powerpoint presentation and see notes

How to view Notes in PowerPoint with Presenter view

How to view notes in powerpoint presenter view, hemants@twc.

How To View Notes In PowerPoint While Presenting

Are you looking to enhance your presentation skills and engage your audience effectively?

Practical tips on using Presenter View effectively, based on the insightful tutorial by Regina Griffin, a teacher from Oregon, will be shared.

Key Takeaways:

Why is it important to view notes while presenting.

When a presenter refers to their notes during a presentation, it not only helps them stay organized but also ensures that they cover all essential topics. By glancing at their notes, the presenter can remember important details, statistics, or examples, which contributes to better memory retention and recall while speaking. This practice also fosters a natural flow of information, preventing the presenter from missing significant points or becoming sidetracked. Ultimately, effective use of notes paves the way for a polished and engaging delivery that captivates the audience throughout the entire presentation .

Keeps You on Track

These notes act as a blueprint, allowing the presenter to transition smoothly between different segments of the presentation. By glancing at the screen or referring to their notes, the presenter can seamlessly shift focus from one topic to the next, maintaining the coherence of the overall narrative. Having well-structured notes prevents the presenter from omitting crucial details or jumping between unrelated points, thus guaranteeing that all essential topics are adequately addressed.

Helps You Remember Important Points

Improves your delivery.

The practice of viewing notes during a presentation enhances the delivery by providing prompts and cues that facilitate seamless transitions between topics, resulting in a more engaging and effective interaction with the audience.

How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting

Open your PowerPoint presentation that contains the notes you want to view. Then, navigate to the Slide Show tab located in the top menu bar. Click on it to reveal a drop-down menu. From this menu, select the ‘Presenter View’ option to activate the feature that allows you to view your notes while presenting. As you present your slides, you’ll see the current slide, the next slide, a timer, and a section to view your notes. Utilize these tools for a seamless and professional presentation. Happy presenting!

Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation

Step 2: click on the ‘slide show’ tab.

Next, click on the ‘Slide Show’ tab within PowerPoint to access the necessary settings for viewing your presentation in the desired mode, enabling a smooth transition into the presentation view.

Step 3: Select ‘Set Up Slide Show’

Upon selecting the ‘Set Up Slide Show’ option, a dialog box will appear with various customization options. Choose between ‘Presented by a speaker’ or ‘Browsed at a kiosk.’ This allows you to control how the slides advance during the presentation.

Step 4: Choose ‘Presenter View’ Option

Presenter View in PowerPoint unveils a range of capabilities to assist presenters during their delivery. With this mode activated,

Step 5: Start Your Slide Show

Commence your slide show presentation in PowerPoint to transition into the presenter view mode, allowing you to view your notes alongside the slides for a more guided and effective delivery.

Step 6: Navigate Through Slides Using Notes

When delivering your presentation, having your notes readily available within the notes pane allows you to stay on track without disrupting the flow. This feature not only aids in maintaining a natural and engaging delivery but also enables you to make spontaneous adjustments or dive deeper into specific points as needed. By leveraging the notes pane effectively, you can effortlessly move between slides while keeping your key points in sight. This functionality ensures that you never miss a beat and can deliver your content with confidence and precision.

Step 7: Use Tools in Presenter View (Timer, Pen, etc.)

Tips for using presenter view effectively.

Enhance your presentation experience by following these valuable tips for utilizing presenter view in PowerPoint effectively, ensuring a seamless and engaging delivery that captivates your audience.

Practice Before Your Presentation

Engaging in pre-presentation practice sessions utilizing presenter view in PowerPoint can significantly enhance your delivery skills and boost your confidence. By rehearsing your presentation multiple times, you can identify areas that need improvement, perfect your timing, and ensure a seamless flow of information. Utilizing the presenter view allows you to preview upcoming slides, view slide notes, and manage the presentation layout, giving you more control and flexibility during your delivery.

Use a Remote or Keyboard Shortcuts

Keep your notes concise.

Ensure effective delivery by maintaining concise notes in PowerPoint, focusing on key points and essential information to guide your presentation without overwhelming yourself or the audience with excessive content.

Use Visual Cues to Help You Remember Important Points

Enhance your presentation delivery by incorporating visual cues such as pointers or laser pointers to emphasize and remember critical points, ensuring a dynamic and engaging interaction with your audience.

