Summary

If you weren’t already aware Microsoft includes a service called “connected experiences”, throughout their Office 365 suite. This unique service includes features that assess your material and puts forward recommendations to help you work better & improve your efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the features in “connected experiences” and how they can assist you in your everyday work tasks.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll then blog about each individual feature – giving you step-by-step instructions of how to use the feature.

So keep an eye out!

What are the features in connected experiences?

1. Immersive Reader

This feature can make reading documents, emails, and notes easier by allowing you to listen to the text aloud, whilst simultaneously highlighting the text being read.

Immersive reader also allows you to adjust how text appears by modifying font size and style, spacing, colour and background colour – helping to improve your focus and make documents much easier to read.

For your step-by-step instructions of how to use this feature – see this Immersive Reader blog.

2. Designer in Word

Have you ever needed to quickly create a client proposal or formal report but haven’t had enough time to format the entire document. You may also need to create a visually appealing design?

Designer in Word was built to provide a variety of document themes for you to choose from to quickly create sophisticated, professional documents.

3. Dictation in Word and Outlook

Dictation in Microsoft Word enables you to save time by using speech-to-text to turn your thoughts into a published document.

This is a quick and easy way to create drafts, outlines and capture notes whilst you are on the go.

You can also dictate your emails in Outlook to create a draft, send replies and accurately convey your desired tone of voice.

For your step-by-step instructions of how to use this feature – see this Dictation Feature blog.

4. Text Predictions and Suggested Replies in Outlook

Outlook currently has a smart text prediction feature that automatically suggests email message contents for when you are composing an email.

Suggested replies are another feature associated with text predictions in Outlook.

When you receive an email that can be answered with a short response, Outlook suggests three responses that you can use to reply with. Simply select your chosen response and select send – there’s no more typing required!

5. PowerPoint Designer

When creating a presentation, you can use PowerPoint Designer to quickly create professional and aesthetically pleasing presentations.

PowerPoint Designer uses AI to analyse the content on your slides and automatically generates suggested designs to complement your content.

6. Presenter Coach in PowerPoint

The Presenter Coach feature in PowerPoint helps you perfect your presentation skills to deliver high-level, engaging presentations.

This feature offers smart suggestions for improvements, as well as providing a summary report afterward your presentation rehearsal.

For your step-by-step instructions of how to use this feature – see this how to use PowerPoint Presenter Coach blog.

How to get your connected experiences up and running!

Microsoft 365 automatically includes these connected experiences. 

However to make sure you are ready for our upcoming blogs you can check your settings in a few simple steps.

1. Navigate to the Microsoft 365 application you’d like to manage – such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

2. Then go to File > Account > Manage Settings (In Outlook it’s under Office Account). Here you can disable or enable, either category (or both).  

Further Information

If you have any questions about this or need assistance, then please contact the GCC Group Support Team on 0345 260 1151 or servicedesk@gccgroup.co.uk

Microsoft 365

In our personal and business lives, we’re becoming more connected than ever. Microsoft 365 is the world-class cloud-based platform which helps you to achieve your goals from anywhere.

Microsoft 365 is a suite of apps bringing together all the greatest Office applications in one cloud-based platform, enabling your people to connect, collaborate and get things done from anywhere.

Applications that help you stay connected and get things done include:

• Word
  Microsoft’s iconic word processing program allows you to create and share documents, now with intelligent document support.

• Excel
  Simplify complex data with the world’s most-used spreadsheet program.

• PowerPoint
  Create and share outstanding presentations.

• Teams
  Bring everyone together with secure video & call conferencing, instant messaging, and collaboration.

• Outlook
  Manage all your emails in one place.

• One Drive
  Save files securely and access them at any time, from anywhere.

• SharePoint
  Create team sites to share information, files, and resources.

Plus, other useful applications such as Exchange, Intune and Azure Information Protection.

Speak to us today to find out how which Microsoft applications could be deployed in your business.