PowerPoint is the most widely used presentation software and almost everyone uses it when giving a presentation. It is user-friendly because you only need to put it on a single USB drive or flash drive, and you are ready to present anywhere. You can create a design that can be used for anything, not just in presentations, and it will look great.

However, it cannot be denied that you may encounter difficulties when attempting to use this software. In this article, you will be introduced to some common problems using PowerPoint.

What Are Some Common Problems In Using PowerPoint?

1. NahimicOSD Application is outdated

The outdated NahimicOSD is one of the most common reasons PowerPoint keeps crashing when users use it. This is a PC audio drive application that can improve your audio experience. You don't want this to happen; a crashing PowerPoint application will never allow you to prepare and rehearse for your presentation. Download and install the latest NahimicOSD driver from the Microsoft Store to prevent it from crashing. 

2. File cannot be located

After saving your File for a good PowerPoint presentation, you may run into the problem of being unable to locate the File. As a result, you can't open it or move it to another drive. This can be caused by either your filename being incorrect or you saved it in a different folder. It will be burdensome for you if you have to look for it minutes before your presentation.

The solution is simple: open the File menu, and you'll see the most recent files you've worked on; if you see the File you're looking for, transfer it to your folder. If this doesn't work, click File in the upper left corner, Open, and Recent Places.

This will display the most recently used apps. If you still can't find your File, the last resort is to type its name into the search bar. This may take a little longer if your PC has a lot of files, but rest assured that it will scan all of your files.

3. PowerPoint crashes when you use media

Another common error that users encounter is that PowerPoint crashes when they use media such as video or images. This is due to an outdated Intel; if you have 510, 520, or 620 Intel graphics installed on your PC. The best solution here is to install the most recent Intel graphics so that you can use media on your slides.

4. Cannot use SmartArt designs

When you try to add a SmartArt diagram to your slides, something appears to be missing. Worse, PowerPoint will occasionally crash. This could be due to corrupted PowerPoint software installed on your computer. Some critical software files may have been deleted.

The best solution for this is to install the most latest Office from Microsoft so that you have all of the necessary PowerPoint files. You can now freely insert SmartArt designs if the files are not corrupted.

5. When accessing files in OneDrive, Office Apps crash

OneDrive is software that you can download and save your important files. When you try to open Office applications via OneDrive, they will occasionally crash. This is common in PowerPoint and Excel, Outlook, and Word, especially on a Windows 7 PC. This is because of an out-of-date version of the OneDrive software.

The best solution is to install the latest version.  This should resolve the problem.

What we should keep in mind when making a PowerPoint presentation?

PowerPoint presentations are designed with the primary goal of informing the audience where you are in the presentation. It is a tool that allows you to present information clearly and comprehensively. When you make a PowerPoint for your presentation, it is important to do it properly. Otherwise, your entire presentation will be unpleasant to the audience. Here are some things to consider when creating a PowerPoint presentation.

1. Make an outline first  

Before you make a stunning presentation that will hold the entire audience's attention, you should first create an outline in Microsoft Word or Notepad. Doing this on a plain document allows you to concentrate more without being distracted by the PowerPoint's captivating backgrounds.

Simply copy and paste it into your PowerPoint presentation when you're finished, then edit your design. Remember that you are not there to impress the audience with your designs, but you are there to present your ideas.

2. Your text should be readable

The background, font sizes, and color scheme all play a role in the game. They should be suitable with one another so that your audience will have no trouble reading the content of your PowerPoint presentation. When speaking alone will not suffice; an effective PowerPoint presentation proves invaluable. If your PowerPoint is difficult to read, your audience will not understand you.

3. Limit the number of your slides

If you have too many slides, it is not only a burden on your part but also on the audience. You will most likely lose the audience's attention if they become bored or overwhelmed. Give them a powerful presentation that will make them excited with every slide flip!

A good presentation is determined not by the number of slides used but by how you use your physical presence to communicate your substantive ideas to the audience.

4. Use builds only when necessary

Builds are a popular tool in PowerPoint; they allow you to have text appear every time you click the mouse. Use builds in your PowerPoint presentation. It will be more enjoyable, but keep in mind that it will slow down your presentation.

It is highly suggested that you use only when absolutely necessary to make a point. Excessive use of builds will take time, and you will not be able to complete it in the time allotted for the presentation. 

