How to make a non-linear presentation in PowerPoint using the Zoom feature

Main: Design better presentations
Written By Dr. Echo Rivera

This is the blog post version of my YouTube video. I recommend you watch the video so you can see 2 examples of non-linear presentation elements made using PowerPoint.

For example, in the video, I show you how to create a clickable Table of Contents slide like this …

 
Presentation slide on climate change impact
 

You should be interacting with your audience in every presentation, and what better way than to let them “choose their own adventure?”

Yup, that’s right: I’m talking about having a non-linear presentation using PowerPoint. Like I talk about in my slide software comparison video/blog, Prezi isn’t the only app that lets you create a non-linear presentation.

Not only is it possible, but it’s actually really easy to set up. If you are an academic, scientist, researcher, evaluator (or similar professional) and want to add some more engagement to your presentations in a professional-yet-creative way, then this tutorial is for you.

Just in case you aren’t sure what I mean by linear vs non-linear presentation: A linear presentation is what you’re used to making. You show slide after slide, and when you present them you go in the order you created them. A non-linear presentation, in contrast, is one where you can easily skip around your slide deck while presenting it (without having to exit presenter mode and scroll around).

You can use non-linear elements for your course lectures, conference presentations, training workshops, and more.

 
PowerPoint slide on benefits of non-linear presentations
 

Your entire presentation can be non-linear or you can have just one part of your presentation be non-linear. I guess you’d call the latter a hybrid approach, and that’s how I personally do it. If you watch the video, you’ll see me demonstrate how I create a non-linear section for my data visualization training workshop.

 
PowerPoint slide on how to create a non-linear presentation
 

How to make a non-linear presentation in PowerPoint

It’s actually super easy (watch the video for a walkthrough):

  1. Create sections in your presentation for each chunk of slides that will be part of the non-linear presentation.

  2. Create a new slide that will work as your “table of contents”.

  3. Insert > Zoom > Section Zoom.

  4. Click on the sections to include, then click insert.

  5. Arrange the thumbnails however you want.

  6. Click on one of the thumbnails > click on the Zoom tab > UNCHECK “zoom transition” (that will make people nauseous!).

  7. REPEAT #6 for all thumbnails.

Did you find this post on how to make a non-linear presentation helpful? Be sure to check out my free training!

 
Visual presentation free training slide example
 
Dr. Echo Rivera

I want to help you turn your PhD into Profit with presentations.

You want to persuade the world to believe in your ideas?

Let’s work together to make you a highly-paid, fully-booked keynote speaker and get you that that TED talk.

You want to train people to be better at something?

Let’s work together to make your workshops or online courses sell out fast, get fully-booked, and sell themselves.

You want to be an author?

Let’s work together to showcase you’re a trusted expert so you get that book deal, and then — of course — sell that book by going on a book tour.

You want to shine in your career as an academic, researcher, or evaluator?

Let’s work together so you can build up your skillset and reputation as an accessible, inclusive visual communicator.

——————————————————————-

There are 3 ways we can work together:

——————————————————————-

  1. Profitable PhD: The Masterclass (Professional Development)

  2. Profitable PhD: 1-and-1 training and coaching

  3. Profitable PhD: Done for you (slide design)

Previous

How to give a successful job talk or teaching demo lesson
Next

Best Presentation Software for Academics, Scientists, and Educator Professionals in 2021