I know the title of this post may sound really obvious, but just think for a second on how you usually start your PowerPoint slideshow…..

Do you normally…

…double click on the file that contains the presentation to open it, then select Slideshow in the ribbon and click From Beginning?

If you do, you should bear in mind that the audience can see the slides / thumbnails and also any notes that you have before the presentation has even started.

A better way to start the slideshow would be…

…instead of double clicking the presentation to open it, try right clicking on the name and choose Show instead…

This will immediately launch the slideshow without revealing any of the slides to the audience, so it looks a bit more professional 🙂