Exploring the JDS Linux Desktop

StarImpress Basics

Experienced PowerPoint users can get quite far on their existing knowledge. If you are new to presentation software, the basics covered below should be enough to get you started.

Tips for Presentation

These elementary principles should help you make a clear, strong impression:

• Public speaking, even in small informal settings, is an art that (like writing) takes years to master. With presentation software handy, it’s tempting to let the computer do the talking. However, if we merely read from cluttered slides or compete with the dense, projected content on the screen, we may never get our key points across.

• Don’t abuse the pulpit. Stick to the fundamentals to win an audience and make a strong impression.

• Keep slides simple and uncluttered: one to three items per slide. Organize your thoughts carefully and group sub-topics under larger topics.

• Use the information on the screen to complement the physical presentation. You’re the information!

• Use color-coding or symbols sparingly, for cognitive efficiency.

• A crisp background theme in subtle hues projects your brand, with feeling.

Remember, the audience wants you to succeed—at first.

Creating a Presentation from Scratch with Autopilot

To launch StarImpress, click on StarOffice 7 in the Launch menu. If you are creating a new presentation, you don’t have to suffer the panic that normally arises from staring at a blank screen. In the Templates and Documents dialog box, click on the New Document icon in the left pane. Then, in ...