How to tell if your Mac has been infected with malware
Has your Mac been acting strangely lately? Are you seeing strange pop-ups or advertisements, or are your applications taking longer to load than usual? These could be signs that your Mac has been infected with malware. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of malware infection so you can keep your Apple computer safe. Types of malware that can target your Mac The following types of malware can be highly disruptive and cause considerable damage to your Mac. Adware – This is software that goes beyond simply displaying annoying pop-up ads; it is a malicious program that can severely reduce the performance of your device and even gain access to sensitive data. In fact, scammers use some forms of adware to access banking information, email passwords, and other important personal info, which they then use to commit identity theft and other fraudulent activities. Macro viruses – These are malicious pieces of code that can be embedded into files, such as a Word document or an Excel spreadsheet. When you open an infected file, the virus gains access to your system, allowing it to delete files or cause other problems. In particular, macro viruses can corrupt data, access your webcam or microphone, or download more dangerous malware onto your Mac, putting your privacy and security at great risk Ransomware – Cybercriminals use this type of malicious program to lock up important computer files and demand money in exchange for their release. The effects of Mac ransomware can be quite damaging — you may permanently lose access to important business and personal data and suffer significant financial losses. KeRanger made history as one of the first major ransomware threats to target Macs. After secretly encrypting the computer and hibernating for three days, KeRanger would provide instructions on how to decrypt the system in exchange for one bitcoin. Sniffers – Sniffers, also known as keyloggers, are malicious software that intercept and record the data you type into your computer. This type of malware can give attackers access to sensitive information such as your login credentials, the ability to monitor your online activity, or even the chance to control your Mac remotely. Trojan horses – These are malicious programs that disguise themselves as legitimate software to gain access to or damage your Mac. Trojan horses cannot only disrupt your computer’s performance but also give attackers access to confidential information. For example, the MacDownloader is an infamous Trojan horse that was designed to extract valuable information from users’ iCloud Keychain. How to determine if your Mac is infected If your Mac is infected with malware, you may experience any of the following symptoms: Constant browser issues – Viruses can have some strange effects on Safari or Google Chrome, from altering your home page to redirecting any established landing pages to an unfamiliar website. Is your browser acting abnormally? Does it keep crashing or become unresponsive often? If yes, then your Mac may be suffering from a virus. Suspicious pop-up ads – If your computer is exhibiting an abnormal amount of pop-ups, it’s likely that you have a malicious software infection. If you’re seeing an excessive number of banner ads and pop-ups, make sure to run a virus scan and consider updating your system. Sudden system unresponsiveness – Mac users dread the infamous “spinning wheel of death.” This rainbow-hued spinning cursor symbolizes that a computer is struggling to execute tasks, usually resulting from an excessive amount of background requests with ambiguous roots. So if your computer is running slower than usual or if it crashes more frequently, your Mac may have been infected with malware. Cybercriminals have become more adept at finding exploits and other vulnerabilities on Apple computers, making it crucial for Mac users to be aware of the potential threats they face. By understanding the most common types of malware and taking steps to protect your device, you can help keep your Mac safe from harm. Contact us now if you’re concerned about your Mac’s security or would like an expert opinion on how to better secure your network and devices. Our security experts will be happy to help.
