PowerPoint® 2007 Bible

Chapter 16. Adding Sound Effects, Music, and Soundtracks

IN THIS CHAPTER

When are sounds appropriate?

Sound file formats

Where to find sounds

Inserting a sound file as an icon

Fine-tuning sound play settings

Assigning a sound to an object

Adding a CD audio soundtrack

Using the advanced timeline to fine-tune sound events

Recording sounds

Whether it's a simple sound effect or a complete musical soundtrack, sounds in a PowerPoint presentation can make a big difference in the audiences perception of your message. In this chapter, you will learn when and how to use sounds, how to place them in the presentation, and how to manage their playback.

When Are Sounds Appropriate?

Sounds should serve the purpose of the presentation; you should never use them simply because you can. If you add a lot of sounds purely for the fun of it, then your audience may lose respect for the seriousness of your message. That being said, there are many legitimate reasons to use sounds in a presentation. Just make sure that you are clear on what your reasons are before you start working with them. Here are some ideas:

• You can assign a recognizable sound, such as a beep or a bell, to each slide, so that when your audience hears the sound, they know to look up and read the new slide.

• You can record a short voice-over message from a CEO or some other important person who could not be there in person.

• You can punctuate important points with sounds, or use sounds to add occasional humorous touches.

However, if you are trying to ...