that you’ll save money over taking the introductory and advanced classes independently of one another. 

Learn PowerPoint with Noble Desktop

Learning fast will do you no good if you don’t learn well. Noble Desktop offers PowerPoint courses at beginner and advanced levels, so you can find the right class for you. You can take a Noble Desktop class in person at their New York City campus or live online, and they offer one-off courses, intensive bootcamps, and certificate programs. 

Depending on your needs, PowerPoint Level I may be a good place to start. It’s a six-hour introduction to the fundamentals that covers everything from incorporating text and images to integrating charts and tables. You don’t need to be a complete beginner to start at level one, since the class is all about functionality and efficiency--meaning that even those with a background in PowerPoint will have plenty to learn.

If your focus is on the aesthetics of PowerPoint, you will want to try Noble Desktop’s PowerPoint Presentation Design class. The six-hour class is all about creating beautiful and professional presentations that tell a story, and the class focuses on live, project-based training. It’s also taught by industry experts--so you know you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 

If you’ve taught yourself the basics or have already taken an introductory class, PowerPoint Level II will be your best option. The six-hour intensive is offered on both workdays and weekend days, so you can be sure to find a time that fits your schedule. You’ll learn advanced topics like custom themes, managing larger presentations, and incorporating animation and video. This class will help you incorporate advanced skills and learn to be more efficient in your use of the software.

Noble Desktop's PowerPoint Bootcamp is a fast-moving two-day workshop that covers everything you need to start creating beautiful, effective presentations with PowerPoint--and to move swiftly from beginner-level to advanced. The bootcamp is designed to prepare you for using PowerPoint in a professional setting, with a rigorous syllabus that focuses on hands-on projects. Industry professionals will provide expert guidance and feedback over twelve hours of direct instruction in a small group setting. Along with direct instruction, you’ll gain access to a suite of customized videos and learning materials that can act as a refresher when you need one.