Be able to apply slide layout

Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 – Topic 19: Presentations

Learning Objective

Students will be able to apply slide layouts effectively when creating a presentation.

Key Concepts

• Understanding the purpose of slide layouts.
• Choosing appropriate layouts for different types of content.
• Modifying built‑in layouts to suit specific needs.
• Consistent use of placeholders (title, text, image, chart, etc.).

Steps to Apply a Slide Layout

1. Open the presentation software and create a new presentation.
2. Navigate to the Slide Master view (often found under the “View” menu).
3. Select the layout you wish to use from the layout pane:
   • Title Slide
   • Title and Content
   • Section Header
   • Two Content
   • Comparison
   • Picture with Caption
   • Blank
4. Insert the chosen layout onto a new slide (or change the layout of an existing slide via the “Layout” button).
5. Populate the placeholders with appropriate content:
   • Title – concise and descriptive.
   • Text – bullet points, not paragraphs.
   • Images/Charts – relevant and clearly labelled.
6. Adjust the layout if necessary:
   • Resize or move placeholders.
   • Change font style or size for consistency.
   • Apply a theme or colour scheme uniformly.
7. Review the slide for visual balance and readability.
8. Repeat the process for each slide, ensuring a logical flow.

Common Slide Layouts and Their Uses

Layout Name	Typical Content	When to Use
Title Slide	Presentation title, subtitle, presenter’s name, date	First slide – introduces the topic
Title and Content	Heading + bullet points, image, or chart	General information or key points
Section Header	Section title, optional subtitle	To separate major sections of the presentation
Two Content	Two side‑by‑side placeholders (text, image, chart)	Comparisons or parallel ideas
Comparison	Title, two columns of bullet points, optional images	Directly contrasting two concepts
Picture with Caption	Large image with a short caption below	When a visual needs emphasis
Blank	Empty slide – user adds custom elements	When none of the predefined layouts suit the need

Tips for Effective Slide Layouts

• Keep slides uncluttered – limit to 5–6 bullet points.
• Use high‑contrast colours for text and background.
• Maintain a consistent font style throughout.
• Align objects using gridlines or guides.
• Use visuals (charts, diagrams) to replace lengthy text.
• Check readability from a distance – large enough font size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading a slide with too much information.
• Mixing multiple layout styles on the same slide.
• Inconsistent use of fonts, colours, or bullet styles.
• Placing text over busy images without sufficient contrast.
• Neglecting to preview the slide show mode.

Practice Activity

Using any presentation software, create a short 5‑slide presentation on a topic of your choice. Follow these requirements:

1. Use at least three different slide layouts.
2. Include a title slide, a section header, and a comparison slide.
3. Apply a consistent theme and colour scheme.
4. Insert at least one chart or diagram (you may use a placeholder).
5. Present the slides to a peer and obtain feedback on layout effectiveness.