Writing Guide

Step 1: Launch the PowerPoint program

You can launch the PowerPoint program by clicking on All Programs, then Microsoft Office, and finally PowerPoint.  If you are using a Mac computer, click here. 

Step 2: Choose a design

After you have launched (opened) PowerPoint, you're ready to choose the design for your slides.  Click on the Design tab (red arrow below) to see the designs that are available and click on one that you like. You can also find additional designs online.

Step 3: Create the title page slide

PowerPoint is very intuitive to use.  It will 'tell' you how to do things, so don't be afraid to click, explore, and try new things.  To create a title page slide, just click on the big slide where it tells you to (red arrow below).  The 'Click to add title' will disappear as your typed letters fill the space.  Creating the rest of the slides in your presentation is much the same process.

Step 4: Add more slides

Now you're ready to add more slides to your presentation.  Simply find 'New Slide' in the toolbar (red arrow below) and click on it.  Another way to add a slide is to move your mouse over an existing slide and right click. This will pull up several options for you, including add slide, duplicate slide, delete slide, and so on.  Remember to experiment!

Step 5: Add charts, pictures, graphs, etc.

Charts, pictures, and graphs bring your presentation another level of interest and credibility.  Hover your mouse over the text box and click on the icon of the chart, picture, graph, etc. you wish to add (red arrow below). Remember, even in a PowerPoint, you need to use APA to properly cite your sources.

You can add speaker notes to your PowerPoint slides so that you can refer to them while giving your presentation. Many assignments at Rasmussen University require the use of speaker notes, and this is great practice for presentations you may do out in your chosen field. Visit the Microsoft Office website for step by step instructions on how to add speaker notes to your slides.

Step 6: APA citations and references

Using APA to properly cite your sources in a PowerPoint presentation is just as important as it is for a research paper.  Here's information about citation and reference format for a PowerPoint.

Step 7: Review and edit

• Double check that the assignment's required elements (bulleted from earlier) are all in your paper.
• Use the Rubric in the box below to self-assess your assignment.
  • This is the same rubric the Writing Lab staff will use as a guideline for your written work.  Use the rubric to 'score' your own paper.  You'll see helpful resources right there for you to make any changes before you submit it to the Writing Lab.  See the bottom box for complete information about the Rubric and how to use it. 
• You're almost finished!  Now that you're getting close to finishing your paper, you can choose to have someone else provide feedback on it before you submit it to your instructor.
  • Submit it to the Writing Lab for review. Follow the these user-friendly instructions. Feedback will be provided to you within 24-48 hours.  The feedback will be based on this rubric and will also provide specific next steps based on what is needed to improve the paper.
• Submit your finished paper to the instructor using the drop box.
  • Click on the Attachments button. A new "Attachments" window will open.
  • Click on the Browse button. A new window will open, directing you to locate the assignment on your computer.
  • When you have located the assignment file on your computer, select it and click the Open button in the window. The filename will then appear in the File to Upload field.
  • Type the title of your assignment in the Title box. The title should be your first initial and last name (i.e. JDoe.doc).
  • Leave the File Type drop-down box set to Auto-detect .
  • Click the Upload File button.
  • A message will appear stating that your file upload was successful. Click the OK button.
  • A new screen will appear showing your attached assignment and the date and time submitted.
• Review the instructor's feedback after grading.  You will see your writing improve over time.

None at this time.