Powerpoint: How to create multiple templates for bigger presentations

This page shows you how to make powerpoint less linear:

• How to create and use multiple templates
• How to create hyperlinkes in templates
• How to use embedded objects (screencast)

For bigger presentations, navigation becomes more important.  It is quite common to use an agenda slide and then repeat it in front of each section.  If you need to change something on an agenda slide, you might have to make changes in multiple places -- unless you have used an agenda slide master (a.k.a. "template").  If that is the case, you can just change the template, and save yourself a lot of boring, redundant work.  (Read more about multiple slide masters).

I just created a screen-cast (in Norwegian) and a Presentation which shows you how to create multiple templates in PowerPoint.   It also shows you how to use hyperlinking in the template.  This makes it possible to jump from one Agenda slide to another.  Say you are doing the following investor presentation:

1. Introduction
2. Market Dynamics
3. Company Overview
4. Deal Summary

Let's say that once you've done the introduction, one of the participants asks you to go directly to section four.  No problem -- you just go to one of the Agenda sections and click on the section you want to go to.  Bang, you're there. 

Another benefit of multipe templates is that if you make a change to one of the templates, the change will appear in every place where that template is being applied.  This means that if you need to change "Introduction" to "Exectutive Summary", you only need to do it one place. 

Here is a demonstration of how it works if you've done it correctly. 

To read more about multiple templates, google "multiple masters Powerpoint".

Please let me know if you have any questions or requests for improvements.  I will post responses on this page.  Best.  

The tips showed here are a few of the tips I teach as part of the JazzMethod Class, a class which also covers the Barbara Minto Pyramid Principle and Performance Arts techniques I learned as a musician. 

Here's a screencast (in English) showing how you can use embedded objects: