Wrapping up a PowerPoint presentation on the last slide is key to leaving a lasting impression on your audience. It’s easy to do, and in just a quick minute, I’ll tell you how. Essentially, you want your final slide to signal the end of your presentation, either with a ‘Thank You’ or ‘Questions?’ slide. This tells your audience that you’ve concluded and are ready for any questions or discussions.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to End PowerPoint on Last Slide
Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand why it’s important to end your PowerPoint presentation on the last slide properly. It helps in maintaining the flow of your presentation and ensures that your audience is not left hanging, wondering if there’s more to come. Now, let’s get into the steps.
Step 1: Create a ‘Thank You’ or ‘Questions?’ Slide
Add a new slide at the end of your presentation that says ‘Thank You’ or ‘Questions?’.
This slide serves as a clear indicator that your presentation is over and opens the floor for any questions your audience might have. It’s a polite way to end your talk and ensures that your presentation ends on a high note.
Step 2: Adjust the Slide Transition Settings
Go to the ‘Transitions’ tab and uncheck the ‘On Mouse Click’ option.
By doing this, you ensure that the presentation will not advance to another slide or loop back to the beginning after the last slide. It remains on the last slide until you decide to close the presentation manually.
Step 3: Rehearse Your Ending
Practice how you will transition from your last point to your final slide.
A smooth transition is critical to avoiding an abrupt end to your presentation. Rehearse how you’ll segue into your final slide to ensure a polished and professional finish.
After completing these steps, your PowerPoint presentation will smoothly conclude on the last slide. Your audience will know that the presentation is over and will be ready to engage with you through questions or discussions.
Tips for Ending PowerPoint on Last Slide
- Make your ending slide visually different from the rest of your presentation to signify the conclusion.
- Keep the ending slide simple, with minimal text to avoid distracting from your closing remarks.
- Consider adding a call-to-action on your last slide if you want your audience to do something after your presentation.
- Use consistent branding or themes on your final slide to maintain a professional appearance.
- Practice your entire presentation, including the ending, to ensure a seamless flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be on the last slide of a PowerPoint presentation?
The last slide should typically contain a ‘Thank You’ or ‘Questions?’ message, indicating that the presentation has concluded and that you’re open to taking questions.
Is it necessary to have a ‘Thank You’ slide in PowerPoint presentations?
While it’s not mandatory, it’s a common courtesy to include a ‘Thank You’ slide. It shows appreciation for your audience’s time and attention.
Can I end my presentation without a ‘Thank You’ or ‘Questions?’ slide?
Yes, you can. However, these slides serve as a non-verbal cue that the presentation has ended and can prompt audience interaction.
How can I prevent my PowerPoint from looping back to the first slide?
Adjust the slide transition settings by unchecking the ‘On Mouse Click’ option, preventing the presentation from advancing past the last slide.
What if I want to go back to a previous slide after ending on the last slide?
You can manually navigate back to any slide using the arrow keys or slide sorter view. Just make sure to do so smoothly to maintain a professional demeanor.
Summary
- Create a ‘Thank You’ or ‘Questions?’ Slide.
- Adjust the Slide Transition Settings.
- Rehearse Your Ending.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ending your PowerPoint presentation on the last slide is all about clarity and courtesy. It’s about signaling to your audience that you’re wrapping up and inviting them to engage further, should they wish to. Remember, the final slide is not just a marker of the end, but a chance to leave a lasting impression. So, make it count – be it through a heartfelt ‘Thank You’, an open call for questions, or even a memorable quote. Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to end PowerPoint on the last slide, go forth and conquer your next presentation with the confidence of a pro. Happy presenting!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.