Expand one slide into two:
If your text doesn't fit well on one slide, split it into two slides. Click at the end of the last item you want on the first slide and press the "Enter" key. On the Outline toolbar, click Promote until a New Slide icon appears. Type a title for the new slide.

Use the Slide Master for Consistency:
Start with the Slide Master (View-Master-Slide Master) to set up the layout for your slides. You can create a consistent look throughout your presentation by picking default fonts, sizes and images.

Use a Font with a Larger X-Height:
To make text easier to read without using a larger size, switch to a font with a larger X-height. Arial and Verdana have larger heights, but Garamond has a smaller height. Larger X-heights are easier to read.

Make your PPT Background Work with your Room Lighting:
Although lighter text on a dark background looks best in a darker classroom, in a well lit room it will tend to look faded. You may want to try darker text on a light background to help your students see your lecture.

Make Real Shadows:
Placing shadow on objects or pictures adds depth to your presentation. Select the object, click Shadow Style on the Draw toolbar, then choose Shadow Settings. Here you can change the the color and nudge the shadow any direction to make it look deeper.

Record a Narration to Practice your Delivery:
It is tough to know how you sound without an audience, so one way to practice your presentation is to record your lecture. Attach a microphone to your computer and choose (Slide Show-Record Narration) Click "OK" to accept the default settings. Narrate your speech and click "Yes" to save the timing. Now you can listen to your own presentation.

Create a Slide List:
Display the Outline pane. Press ALT + SHIFT + 1 to collapse the entire outline and only show slide titles. Choose (File-Print). From the "Print What" drop-down list, choose "Outline View". Click "OK".

Use a Lightened Photo as a Background:
To make a light photo open the slide master and choose (Insert-Picture-From File). Make the picture fit the entire slide. Choose "Draw" on the Draw toolbar, then select "Order", then "Send to Back". From the Picture toolbar, choose "Color", then "Washout". Dark text will now show over the picture for a neat effect.

Nudge Objects:
To move an object just a little, select it and use the arrow key. For even more control, press the CTRL as you press an arrow key. This moves the object in increments of .02 inches. For manual control, press the ALT key as you drag the object.

Create Your Own Template:
When your presentation is perfect you can use it over again by saving it as a template. Choose (File-Save As). Select Design Template (.pot) from the "Save as Type" drop down list. You can use this template for all your future PowerPoints.

Find Free Photos in the Public Domain:
The National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration and many other have enormous libraries of photographs. Check it out at http://www.photolib.noaa.gov

Stretch Out your Bar Charts:
If you want to make your charts easier to view, then you may want to stretch the bars themselves. Double-click on the chart, then double-click on the bars to select them all. In the Format Data Series dialog box, click the Options tab and reduce the Gap Width.

Use 3-D to make Objects Stand Out:
Insert any autoshape and choose one of the options on the 3-D button of the Draw toolbar. Use the 3-D Settings toolbar to adjust the look of your autoshape.

Remove Icons From Your Slides:
If you insert a sound, PowerPoint places a sound icon on the slide. If you choose to play the sound automatically, you won't need the icon. Drag it off the slide to the gray area and it won't show up in the presentation.

Add Slide Numbers:
Slide numbers are helpful when creating presentation as well as presenting. Display the slide master and choose (View- Header and Footer) to open the dialog box. Check "Slide Number" and click "Apply to All".

Black or White Out a Screen:
If you want to stop the presentation for discussion or a break, press the "B" key to black out the screen. To white out the screen press the "W" key. To resume your presentation press the "B" or "W" key again to continue.