When you add a video to a PowerPoint presentation there are a couple of important things you need to think about. Firstly how is the presentation being viewed. If there is a facilitator you can use video to encourage discussion and debate. If the presentation will be viewed remotely or online then it needs to be complete - in other words, like the presentation, it should be understood without the need for someone to explain it.

1. When we add video to a PowerPoint presentation
there are many different things we need to consider.
Most of these are related to two core questions:
1. How is the presentation being given?
2. What equipment does the audience need?

2. If we think about how the presentation is being
given first.
The sort of thing that matters is if the video is part
of a presentation in a session facilitated by
someone in the room.
If the answer to the question is ‘yes’, then the next
question is why are you using the video?

3. There are many different reasons for adding video to
a facilitated presentation:
• Illustrating an important point;
• Demonstrating something;
• Sharing latest news.

4. Whatever the reason, video can be used by the
presenter as a way of encouraging discussion
and debate amongst people in the room.

5. If, on the other hand, the presentation will be
viewed online, then any video’s included in it must
follow the same rule as the overall presentation.
The video must have a clear message that
doesn’t need additional explanation.

6. Our second core question is what equipment people
might need.
Knowing the answer to this will indicate whether
your presentation needs to be text based – like this
one – or, if you can use images to illustrate your
points instead.

7. Without speakers to listen I can’t create a voice-over
explaining the context of the video.
Therefore, the video is designed to be read at a
comfortable speed.

8. If speakers are available, you can use a wide
variety of tools to illustrate your points.
You can add a voice-over that explains to the
viewer what they are seeing.