Presenting information 9

IN THIS CHAPTER, YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO

▪▪ Format simple lists by using bullets and numbering.

▪▪ Create tabbed lists.

▪▪ Insert and convert tables.

▪▪ Enhance tables.

Most of the time you can use paragraphs of text to convey your information. Other times
you may need to present your information in a more structured format, such as in a list or
in multiple columns. Or you may use structured elements to make your document easier to
follow. For example, if you have a long list of information separated by commas, you can
use bullets or numbering to break it down into smaller paragraphs. Or if you have several
pieces of related information that you want to keep next to each other on the same line,
you can use a tabbed list or a table.

The following provides a description of various ways to present information in a structured

format in Microsoft Word.

▪▪ Numbered list This is a series of paragraphs that begin with a number and are usu-
ally formatted with a hanging indent so wrapped lines of the paragraph align to the
text and not the number. This type of list is typically used for sequential steps when
the order is important, such as a set of step-by-step instructions.

▪▪ Bulleted list This is similar to a numbered list, but each item begins with a symbol
instead of a number. Like a numbered list, it’s usually formatted with a hanging indent
so wrapped lines of the paragraph align to the text and not the bullet. You use a bul-
leted list when the order of the paragraphs isn’t important, such as a list of inventory
items or a summary of information.

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