Ending Powerpoint Presentations: How to End on Last Slide

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Michael Collins

Ending a PowerPoint presentation on the last slide can be a smooth and professional way to conclude your presentation. This quick overview will help you understand how to achieve this in just a few simple steps. By the end, your PowerPoint will end precisely where you want it to – on that impactful final slide.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to End PowerPoint on Last Slide

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. Ending on the last slide makes for a clean finish, avoiding the awkward black screen or desktop view that can sometimes follow a presentation.

Step 1: Set Up Slide Show

Go to the ‘Slide Show’ tab in PowerPoint and click on ‘Set Up Slide Show’.

Setting up your slide show correctly is vital. It’s in this section that you can manage how your presentation plays out.

Step 2: Choose ‘Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)’

In the ‘Set Up Show’ options, select the ‘Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)’ mode.

Kiosk mode will ensure your presentation is locked to full-screen view and doesn’t accidentally exit when you reach the final slide.

Step 3: Uncheck ‘Loop continuously until ‘Esc”

Make sure the box for ‘Loop continuously until ‘Esc” is unchecked.

By ensuring this option is unchecked, your presentation won’t start over from the beginning after reaching the last slide.

Step 4: Save Your PowerPoint

Make sure to save your PowerPoint to keep the changes you’ve made.

Always remember to save your work. There’s nothing worse than going through the steps and forgetting to save.

After you’ve completed these steps, when you reach the last slide of your PowerPoint presentation, it will simply stay on that slide until you decide to exit the presentation manually. This gives you control over how you end your presentation and when to move on to questions or discussions.

Tips for Ending PowerPoint on Last Slide

  • Always test your presentation before giving it to make sure everything works as expected.
  • Make sure your final slide has a strong closing message or call to action.
  • Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts, such as ‘Ctrl + S’ to save quickly.
  • Keep your PowerPoint updated to the latest version for the best performance.
  • If using animations or transitions, ensure they are also set to finish on the last slide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have the ‘Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)’ option?

If you can’t find this option, you might be using an older version of PowerPoint. Try updating or looking for similar options like ‘Loop until stopped’.

Can I still manually advance slides in Kiosk mode?

Yes, you still have control over slide advancement in Kiosk mode. It’s just the ending that’s automated.

Will my embedded videos stop playing at the end too?

Yes, all elements of the presentation will conclude on the last slide, including videos.

What happens if I click or press a key after the last slide?

Depending on your settings, a click or key press could exit the presentation or do nothing at all.

Can I end on the last slide even if I’m not in Kiosk mode?

Yes, you can manually end the presentation on the last slide, but Kiosk mode automates the process.

Summary

  1. Set Up Slide Show
  2. Choose ‘Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)’
  3. Uncheck ‘Loop continuously until ‘Esc”
  4. Save Your PowerPoint

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now know how to end your PowerPoint presentation on the last slide. With these simple steps, you can create a seamless ending to your presentation, leaving your audience focused on your final message. Remember, the way you conclude your presentation can be just as important as the introduction. It’s your last chance to make an impression, so ending it with intention is crucial.

If you’ve found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with others who might also benefit from knowing how to end PowerPoint on the last slide. And don’t stop here – keep exploring and learning new PowerPoint tips and tricks to enhance your presentation skills even further. Happy presenting!