Are you still using PowerPoint for presentations? If so, you know how dreadful they are. And, you’re aware of how little those dull slides do to engage your audience.
Not anymore. Luckily, there’s a great way to liven up your PowerPoint presentations: by embedding a video in them. Embedding a video is no rocket science. You can do that easily to drum up interest in your presentation. If you’re curious to know how – keep reading!
This article will explain two easy ways to embed video into PowerPoint presentations. But first, what role does video play in a presentation?
Why Video Presentations?
Viewers understand and retain a message better when it is conveyed via a video rather than text or images. Even though, only a few utilize video in business presentations. Embedding videos in your business presentations present a good opportunity to make them more engaging than usual.
For instance, when presenting an idea, product, or service, videos will help generate more traffic to your website or presentation. Video is a compelling marketing tactic that makes your presentations less boring. Say goodbye to dull slides by adding relevant videos to captivate your audience in real-time!
Other than that, embedded videos serve various roles including:
Introduction:
Videos help your viewers understand what your presentation is all about. Moreover, with videos, you elaborate and present an overview of your product/service or idea.
Education:
When you wish to show how a particular product or service works, the video serves as the best medium. For instance, you may show tutorials, how-to’s, explain processes, and much more.
Entertainment:
Without a doubt, videos are much more entertaining. Also, they are 95% more effective than text and images. As a result, inserting video into your PowerPoint presentation adds an element of pleasure and distraction.
Engagement:
If you want your viewers to stick around till the end of your presentation, you must include interesting elements such as videos. Video content engages users of all ages and backgrounds.
Relaxation:
Sometimes you need a pause from all the information, text, and figures. That’s when a video comes in handy. This gives both viewers and presenters a chance to relax before the next informational block.
In a nutshell, placing a video in PowerPoint slideshows instantly makes it appealing and less boring. And the best part, viewers as well presenters get a break. Viewers may use that time to ease their minds. Whereas, presenters may quickly arrange the next slide.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Embed a Video in PowerPoint
Now that you know the many reasons why you should add a video to your PowerPoint presentation, why not get started right away? So, if you need to spruce up your next task, here’s a step-by-step guide. It includes two different yet simple ways how to embed a video in a PowerPoint presentation. These are:
- Embedding a video from a file.
- Embedding a video from a link.
Let’s begin.
Embedding a Video in PowerPoint Presentation from a File
First, let’s look at how to insert a video from a file in PowerPoint. Here’s how you do it:
- Click on the slide where you want to place the video.
- Next, go to the insert tab in PowerPoint and then video.
- Now from the dropdown menu, click on Movie browser.
- Look for the video you want to add and press “Insert”.
- Adjust the settings from the toolbar to ensure the video plays correctly. If you want it to play in the center as soon as you reach the slide, click on “Start Automatically” and “Play Fullscreen”.
- Finally, preview your presentation beforehand to ensure you’ve placed the video right.
Embedding a Video in PowerPoint Presentation from a Link
What if you want to insert a video without actually downloading it? You can do that by embedding a YouTube video in PowerPoint. And, not just a YouTube video, instead, this way you can add any video you like from a link.
For example, you can enter the URL to any video on YouTube, SlideShare, Vimeo, or Stream. However, for this to work out, you’ll need internet access during the presentation. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the video you want to include.
- Take note of the video’s URL.
- Return to PowerPoint and locate the slide on which you want to place the video.
- Navigate to the Insert tab and click on the arrow next to the Video icon.
- Select Online Video from the dropdown menu.
- Copy the link and press the Insert button.
- Click the Play button to see if the video was successfully added.
Lastly, you may customize the videos size and also make the necessary adjustments to deliver your presentation like a pro.
However, keep in mind this doesn’t imply that inserting a video is all that is required to make a presentation look great. Rather, you must also work on personalizing each slide and including the right videos!
Final Thoughts
Embedding video is a unique, informative, and engaging way to elevate your presentation and increase interest in your product or service. Liven up your presentations by crafting a PowerPoint masterpiece, all by embedding the appropriate videos.
Convinced enough to add videos to spice up your next presentation? Start experimenting today!
