Custom Animation and Transition Effects

Custom Animation and Transition Effects

The difference between custom animation and transition effects are best represented in the Microsoft PowerPoint application, as both of these areas are features of this application. Animation schemes are delivered in Microsoft PowerPoint, and there are also commands for creating customized animations that include slide transitions, custom effects for text, pictures, sound and the selective use of video in slides as well. Transition effects can also apply to elements within a slide, yet are most often used for transitioning between slides. Of the two, the transition effects are most often used in PowerPoint presentations.

It's most appropriate to use custom animation to keep an audience focused on a series of critical points in any presentation, and need to be selectively used throughout a presentation. Take for example the introduction of a new car. Animations would best be used to show how the features of the car, including slide builds to show how the doors open, sunroof works, and even how the DVD player would work in the case of Sport Utility Vehicles aimed at families. It would bring immediacy and focus to that specific part of the presentation. It would be inappropriate to use custom animation on each slide.

The same general rule applies to the use of transition effects in PowerPoint. It's best used as a pacing method to ensure the slides match the tempo and rhythm of the slides' content. The over-use of transition effects can actually make a slide presentation more difficult to read and understand. Transition effects in the context of the launch of a new car would best be used to bring in a sticker price icon to show the price competitiveness of the model, or the inclusion of new features like an XM Satellite Radio. The use of transition effects could also show how the dealer base for a given car manufacturer is growing quickly throughout countries of interest. The bottom line of each of these effects is that they need to be used to strengthen and not detract from a presentation's message.