Keep your work devices clean and running smoothly with these tips
It’s no secret that a clean work environment is more productive than a cluttered one. The same principle applies to your computer and mobile devices. If you allow them to accumulate dirt and dust, you’re going to start seeing glitches and hardware failures — both of which will affect your productivity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for cleaning your computer and mobile devices to maximize your productivity. Desktop monitors You spend several hours looking at your computer monitor, but have you ever thought about how much dust and dirt may be collecting on the screen? To keep your monitor looking bright and clear, gently wipe your monitor down with a soft and lint-free cloth, like a microfiber cloth. Don’t press too hard on the display, as this could damage the pixels on the monitor. You can also use a mild cleaner specifically made for monitors if you have stubborn dirt or smudges that won’t come off. Don’t spray the cleaner directly on the monitor, instead spray a small amount of cleaner onto the cloth. Avoid using paper towels or harsh cleaning materials, as these can damage the screen. Laptop and mobile screens Like desktop monitors, laptop and mobile device screens need to be cleaned. You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe the display. For tougher dirt or smudges, you can dip the cloth in a small amount of water or a mild cleaner, then squeeze the cloth to remove any excess liquid before using it to clean the device. Some people suggest rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints and disinfect screens. While this will work for some devices, many manufacturers advise against this because the alcohol can wear down the protective film on some screens. Be sure to avoid using too much liquid or scrubbing too hard, as this could damage the display or cause malfunctions, which can be costly to repair. Also, don’t splash water directly onto the device, as this could damage electrical components, which can void your device warranty. If you find dust or gunk in the edges or cracks of your screen, take the device to a mobile shop for a more thorough cleaning. Do not open the laptop or smartphone yourself, as this could also void the warranty. Keyboards Before you start cleaning your keyboard, be sure to unplug it. Then gently run cotton swabs dipped in water or rubbing alcohol over the surface of the keys to get rid of accumulated dirt and debris. To remove dirt between keys, you can use a keyboard brush or compressed air, which you can buy at most office supply and computer stores. Use caution when using compressed air, as excessive force can damage the keys and circuitry. To keep your keyboard clean, you can purchase a silicone cover that fits snugly over your keyboard. This will not only reduce dirt and dust, but it can also protect against spills or wear and tear on the keys. Computer mice Mice, like keyboards, can harbor a lot of dirt and grime from dust and your fingers. To clean it, unplug the mouse then use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the surface. To clean the underside of the mouse, you can use a cotton swab to dislodge dust and dirt from the sensor. Computer towers Before you start cleaning your computer tower, unplug it from the wall and any other connected devices. To clean dust and dirt off the exterior of the case, use a soft cloth or non-static duster. Be careful when cleaning around ports and other components, as you don’t want to damage them. Dust can also clog up cooling fans, which can cause your computer to overheat. If you want to clean the fans, you can use compressed air or a dry cloth. Try not to use too much force, as this could cause the fan to break. By following these steps and taking proper care of your work devices, you can extend their life and keep them running smoothly. If you want more advice on how to optimize your IT, our technicians are here to help. Call us today.
VoIP optimization tips: Don’t let the holidays overwhelm your business
If you don’t want to be overwhelmed with the influx of calls from customers this holiday season, it’s important to optimize your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system for maximum efficiency. Be ready for anything — read on for tips that can help you optimize your VoIP system. Inspect your VoIP equipment Sometimes, issues with VoIP have nothing to do with the hosting provider or the service itself. Instead, such issues are likely because of physical VoIP lines and devices. For instance, if your VoIP equipment is stacked too closely, it’s more likely that users will experience low-quality calls. To fix this, have your IT team inspect call quality, particularly if there are two or more VoIP devices located near each other. If they experience any glitches, simply moving the devices farther apart should resolve the issue. Moreover, make sure that you routinely inspect all cables and connections to guarantee they are in good condition to handle increased utilization during the holidays. And if you have any old or outdated equipment, then it may be wise to get an upgrade so as not to experience any downtime or interruption of service. Implement a VoIP monitoring system By having a VoIP monitoring system in place, you will be able to anticipate any problems before they become full-fledged disasters. And with the increase in inquiries and customer support calls during the holidays, your organization can benefit from the improved responsiveness that this solution offers. In implementing a VoIP monitoring system this season, consider the following: For busy periods Set up call queuing with hold music or an accurate estimated wait time. This will help optimize caller experience. Leave your callers a comprehensive, recorded message. Provide them with alternate contact methods for support, such as calling a hotline, sending an email, or visiting your website or official social media page. If you have shorter business hours during the holidays, set up your VoIP configuration to help manage your customer’s expectations. You can do this by rerouting their call or putting messages on hold. For closed periods Take the hassle out of informing customers that your business will be closed during the holiday season by setting up automated messages or announcements. Let them know when you’ll reopen so they can plan accordingly. Make sure your receptionist greetings are updated before the holidays to inform callers of your adjusted operating hours. Automatically direct incoming calls to staff members who are on duty and can accommodate customers. Utilize dedicated support VoIP is a marvelous technology that allows for enhanced communication at a lower cost. With VoIP, you can ensure your employees working from home are still able to connect with customers. Your VoIP system can be set up to serve both your and your customers’ needs regardless of your holiday business hours. Calls can easily be diverted to mobile devices or remote machines, which allows your team to assist your customers when needed. Partner with a trusted IT provider The holiday season is a crucial time for businesses. A properly optimized VoIP system can help you manage the increased call volume and keep your customers happy. If you have any questions or need assistance selecting the right VoIP solution for your business, call us today. We’ll be happy to recommend the best VoIP solution for your needs and set you up for success this holiday season.
Tips to help you master Microsoft Word and boost your productivity
Microsoft Word continues to be a popular office suite for many businesses because of its versatile features. It’s user-friendly and straightforward, but once you take some time to understand it more, you’ll learn that there is so much more than meets the eye. Here are some tips and tricks that will enhance your Microsoft Word experience. Use Grammarly for Windows Microsoft Word might be great for identifying spelling and grammar mistakes, but it can’t guarantee error-free writing. To take your content to the next level, try Grammarly for Windows. Not only does it check for basic errors, but it also reviews the clarity and engagement of your content. Hide the toolbar To ensure a distraction-free writing session, you can easily minimize the toolbar located at the top of your screen by pressing Ctrl + F1. To make the toolbar reappear, just press Ctrl + F1 again. Tell Word what to do While many of Microsoft Word’s features are easily visible, others require a bit more digging before you can find them. Thankfully, newer versions of Word come with the Tell Me. This feature lets you enter search words or phrases in a text box that says “Tell me what you want to do” to perform an action, find features, or get help on how to complete your task. Track only the changes you make If you work with other people on a single document, you should be familiar with the Track Changes feature. It allows you to see every change made by others working on the document. Microsoft recently updated this feature, which allows users to only track their own changes. This is a fantastic option for those occasions when tracking everyone else’s modifications isn’t necessary, and all you want is to see your own progress. Here’s how to use this feature: Click on the Review tab on your Word document. Click on the Track Changes button and choose the Just Mine option. Save and reuse images, texts, signatures, and more with Quick Parts If you find yourself typing or inserting the same thing multiple times in your Word document, then you should try using Quick Parts. This feature allows you to save and reuse images, texts, signatures, tables, and more. It streamlines your document and email workflows by speeding up repetitive tasks. Here are the steps for using Quick Parts: Creating a Quick Part Choose the words, images, or other elements you want to save on your Word document. Click Insert > Quick Parts and choose Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery. Change the name of your chosen element, and click OK to save your changes. Adding a Quick Part to your document Place your cursor in a spot where you want to add a Quick Part. Click Insert > Quick Parts and click on the word, phrase, sentence, or image you want to add to your document. If you’re looking for other ways to leverage Microsoft Word and other Office apps to boost your productivity, give us a call today.
A quick guide to web hosting
To make your business visible to the world, you must establish an online presence. Doing so requires creating a website and partnering with a capable web host. This informative blog post will guide entrepreneurs in understanding the basics of web hosting so they can get their site up and running quickly. What does web hosting mean? Web hosting is an essential service that allows individuals and organizations to make their website internet-accessible. It is a type of hosting service where businesses can store and run their website files on a web server that is typically owned by the web host. Popular web hosting providers include DreamHost, HostGator, GoDaddy, and Bluehost. When you acquire a web hosting plan, you are essentially renting space on the host’s server for a monthly fee. You can think of it as paying for an apartment in a building; the landlord (your web host) owns the entire building, and you get to rent out one of the apartments within it (web hosting). Web hosting also comes with an array of features and services that are designed to make your website easier to manage, including database access, email accounts, and domain purchases. Are there different types of web hosting? Depending on the provider, there could be many types of web hosting available. The main ones include: Shared hosting – involves multiple websites sharing a single web server, with each website allocated its own resources. It is the most economical option, as it requires minimal technical knowledge and comes with features such as one-click software installation, email accounts, and unlimited website hosting. Virtual private server (VPS) hosting – suitable for websites that require more control and flexibility than what shared hosting offers. A VPS is a virtual machine with its own dedicated resources, so you can access the server remotely and manage it as if it were a physical computer. The benefits of VPS hosting include better performance, higher levels of security and privacy, and the ability to scale as your website grows. However, it may require technically savvy personnel to manage and configure. Dedicated hosting – provides the most resources and is ideal for large websites with high levels of traffic. The entire server is rented out by the client, so they can customize it to their own requirements and have full control over it. The drawback is that dedicated hosting can be an expensive option for businesses. Cloud hosting – utilizes multiple cloud servers to create a virtual environment for websites. It is similar to VPS in terms of features and customization, but the main benefit is that cloud hosting can scale to meet changing website demands. Additionally, there are no hardware maintenance costs and an uptime guarantee. Which web hosting type best fits your business? Ultimately, the choice of web hosting type depends on the size and scope of your website, as well as your budget. If you are just starting out or have a small website, shared hosting might be the right choice. On the other hand, businesses with larger websites will benefit from either VPS or dedicated hosting because of the flexibility they offer, especially if your website has several pages, expects high traffic, or requires special website features like an eCommerce component. Meanwhile, cloud hosting is recommended for businesses that need the highest levels of security, scalability, and uptime guarantee. In the end, it is best to take some time to evaluate your website’s needs and choose a hosting plan that meets them. If picking a suitable web hosting type and partner proves tricky, you should consult a professional. As IT experts ourselves, we can help you select the right web hosting provider. Give us a call to learn more.
Get your eCommerce business ready for the holiday rush
With the holidays fast approaching, now is the time for eCommerce companies to start planning and preparing for increased traffic and sales. However, businesses must also be aware of potential problems that may arise during this festive season. In this article, we’ll discuss ways your eCommerce business can get ready for the holiday rush. Hold social media events If you want your holiday sales to skyrocket this year, you can hold social media events like giveaways and interactive livestreams. The global social media audience is estimated to be around 4.7 billion people, and most of them are interested in technology that will make their lives better. By holding social media events, you can tap into this audience and connect with new customers while also building trust with your existing ones. Enhance site speed It’s crucial to ensure your eCommerce website is reliable and can handle incoming traffic. Optimized loading times not only improve customer experience but also lead to more sales conversions. In fact, for every second removed from 7–15 second loading times, there’s a 3% increase in conversion rates. Make use of last year’s data You can use last year’s performance data to help you optimize your eCommerce site for the upcoming holiday season. Get consumers excited by launching a build-up campaign with exclusive products and discounts, and take an omnichannel approach to ensure online and physical store campaigns are cohesive. Take advantage of marketing automation tools Marketing automation tools are essential for driving sales, especially during the holiday season. With these tools, you can segment your client list and create targeted emails with special offers that will appeal to different customer groups. This will not only help you boost sales but also keep your customers engaged during the hectic holiday rush. Be ready with a disaster recovery plan With the rise in sales and greater dependence on eCommerce during the holiday season, losing data would be catastrophic. This could lead to canceled orders, deliveries being put on hold, and customer dissatisfaction. Having a disaster recovery plan in place allows you to retrieve lost information from a secondary save point such as the cloud, to prevent disruptions to your operations. Review your information technology risks Ensure the technological safety of your eCommerce site by testing and assessing security risks, maintaining confidentiality, handling customer data with care, and investigating any potential privacy concerns. The goal is to assure your customers that they can trust your platforms. This way, you reduce the likelihood that they’ll take their business to your competitors. If you want to learn more about how to leverage technology to boost your eCommerce business, give our experts a call today.
How to choose the right VPN for your business
If you want to stay secure while using the internet, it’s not enough to simply rely on anti-malware software and a firewall. Nowadays, hackers can read data sent to and from your device and steal the information inside them. This is why your business needs a virtual private network (VPN). What is a VPN? A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, keeping you safe from hackers looking to intercept your data and any third parties that want to monitor your online activities. Moreover, VPNs can disguise your location by masking your IP address. Once you’ve connected to a VPN server, your device acts as if it’s using the same local connection as the VPN. Therefore, websites will tag your browsing location as the server’s geographical area, not where you actually are. What are the benefits of using a VPN? Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks — like those in coffee shops, libraries, and airports — isn’t advisable since any data sent through these networks isn’t encrypted and could be stolen. But if you must use public Wi-Fi, make sure to turn on your VPN first. The VPN will encrypt your data, ensuring that no one can access the information without authorization. This improves your online security. What’s more, a VPN also increases anonymity and privacy by hiding your IP address from trackers, making it nearly impossible for anyone to track what you’re doing online. This feature can be especially handy when you’re traveling abroad and you find that your company network or US websites are geo-blocked in your current location. By connecting to a VPN server in the United States, you can regain access to these networks and websites. What should you consider when choosing a VPN? When picking a VPN, take into account the following factors: Cost Though there are free VPN services, they usually either keep logs of your internet activity or bombard you with ads. This is why it’s better to invest in a paid service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. These paid options also have a huge list of available servers and configurations that improve data security. Location There are several reasons why the location of your VPN’s servers matters. For one, if you’re connected to a server that’s far away, you’re more likely to suffer latency issues. To enjoy a smooth surfing experience, it’s best to connect to the closest available server. Moreover, if you want to avoid geo-restrictions, connect to servers in the same location as the content you want access to. So, if you want access to research published in Canada, be sure your VPN has servers located in that country. Capacity Find out how much data you’re allowed to use by asking the VPN provider or reading their terms of service. If you need extensive online resources for your tasks, then opt for a VPN with high data allocation. What’s more, determine how many servers the VPN provider has online. In general, the more online servers there are, the more capable the VPN is of supporting resource-intensive tasks. Device compatibility If you use your laptop, tablet, and mobile phone for work, then invest in a VPN that’s compatible with all these devices. IP leak Not all VPN tunnels offer the same level of security. Some could leak your IP address, allowing third parties to track your online activities. So before purchasing a VPN, test the service out by using their free trial (if available). Once you’ve activated the VPN, visit IP Leak to see if your activities are being monitored. If they are, choose another VPN provider. Having difficulty picking a VPN service for your business? No problem, our security experts are here to help. We also provide cybersecurity services to prevent hackers and other third parties from accessing your data.
Wi-Fi not working? Here are fixes to the most common connection issues
Although we now enjoy much faster internet speeds and improved Wi-Fi reliability in comparison to years past, Wi-Fi technology isn’t perfect. Here are some common problems you might encounter while using Wi-Fi and how you can fix them. Slow internet speed If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, try plugging your laptop directly into your router with an Ethernet cable. Then, test your internet connection speed using a site like speedtest.net. If the test shows slow internet speeds, then the problem is most likely with your internet service provider rather than your router. In this case, you should reach out to them for help. If that’s not the problem, other devices or nearby networks could be overcrowding the wireless channel you’re currently using. You can fix this by changing your router’s channel through the router’s settings. This varies among brands, so it’s best to check your router’s manual or online FAQs. If you still encounter slow internet speeds, try resetting your router to its factory settings. Most Wi-Fi routers have a reset button that can be held down with a paperclip. Press the button for 30 seconds and your router should return to its default settings. Configure your router, and check if your internet speed improves. If all else fails and your internet is okay when plugged in, your router might have irreparable hardware issues. In this case, it may be time to invest in a new one. Some devices can’t connect to the Wi-Fi network If your devices are having trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi network, try restarting them. If that doesn’t work, you can also try resetting your Wi-Fi router. If the steps above don’t solve the problem, you can try deleting the network from your devices. To do this on an iOS or an Android device, simply click on the Wi-Fi network name and then hit “Forget This Network.” You’ll have to find the network again on your devices and enter the password just like when you first set them up. This step should allow the rest of your devices to connect to your Wi-Fi. Random connection drops Wi-Fi connections that drop whenever you use the microwave are a common issue. It’s caused by routers having trouble with the 2.5 GHz frequency or from using an old microwave with shielding problems. Connection drops can also be caused by interference from other networks or devices. For example, your neighbor’s router could be interfering with your signal, resulting in dropped connections. Changing your router’s channel to one that is less congested can help resolve this problem. You can connect to the Wi-Fi network but there’s no internet If your devices can connect to the Wi-Fi network but can’t access the internet, try unplugging the router for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. If there’s still no internet, connect your laptop directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. If you can access the internet through a direct connection, your router might have some hardware issues. If you still can’t access the internet even if you’re directly connected to the router, it could be an internet outage. It’s best to get in touch with your internet provider to fix this issue. If you need help troubleshooting your Wi-Fi router, give our experts a call today.
Protect your VoIP system with these security measures
If your business uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), it’s important to make sure that your data is safe and secure. Luckily, there are many security measures that you can put in place to protect your VoIP system from criminal activity. To protect your VoIP phones, follow these tried-and-tested security measures. Strengthen your passwords Passwords are your VoIP system’s first line of defense against unauthorized use. They are used to authenticate your access to private information, but they are unfortunately not as secure as they used to be. Nowadays, hackers have tools that allow them to easily guess a password and use it to launch an attack. It’s therefore critical to protect your VoIP passwords to add a layer of protection against various threats. This can be done by enabling multifactor authentication or using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for your VoIP accounts. Ensure that your VoIP provider uses encryption VoIP systems without encryption can be easily hacked by cybercriminals. It doesn’t require great technical skill; all that hackers need to do is download and deploy tools to listen in on your calls. Many VoIP service providers will assure you that they have built-in encryption, but businesses must be vigilant and look into how secure a service provider’s services really are. If your phone systems are protected with encryption, even hackers who successfully download audio or video call files won’t be able to decode the files unless they have the decryption key. Disable the phone’s web interface A phone’s web interface is an online portal that allows users to access their device’s settings, features, and accounts through a web browser. By accessing this interface, users have the ability to change parameters such as passwords, caller IDs, and other important settings. And by disabling this interface, you can protect yourself from malicious attacks by preventing users from accessing their accounts through a web browser. Have IT experts monitor your systems 24/7 Many VoIP security breaches occur during the night or on weekends when businesses are closed. Attackers make phone calls using private accounts or hack into call records to steal more private data. These could go on for a long time without you even noticing. To prevent these types of privacy breaches, have an outsourced IT vendor monitor network traffic for any irregularities. Use virtual private networks (VPNs) VPNs establish a secure connection between two devices as if they are both connected to the same closed network. It’s like creating a secure, private path that only you and the person you’re calling can access. A VPN can also help VoIP users handle issues with Session Initiation Protocol or SIP trunking, which is a recommended VoIP feature. VoIP firewalls Firewalls specifically designed for IP-based telephony restrict the types of traffic that are allowed into your network. They serve a crucial function: identify suspicious and/or abnormal calling patterns and ensure that every connection is properly terminated at the end of a session. Practically all VoIP vendors provide these protocols, but to be safe, always consult with your IT services provider as to how they will manage these protocols within your organization. VoIP security should be given the same level of importance as your other cybersecurity concerns. Our knowledgeable IT experts would love to help you get started with developing the perfect combination of security measures for your VoIP systems. Just give us a call today!
Get rid of presentation jitters with PowerPoint Presenter Coach
If you want to improve your online presentation skills, such as body language and speaking, PowerPoint Presenter Coach can give you instant feedback to help you gain the confidence you need. What is PowerPoint Presenter Coach? PowerPoint Presenter Coach is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to evaluate your presentation skills in real time. It will tell you how well you are doing with regard to pace, pronunciation, repetitive language, and eye contact with the audience. At the end of each rehearsal, you will receive a feedback report highlighting key areas for improvement, which can help you become a better and more confident presenter. PowerPoint Presenter Coach is currently available on Windows, iOS, and Android devices. How does PowerPoint Presenter Coach help improve presentations? PowerPoint Presenter Coach can improve your presentation skills by providing feedback on the following: 1. Body language Did you know that great presenters don’t just rehearse their dialogue, but also their posture, gestures, and facial expressions? For example, they might use hand gestures to accentuate a point. PowerPoint Presenter Coach provides feedback about: Your visibility to the audience Your distance from the camera Maintaining constant eye contact with the audience By conveying the right body language, you will come across as more trustworthy and relatable to the audience. 2. Repeated words and phrases Emphasizing certain words and phrases during a presentation can help you ensure that your audience recalls the points you want to make. However, if this technique is done incorrectly, it may become distracting to listeners. You may not even realize that you are repeating words and phrases yourself, but chances are your audience will catch on. PowerPoint Presenter Coach will help you avoid repeating the same words and phrases by identifying them after listening to your rehearsal. It will then provide you with a list of synonyms so you can mix up your choice of words and keep your audience more engaged during your presentation. 3. Pitch When you speak with little enthusiasm, chances are your audience won’t be eager to listen to you. Presenter Coach will help liven up your pitch and ensure you’re emphasizing the important points and keywords to make your presentation more engaging and meaningful. 4. Pronunciation Differentiating the pronunciation of words that sound alike but have different meanings can be challenging. Presenter Coach provides guidance on how to correctly say these words during rehearsal. It will identify and display a potentially mispronounced word and give you an opportunity to practice pronouncing the word correctly. You can listen to a recording of the word’s pronunciation as many times as you want. Note that Microsoft designed this feature for “General American English.” If you don’t need this type of feedback, there’s an option to disable it. 5. Pace PowerPoint Presenter Coach not only allows the presenter to see if they are going too fast or too slow but also gives an estimate of the speed at with the presenter should speak (in words per minute) to maintain optimal audience engagement. Too few or too many words spoken per minute have been proven to reduce recall rates and compromise clarity. If you want to learn more about other Microsoft 365 features, call our specialists today.