When first you run PowerPoint, you are asked to decide how you would like to create your presentation.  You have three options:

1. Auto Content Wizard asks you some questions, and then creates your slides for you.  This produces a very stereotyped or ‘canned' presentation, and should be avoided at all costs.
2. Using a template produces slightly better looking presentations, but no self-respecting presenter would get up in front of an audience having created his/her presentation using a template.  Avoid it also.
3. Fortunately, there is an option to create a ‘blank' presentation, which gives you full control over the look, feel and content of your presentation.  ALWAYS select this option.