How to Create Your Presentation Using Excel

When we talk about Spreadsheets, we all think of the intersection of rows and columns. But, what we were really missing out on was that it can be used for making presentations on it. 

While PowerPoint has been the go-to platform for creating presentations, many of us ignore the powerful features of Microsoft Excel for this purpose. 

In this detailed article, let’s explore how to make a presentation using Excel to create engaging and dynamic presentations that captivate your audience.

1. Get a template online

The first step in creating a presentation using Excel is to find a template according to your choice. 

There are many websites that offer pre-designed templates specifically made for Excel presentations. These templates provide a starting point, which helps you in organizing your content effectively. 

Choose a template that aligns with the theme of your presentation to give it a professional and cohesive look. After choosing the customizable template, start adding the content in the placeholders like titles, subtitles, and content, streamlining the process and saving you valuable time.

2. Name your worksheets correctly

The second step in making a presentation using excel, is giving your worksheet an appropriate name. Make sure that each worksheet has a clear and descriptive name that reflects its content. This not only helps you in staying organized during the creation process but also makes navigation easy when presenting. 

A well-named worksheet is a roadmap for both you and your audience, ensuring a smooth flow from one section to another. Avoid generic names like “Sheet1” and opt for titles that convey the purpose or topic, enhancing the overall professionalism of your presentation.

3. Define your header/title

A compelling header or title is crucial for grabbing your audience’s attention. In Excel presentations, the header serves as the focal point, setting the tone for the entire document. 

Choose a font that aligns with the overall theme and ensure the title is clear, concise, and relevant to your topic. Experiment with font sizes and styles to find the perfect balance that makes your title stand out without overpowering the rest of the content. 

Remember, a well-crafted header not only informs but also entices your audience to delve into the presentation.

4. Dos and don’ts of fonts

• Font Type

Selecting the right font type is paramount in ensuring readability and visual appeal. Stick to professional and easily readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid overly decorative fonts that may distract or make the text difficult to comprehend. Consistency in font type contributes to a cohesive and polished presentation.

• Font size

Balancing font size is essential to maintain readability throughout your presentation. Use larger fonts for titles and headings, gradually scaling down for subheadings and body text. Ensure that even those at the back of the room can comfortably read the content. Consistent font sizing enhances visual harmony and professionalism.

• Font color

The color of your text can significantly impact the overall aesthetics of your presentation. Opt for contrasting colors to ensure text is easily distinguishable from the background. Maintain a consistent color scheme that aligns with your brand or theme. Avoid using too many colors, as it can lead to a cluttered and unprofessional look.

• Alignment

Consistent text alignment adds a sense of order to your presentation. Align titles, headings, and body text uniformly to create a visually pleasing layout. Excel provides options for left, right, center, and justified alignment. Experiment with different alignments to find the one that complements your content and enhances the overall flow of information.

5. Create space for breathing room

One common mistake in Excel presentations is overcrowding the slides with excessive information. To enhance readability and visual appeal, create sufficient breathing room around text and graphics. 

Adequate spacing improves focus, prevents visual clutter, and ensures that each element has room to shine. Use margins effectively, and don’t hesitate to leave empty space to guide your audience’s eyes to the most critical points. Remember, simplicity can be a powerful tool in delivering a clear and impactful message.

Learn More About Advance Excel Formulas And Functions

6. Add an Image

Visual elements, such as images, play a crucial role in engaging your audience. Excel allows you to seamlessly integrate images into your presentation, adding a dynamic and aesthetic dimension. Choose high-quality images that enhance your content and align with your message. 

Ensure that images are appropriately sized and positioned for optimal impact. Whether it’s a relevant graph, chart, or illustrative image, incorporating visuals into your Excel presentation can transform it from mundane to memorable.

7. Go off the grid 

Excel’s grid structure is excellent for data organization, but it can limit creativity in presentations. To break free from the grid, use text boxes, shapes, and other design elements to create a visually appealing layout. 

Experiment with layering, color gradients, and borders to add depth to your slides. Going off the grid allows you to customize the look of your presentation, making it more visually stimulating and tailored to your unique style.

8. Zebra stripes: Excel jungle law

Incorporate zebra striping to enhance the readability of tables and data sets while making your presentation using excel. Alternating row colors make it easier for your audience to follow information across rows, reducing the risk of data misinterpretation. 

Excel’s conditional formatting feature simplifies the process of adding zebra stripes, ensuring a polished and professional appearance. This subtle design element not only improves aesthetics but also facilitates a smoother comprehension of tabular data.

9. Use charts, tables, and graphs

Excel’s prowess in data visualization is a powerful tool for presentations. Convert your raw data into meaningful charts and graphs to engage your audience visually. From pie charts to bar graphs, Excel offers a range of options. Inserting a chart is as simple as selecting your data, navigating to the ‘Insert’ tab, and choosing the desired chart type.

Tables, on the other hand, are effective for presenting structured information. Excel makes it easy to create tables with the ‘Insert Table’ feature, allowing you to sort and filter data effortlessly.

10. Create cell styles

Excel’s cell styles allow you to customize the appearance of individual cells, further refining the visual appeal of your presentation. Experiment with different styles to highlight important data points, create emphasis, or maintain a consistent theme. 

Consistent cell styling contributes to a cohesive and polished look, showcasing attention to detail. Whether it’s bolding key figures, applying color-coded formatting, or utilizing other cell styling options, these subtle touches can elevate the professionalism of your presentation.

11. Show restraint

While Excel offers a myriad of design options, it’s crucial to exercise restraint to avoid overwhelming your audience. Stick to a cohesive color scheme, consistent fonts, and a balanced layout. 

Resist the temptation to overuse animations or flashy transitions that may distract from your message. A minimalist approach can be more impactful, ensuring that your content remains the focal point. Remember, the goal is to enhance, not overshadow, the information you’re presenting.

Final Verdict

Microsoft Excel can be a powerful ally in creating captivating presentations. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can harness the full potential of Excel’s formatting and visualization features. 

From selecting the right font to incorporating images and charts, each element plays a role in delivering a compelling message. Remember to maintain consistency in design, use white space wisely, and leverage Excel’s functionalities to enhance the overall visual appeal. 

With these strategies, you can turn a seemingly mundane spreadsheet tool into a dynamic platform for effective presentations. 

Excel’s versatility extends far beyond numbers – it’s time to unlock its potential for impactful storytelling. And if you wish to learn more about excel, check other excel and many more courses of Gyansetu to upskill yourself in the future-driven field.