Mastering the art of utilizing presenter view in PowerPoint can significantly enhance your delivery, engagement, and overall effectiveness in meetings or presentations, ensuring a professional and impactful interaction with your audience.

By harnessing the capabilities of the presenter view, you can effectively manage your content, engage your audience with relevant cues, and maintain a professional and polished demeanor throughout your presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how do i access speaker notes in powerpoint while presenting, 2. can i view my speaker notes on a separate screen while presenting, 3. is there a way to hide my speaker notes from the audience while presenting.

Yes, there is. Simply go to the “Slide Show” tab and check the box next to “Hide Slide”. This will hide your speaker notes from the audience, but they will still be visible to you on your screen.

4. Can I customize the size and font of my speaker notes in PowerPoint?

5. are there any shortcuts for quickly accessing speaker notes during a presentation, 6. how can i print my speaker notes for reference before a presentation.

To print your speaker notes, go to the “File” tab and click on “Print”. Under the “Settings” section, choose “Full Page Slides” and select “Notes Pages” from the dropdown menu. This will print your slides with the speaker notes below each slide for your reference.

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May 9, 2022

Edit your notes in Presenter view in PowerPoint

Victoria Tran

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Hey, Officer Insiders! My name is Victoria Tran, and I’m a Program Manager on the PowerPoint team. I’m thrilled to share that you can now edit notes in Presenter view in PowerPoint for Windows. No more switching to Editor view to type or change your notes, even during a presentation!

Edit notes in Presenter view

Accessing and editing your slide content whenever the need arises is a key part of the PowerPoint workflow. Whether you’re making an important edit to your speaker notes during a presentation rehearsal or jotting down feedback during your presentation, the ability to edit notes in Presenter view increases your productivity and eliminates the need to toggle between views.

We are excited to add this highly requested feature and expand the use of PowerPoint notes. In the future, we’ll continue to add support for editing notes in other views, such as Teleprompter view.

How it works

Ready to edit notes in Presenter view?

NOTE:  You can also press the F6 key to select the Notes pane in Presenter view. When a white outline appears around the pane, press Enter and start typing to make any updates you want.

Known issues

Presenter view currently only allows basic formatting of notes, such as bold, italics, and underlining (via keyboard shortcuts). Formatting such as text color, highlighting, and other options aren’t yet available.

Tips and tricks

• If you are using keyboard commands to navigate through your slides during a presentation, make sure the text insertion point is not showing in the Notes pane. If it is, the arrow keys will move the insertion point around in the pane instead of navigating the slides.
• If you have two monitors, a full-screen slide will show on one monitor and Presenter view on the other monitor, featuring a view of the next slide, your speaker notes, a timer, and more. If you have just one monitor, you can press Alt + F5 to try out Presenter view.

Availability

We will be rolling the edit notes in Presenter view feature out to Office Insiders running Beta Channel Version 2204 (Build 15225.20000) or later.

Don’t have it yet? It’s probably us, not you.

Features are released over some time to ensure things are working smoothly. We highlight features that you may not have because they’re slowly releasing to larger numbers of Insiders. Sometimes we remove elements to further improve them based on your feedback. Though this is rare, we also reserve the option to pull a feature entirely out of the product, even if you, as an Insider, have had the opportunity to try it.

We want to hear from you! Please click Help > Feedback to submit your feedback about this feature.

Learn what  other information you should include in your feedback  to ensure it’s actionable and reaches the right people. We’re excited to hear from you!

Sign up for the Office Insider newsletter  and get the latest information about Insider features in your inbox once a month!

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How to Add Speaker Notes in PowerPoint (Tutorial)

Speaker notes in PowerPoint can be a lifesaver for presenters who need a quick reference during their talk. Instead of struggling to remember key points or losing your place during a presentation, you can have your notes right in front of you.

Whether you're a seasoned presenter or new to public speaking, this tutorial will help you feel more confident and prepared for your next presentation. With insights and practical tips from our in-house presentation designers , you'll have all the tools you need for success.

Let's dive in and explore how to add speaker notes in PowerPoint, taking your presentations to the next level!

In this tutorial, we’ll cover the following topics :

• Starting with the basics: How to add speaker notes in PowerPoint
• Ready to Captivate Your Audience? Let’s see how to view speaker notes while presenting
• From PCs to Macs, learn how to print speaker notes in PowerPoint
• Get answers to your FAQs and unlock tips for better presentations

Let’s start with the basics - or feel free to skip to your preferred section using the list above.

