PowerPoint Transitions

PowerPoint transitions are visual effects that play when you move from one slide to the next; use them sparingly to guide attention, keep pacing smooth, and reinforce your narrative.

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What are PowerPoint transitions?

Transitions are animations between slides. Unlike on-slide animations (which move objects on a single slide), transitions control how an entire slide enters or exits. Used well, they create rhythm, signal section changes, and maintain audience focus.

When to use transitions (and when to skip them)

Use transitions to:

• Mark a section break or topic shift

• Emphasize a key reveal (e.g., moving into results or conclusions)

• Create a calm, consistent cadence for long decks

Skip transitions when:

• You’re presenting complex data where motion could distract

• You already use on-slide animations heavily

• You need fast, click-through navigation (demos, training walkthroughs)
  
  

Best practices (quick wins)

• Keep it consistent: Pick one subtle transition (e.g., Fade) for most slides; reserve standout effects (e.g., Morph) for special moments.

• Match the message: Subtle for serious content, slightly more dynamic for storytelling sections.

• Mind the speed: 0.3–0.7s feels professional. Anything longer slows pacing.

• Avoid novelty traps: Randomized transitions look unpolished.

• Test the room: Projector latency or Teams/Zoom screen-share compression can exaggerate motion, rehearse with your delivery setup.

  
  

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mixing 5–6 styles in one deck

• Long or bouncy effects that feel playful in serious meetings

• Layering heavy transitions on top of complex on-slide animations

• Sound effects (almost never appropriate)

Pro tips for presenters

• Use a section title slide with a slightly different transition to signal a chapter change.

• Pair with presenter notes: Note where you’ll pause so the motion feels intentional.

• Record a quick rehearsal: If the transition competes with your voice or a data point, dial it back.

Additional Resources

Microsoft 365 Tip of The Week Newsletter: https://get.endsight.net/microsoft-tip-of-the-week 

Excel Keyboard Shortcuts: https://www.endsight.net/excel-tips-video