| One of the biggest differences between a standard slide show using 35mm slides and a slide projector and a PowerPoint slide show has to do with the way you can transition from one slide to the next. Certainly, in PowerPoint you can have each slide simply appear, replacing the previous slide. But why? Even the most conservative presentation can benefit from subtle slide transitions to help the audience move smoothly from one topic to the next. You can apply a slide transition to a single slide or to an entire slide show. Usually I find it best to select a transition I like, apply it to all slides for consistency, and then change individual slide transitions only when absolutely necessary. To add or change a slide transition, follow these steps: Go to the slide where you intend to add a transition. Choose Slide Show, Slide Transition or right-click the slide and then choose Slide Transition. PowerPoint displays the Slide Transition task pane (see Figure 11.3). Figure 11.3. You use the Slide Transition task pane to add or change slide transitions.  From the list, select any of the many options from No Transition to Random Transition. Each time you click a transition, PowerPoint previews the effect on the currently selected slide. Modify the transition by changing its speed (fast, medium, or slow). Add a sound effect (you'll learn more about this later). Specify how you want the slide to advance: On Mouse Click This is the default option, and it means that you have to do something to make the slide advance (for example, click the mouse, press the spacebar). Automatically After Selecting this box means that you can specify exactly how long the slide remains before moving to the next slide. This helps you time a self-running show or pace yourself should you get too long-winded.
If you leave both of these boxes checked, you can advance the slide before time's up. But if you uncheck the On Mouse Click box, you have to wait the full amount of time. If you want to apply the transition, speed, sound, and timing that you have selected to the entire slide show, click Apply to All Slides.
Slide transitions can add just the right touch of professionalism to a slide presentation. However, watch out for the following, especially in a live presentation as opposed to a self-running show: Transition speed should not be so slow that you find yourself waiting for the slide to advance. Using sound effects on slide transitions generally is not a good idea. Once in a while, for special impact, a sound effect might be appropriate. Try to avoid using the Random Transition option. You will find yourself wondering what kind of transition will take place next. You don't need this kind of distraction, and if it bothers you, you can be sure it also bothers your audience.
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