"Enhance Your PowerPoint SkillsCreating and Customizing Tables and Charts"
Objective:
By the end of this class, students will learn how to insert and edit tables and charts in PowerPoint. They will understand how to format tables, insert various types of charts, and customize chart data and styles.
1. Creating and Formatting Tables
Tables are an excellent way to organize and present data in a structured format. PowerPoint allows you to create and customize tables to suit your presentation needs.
Steps to Insert a Table:
- Select the Slide: Go to the slide where you want to add a table.
- Insert Table:
- Go to the Insert tab in the Ribbon.
- Click on Table.
- Choose the number of rows and columns you need by dragging your mouse across the grid or by selecting Insert Table and entering the number manually.
- Add Data:
- Click inside each cell to add text or numbers.
Formatting Tables:
PowerPoint offers various table formatting options to make your tables look professional and visually appealing.
Table Design Options:
- Go to the Table Design tab to access formatting tools.
- Choose a Table Style from the available presets, which include various color schemes and styles.
Customizing Borders and Shading:
- In the Table Design tab, use the Borders option to modify the table's border styles.
- The Shading option allows you to change the background color of cells for better emphasis and readability.
Adjusting Row and Column Size:
- Click and drag the edges of rows or columns to resize them.
- You can also go to Layout under Table Tools to input specific dimensions for rows and columns.
2. Inserting Charts
Charts help to visually represent data, making it easier to analyze and communicate trends. PowerPoint supports various chart types like bar, pie, line, and more.
Steps to Insert a Chart:
- Choose the Slide: Select the slide where you want to add a chart.
- Insert Chart:
- Go to the Insert tab and select Chart.
- A dialog box with different chart types will appear (e.g., Bar, Pie, Line, Column).
- Select the chart type that best represents your data and click OK.
- Input Chart Data:
- Once you insert the chart, an Excel sheet will open for data input.
- Enter your data in the Excel sheet, and the chart will automatically update in PowerPoint.
Types of Charts:
- Bar Charts: Useful for comparing quantities among categories.
- Pie Charts: Best for showing parts of a whole.
- Line Charts: Ideal for showing trends over time.
3. Editing Chart Data and Customizing Chart Styles
After inserting a chart, you can edit its data and customize its appearance to match the presentation's overall style.
Editing Chart Data:
- Click on the chart to reveal the Chart Tools.
- Select Chart Design > Edit Data to reopen the Excel sheet and update the chart data.
Customizing Chart Styles:
- Chart Design Tab:
- Use the Chart Styles gallery to quickly change the chart's color and style.
- Quick Layouts provide preset arrangements for chart elements like titles, data labels, and legends.
- Format Chart Elements:
- Right-click on any chart element (e.g., bars, slices, lines) and choose Format Data Series for more customization options.
- You can adjust colors, borders, and effects like shadows and gradients.
Lab Task
Objective: To practice inserting and editing tables and charts.
Create a Presentation with two slides:
- Slide 1: Insert a table displaying your weekly schedule (days of the week and activities).
- Slide 2: Insert a chart showing your preferred activities as a bar or pie chart.
Steps:
- Table: Format it to include borders, shading, and an appropriate color scheme.
- Chart: Customize the chart style to match the presentation’s theme. Adjust the data labels, colors, and chart title.
Expected Outcome:
Students will develop a presentation that demonstrates their understanding of creating and customizing tables and charts. They should be able to explain why they chose a particular chart type and how it effectively represents their data.
