presentation trigger text

Hi, I'm trying to do what I think should be pretty straightforward and common task for an interactive composition - triggering animations.

Basically I want to have mouse or keyboard input make an animation run, with the idea being to make text transitions to support a speaking presentation.

I know about the mouse and keyboard patches, but don't understand how to have a series of animations that don't run until I trigger them with the keyboard or mouse.

I'e been googling for a few days now and am surprised that I can't find any info on this.

Anybody got some time to help out a noob?