Using SmartArt I chose the List category, not all models are suitable to list text. Next to text a lot of models are also equipped to contain pictures.
You have two choices:
1 Use the effect options button on the ribbon
2 Double clicking the SmartArt object in the animation pane, SmartArt animation tab.
Next to Group graphic you have the same options as using the Effect options button.
Depending on the choice of model you made you will have a maximum of 5 options. Sometimes only the first three will be available.
As one object
All at once
One by one
Level at once
Level one by one
The first three are identical to the ones used with ordinary text boxes. See my previous article for more info.
You can download the example presentation from my OneDrive.
Example 1 of SmartArt text animation
Example 2 of SmartArt text animation
However, sometimes things are not that straight forward. For example, when you use the Vertical block list (see picture above) and choose the One by one option the paragraphs where you entered text at level 1 still get a separate animation of the underlying rectangle. So, you have to click twice to view the next text paragraph. You can solve this by selecting the rectangles in the animation pane (use ctrl+click) and apply the with previous option.
The last two options require some further explanation.
With Level at once one click animates all the level one paragraphs, a second click all the level two paragraphs.
With Level one by one you animate each level separately. You can only use two levels.
