Or, this:

Well, you probably have if you're using a newer version of MS PowerPoint. The question is, do you know what to do with it?

If you fall into the "I don't have a clue" category, this tip is for you!

The most common thing I see when working with people is the instinct that drives them to the Insert menu or Insert tab on the ribbon. I mean, they want to insert clip art on half of their slides, so they go to the Insert menu/tab and track down the right item to begin the process. (You know the drill!)

Now, it seems to me that if you're using layouts, you've probably bumped into the image shown above at least a time or two. So, if you're still using the Insert menu or tab, I have a way to speed your work up a bit.

The icon, included on many of the layouts, allows you to pick what type of object to insert right from the slide, without needing the Insert menu/tab.

That handy little gadget is actually a collection of six individual icons. (If you look closely, you'll see that they're the same icons you find on the Insert menu with the commands you usually use).

Roll your mouse pointer slowly over it and you'll find that the pointer highlights each one as a separate button.

All you have to do is click on the individual icon representing the type of item you need and you're whisked away to complete the insert as usual!

~ April