To check the word count on PowerPoint 2010, simply click on the “File” tab located in the top left corner of the program, then click on “Info” on the menu on the left side of the screen. Under the “Prepare for Sharing” section, you will find the “Properties” where the word count is listed along with other details about the presentation.
After you complete this action, you will have the total word count for your PowerPoint presentation, which includes all text in the slides and notes.
Introduction
When you’re putting together a PowerPoint presentation, it’s easy to get carried away with adding content. Whether it’s text on the slides, in the speaker notes, or even in the comments, it can all add up quickly. But why is it important to know how many words you’ve written? For starters, if you’re a student or a professional, there might be a word count requirement you need to meet or stay under. Additionally, knowing your word count can help you manage the length of your presentation and ensure that you’re not overloading your audience with information.
It’s particularly relevant if you’re preparing for a timed presentation. You don’t want to find yourself halfway through your slides when your time is up! And let’s not forget the editing process. If you’re armed with the knowledge of your word count, you can be more strategic about where to trim content or elaborate more. So, let’s dive into how to check your word count in PowerPoint 2010, shall we?
Step by Step Tutorial: Checking Word Count on PowerPoint 2010
Before we get into the steps, it’s important to know that following these instructions will give you the total word count for your PowerPoint 2010 presentation. This includes all the words on your slides, as well as in your notes.
Step 1: Open the “File” tab
Click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of PowerPoint 2010.
This tab is your gateway to various behind-the-scenes settings and information about your presentation.
Step 2: Select “Info”
From the menu that appears, select “Info”.
In this section, you can find different properties and settings that are not directly related to the content on your slides, but rather to the presentation as a whole.
Step 3: Look under “Prepare for Sharing”
Under the “Prepare for Sharing” section, locate the “Properties”.
This is where PowerPoint 2010 stores metadata about your presentation, including author details, last modified date, and word count.
Step 4: View the word count
The word count is available within the “Properties” alongside other details such as slide count, notes count, and total editing time.
Now you know exactly how many words are in your presentation, which can help you with various aspects of preparing and editing your slides.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Meet Requirements | Knowing your word count helps ensure you meet any specified word count requirements for your presentation. |
| Time Management | It allows for better time management during your presentation to avoid running over or under the allotted time. |
| Editing Efficiency | With the word count information, you can edit your presentation more effectively by adding or reducing content as needed. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Not Slide-Specific | PowerPoint 2010 does not offer word count for individual slides, only the total count for the entire presentation. |
| No Breakdown | There is no breakdown of where the words are located, such as in slides versus speaker notes. |
| Limited Accessibility | The word count feature is not readily visible and requires a few clicks to access, which may not be convenient for quick checks. |
Additional Information
While the word count feature in PowerPoint 2010 is handy, it’s not without its limitations. For instance, if you need a word count for a specific section or slide, you’ll have to do it manually. But here’s a pro tip: you can copy and paste the text into a word processor like Microsoft Word, which offers more detailed word count information. Also, remember that word count on PowerPoint 2010 includes words in the speaker notes, so if you’re trying to meet a specific word count requirement for your slides alone, you’ll need to take that into account.
Another thing to consider is that PowerPoint 2010 does not count words in embedded videos or images, so if you have significant text content in multimedia formats, you’ll need to account for that separately. And for those who are presenting, keep in mind that your spoken words won’t be reflected in the word count—you might say more or less than what’s written.
Lastly, remember that word count is just one aspect of a great presentation. It’s the quality of your content and how effectively you communicate it to your audience that will leave a lasting impact. So while you might use the word count to help meet requirements or manage your presentation length, don’t let it restrict your creativity or the power of your message.
Summary
- Open the “File” tab.
- Select “Info”.
- Look under “Prepare for Sharing”.
- View the word count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the word count include text in images or videos?
No, the word count only includes text in the slides and notes, not in embedded images or videos.
Can I get a word count for individual slides?
Unfortunately, PowerPoint 2010 does not offer a feature to count words on individual slides. You would have to do this manually.
Is the word count feature available in other versions of PowerPoint?
Yes, while the steps might slightly differ, most versions of PowerPoint do offer a word count feature.
Does the word count include text in comments?
No, the word count does not include text in comments.
Can I use this word count feature if I’m not the original author of the presentation?
Yes, anyone with access to the PowerPoint file can check the word count following these steps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to check the word count on PowerPoint 2010 is a valuable skill for anyone who creates presentations. Whether you’re a student looking to meet a word count requirement or a professional aiming to deliver a concise presentation, this feature is essential. It helps with editing, time management, and ensuring your content is on point.
Remember, though, that it’s the quality and clarity of your presentation that truly counts. The word count is just a number, but your message has the power to inform, persuade, and inspire.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.