Every tv and streaming app in my house is set to show subtitles — I’m not hard of hearing, but I like keeping the text showing on the screen. It is an extraordinary boon, of course, when I’m watching something in another language — I know French, but it’s nice to be able to see it written in case I miss something, and there are differences with French & Québécois. So, if you’re presenting something to a group that includes members with a second language preference — or just are not that strong with spoken language — here’s a cheap, free & easy way to do it: PowerPoint! And it’s in both the desktop & online versions (again for free). Accessibility doesn’t mean only accomodating for known challenges — it’s using a ramp instead of stairs to make everyone’s lives easier.
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In PowerPoint’s SLIDESHOW menu (or the VIEW menu in the online version … but only if you turn Simplified Ribbon off) you can set your subtitles to always show. If you just want subtitles, leave it English spoken / English seen but you can choose your words to be automatically translated to a different target language. Be sure to click ALWAYS USE SUBTITLES otherwise they won’t appear! (In online PowerPoint, it only says “Use Subtitles” … consistency would be helpful here).
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When you start the presentation, PowerPoint will ask for access to your microphone. As always, practice speaking slowly, and with enunciation. PowerPoint Coach (the AI speaking coach built into PowerPoint — see link) would be helpful here! And if you’re in Presenter View, the 3-dot menu will give you access to change the location and language of the subtitles (language is available under “More Settings…”).
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I think just using English –> English subtitles can help your participants (if you practice speaking slowly, clearly and with anunciation — use a Snowball or get an over-the-ear wireless microphone — like an aerobics instructor! — if you’re a regular presenter (50-150$) because the clearer the sound going in to the subtitle/translation system, the better the quality coming out.
Now, PowerPoint has another option for subtitles/translations where the individual viewer can pick their language of choice on their device — but that starts to up the cost on both presenter & participant. I’ll cover that in another post — but I wanted to share a quick-easy-and-free way to get subtitles on your presentations.