5. Use capitalization of letters appropriately

When creating a PowerPoint presentation, you should also be mindful of text capitalization. It should not be all lowercase or uppercase. Use caution when using company and person names. You will appear unprepared if you use all lower case. If you use all uppercase letters, your audience will think you're yelling at them.

6. Use only one template

One of the most important factors is consistency. When you use a template, you should stick with it until the end of your presentation. Your presentation will look more professional, and your credibility will increase significantly. All elements, including fonts, color, bullet text, and images, should be consistent.

What Makes A Bad PowerPoint?

Now that you know what we should keep in mind when making a PowerPoint presentation, let's discuss what makes a bad PowerPoint. PowerPoint is a popular software, and it is undoubtedly user-friendly. For this reason, users will tend to be carried away about how much PowerPoint can do. As a result, their whole presentations can sometimes turn bad.

In this section, you will learn what you should avoid when making a PowerPoint presentation. 

1. Excessive use of sound and transition effects

It will be unappealing to your audience if the unnecessary effects of PowerPoint take precedence over the content of your entire presentation. They are, indeed, entertaining, but they can also distract the audience from listening to the presentation. Moreover, like builds, these effects can radically slow down your presentation. As a result, your message is no longer understood by the audience.

2. Inappropriate Template

Consider a business presentation where the presenter uses an online template displaying cartoon characters with lots of sound effects.  Because of your lack of professionalism, the entire presentation will be negatively affected. A normally prudent person would select the appropriate PowerPoint presentation template. Otherwise, you will lose credibility as a presenter; the audience will believe you are joking around.

3. Long sentences

When you use long sentences in your PowerPoint presentation, even if you are not explicitly reading them, your audience will believe you are. Your entire presentation will be ruined.

When preparing a presentation, you should break up your sentences and only use keywords. Your audience should be able to focus on you without being distracted by how long your PowerPoint presentation requires them to read.

4. No transition effects at all

We've already mentioned that using too many effects can ruin the presentation. Still, it's also a bad sign if you don't use any. Limiting the use of effects is not tantamount to not using them at all. Transition effects can be used consistently and professionally. The audience will become bored or underwhelmed if no transitions are used. It is recommended to use hard transitions. 

5. Lots of errors are noticeable

When you prepare a PowerPoint presentation, you must go over it thoroughly. Before you can say you're ready to present, you should double-check your spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization, spacing, etc. When you're in front of an audience, there's no turning back; you can't pause for a moment to correct what needs to be corrected. If this is the case, you will appear unprepared to your audience.

These are the most common issues, things to remember and avoid when creating a PowerPoint presentation. Remember that visual presentations are just as important as speaking in front of an audience. Thus, you should carefully prepare your PowerPoint presentation, just as you would when speaking.

Powerpoint Alternatives

Aside from PowerPoint, you can also use online software to create a visually stunning presentation. If you want to give them a shot, some PowerPoint alternatives to consider.

1. Google Slides

Google Slides is the most popular PowerPoint alternative; you can access it by clicking the three dots in the upper right corner of Google Chrome. Log in to your Google account, and you're all set. It can provide a variety of designs and is user-friendly for everyone.

2. Canva

Canva is known for editing images and creating infographics. But do you know it can also allow you to create presentations as a PowerPoint alternative? With hundreds of unique layouts and different designs, you can create a suitable presentation for your topic. You can add images and icons conveniently, and you will be surprised by how incredible your presentation would be!

3. Visme

Visme can transform your usual way of making PowerPoint presentations. It is one of the alternatives you can utilize to create an engaging presentation. You can enjoy 3-15 different slides with over 100 extraordinary templates! Visme allows you to select an appropriate theme from over 900+ designs.

4. Snagit

Snagit is an online tool that you can edit your images, take screenshots, and record your screen. This software is perfect if you give a lecture, feedback, documentation, or show how to do something. If you cannot present live, why not give your audience a stunning recorded presentation? 

5. Camtasia

Camtasia is similar to Snagit in that it is used to record your PC's screen and can also be used as video editing software. This software is available for both Windows and Mac, and they are simple, quick, and reasonably priced to use. Camtasia is ideal for recording your presentation because the audience can view it on any device!

Conclusion

We hope this article was helpful in providing common problems in Powerpoint along with things to keep in mind for your next presentation.

For more resources to develop your public speaking skills while you are in the comforts of your own home, please check out the article ‘Online Resources for Public Speaking‘. If you would like to leverage the best presentation software for your next big speaking engagement please read the article 'Best Presentation Technology tools'.