Presentations – Applying Consistent Animation Effects
1. Purpose of animation in presentations
Animation helps to:
- Draw the audience’s attention to key points.
- Control the flow of information.
- Make complex diagrams easier to understand.
- Maintain a professional and polished appearance.
2. Common animation effect categories
| Effect Category | Description | Typical Use |
|---|
| Entrance | Object appears on the slide (e.g., Fade In, Fly In). | Introduce a new point or image. |
| Emphasis | Object already on the slide is highlighted (e.g., Pulse, Spin). | Highlight a key word or data point. |
| Exit | Object disappears from the slide (e.g., Fade Out, Fly Out). | Remove an item that is no longer needed. |
| Motion Path | Object moves along a defined route. | Show a process or flow of information. |
3. Planning for consistency
Before adding any animation, decide on a consistent style for the whole presentation.
- Choose a single entrance effect for all headings.
- Select one emphasis effect for all bullet‑point items.
- Use the same exit effect for all images that are removed.
- Set the same animation speed (e.g., “Medium”) for every effect.
- Apply the same start option (e.g., “On Click”) unless a different timing is required.
4. Applying animation in common presentation software
PowerPoint
- Select the object → Animations tab → choose an effect.
- In the Animation Pane, adjust order, timing and start option.
- Use Effect Options to set direction (e.g., “From Left”).
Google Slides
- Select the object → Insert → Animation.
- Pick an effect and set Start condition (On click, After previous, With previous).
- All animations appear in the right‑hand sidebar for easy re‑ordering.
LibreOffice Impress
- Select the object → Slide → Custom Animation.
- Click Add and choose an effect.
- Use the Properties pane to set speed and start type.
5. Practical checklist for a consistent animation set
- All slide titles use the same entrance effect (e.g., Fade In, Medium speed).
- All body text uses the same emphasis effect (e.g., Appear, On Click).
- All images use the same exit effect (e.g., Fade Out, After previous).
- Animation speed is uniform across the presentation.
- Start options follow a logical pattern (usually “On Click” for key points, “After previous” for supporting items).
- Preview the slide show to ensure the flow feels natural and no effect is distracting.
Suggested diagram: Timeline showing entrance, emphasis and exit animations applied consistently across three sample slides.