Adding speaker notes in PowerPoint

Adding notes to PPT is a reasonably straightforward process, regardless of your operating system. Here's how to add notes in PowerPoint:

• Select a slide you want to add notes to.
• View the Notes pane located beneath each slide. If it's not visible, you can make it appear by clicking Notes on the bottom taskbar.
• You will see a blank space with the prompt "Click to add notes." That's where you can enter your speaker notes.

Pro tip: Add Notes Via Notes Page view

Are you looking to give an impeccably organized presentation? Feronika Wulandari , design manager from 24 Slides, has a pro tip for you!

"For presentations that will be copied or distributed to the audience as a reference later, it is crucial to provide detailed speaker notes. Merely looking at our presentation slides may leave the audience struggling to grasp the context.”

If you're aiming for an impeccably organized and informative presentation, Feronika's advice is invaluable. Take your presentations to the next level by utilizing the powerful Notes Page view in PowerPoint . This feature allows you to incorporate comprehensive speaker notes into your slides, ensuring your audience can fully grasp the context after the presentation.

In the Notes Page view, you have complete control over the content of your speaker notes. Customize the font size, and enrich the notes with images, shapes, charts, and more. You can even tailor the background color to suit your preferences or corporate branding. As Feronika says:

“In the notes view, we can include ample text to facilitate the audience's understanding of the presentation's context. It also is an excellent tool for attaching references and citations, particularly for content-heavy presentations like scientific ones.”

Ready to try it out? Here's how you access the Notes Page view:

• Click View .
• Look for the Presentation Views section .
• Select Notes Page .

If you want even more control over how you want your notes to look, you can check out the Notes Master . This is how you can try it out:

• Look for the Master Views section .
• Select Notes Master.

Here you can choose the design and layout of the notes page and select options for your page setup. This is what the Notes Master looks like:

Now that you know how to add notes to PowerPoint, let's see how to present PowerPoint with notes.

Ready for your next presentation? Check out how to see speaker notes while presenting

To prepare for your next presentation, follow these steps so you can have your notes on hand without your audience being able to see them. First, click on the Slide Show tab , and select the box Use Presenter View . This is what the Presenter View in PPT looks like:

To access the presenter view, start your slideshow and then click on the left button of your mouse. From the options that appear, select Show Presenter View .

And last, learn how to print notes in PowerPoint

Printing PowerPoint presenter notes can be done in different ways, depending on your operating system. Let's look at each one of them.

How to print Speaker Notes (PowerPoint - Windows)

• Click File in the top left corner.
• Choose Notes Pages from the Settings dropdown menu.
• Adjust any other printer settings.
• Click Print .

How to print Speaker Notes (PowerPoint - macOS)

• Click File .

3. Click Show Details .

4. Select Notes from the Layout dropdown menu.

5. Adjust any other printer settings.

6. Click Print .

You may also want to know: How to print notes without slides?

If you want to print speaker notes only, this is what you should do:

• Go to the View tab and click Notes Page . On each page, you’ll see a thumbnail of the slide and the notes it has.

2. Select the thumbnail on each page and press delete . Repeat this step for each notes page.

3. Finally, go to the File tab and click Print. Now, repeat the note-printing process shown in the section above.

How to print PowerPoint slides with notes: Multiple per page

If you want to print multiple slides on the same page, including the notes, follow these steps: 1. Open the File menu, select Export , and click on Create Handouts.

2. Select Notes next to slides , and click OK.

This will begin the export to Word, where you can finish printing your slides and notes as a document.

Customer Frequently Asked Questions

What are speaker notes in powerpoint.

Speaker notes on PowerPoint presentations are a feature that allows presenters to add additional information that won't appear in the presentation slides.

PowerPoint notes can be used to provide additional context and details about the content on the slide, such as statistics or critical messages. They can also help emphasize specific points without cluttering their slides with too much information. They are a valuable tool for presenters to keep essential points at hand while giving a presentation.

These are some examples of speaker notes in PowerPoint:

Benefits of using speaker notes in PowerPoint

Why add speaker notes to PowerPoint? Learning how to use notes can be a game-changer , it can benefit you in many ways.

Speaker notes on PowerPoint can help you recall important points and key messages as you give a presentation. They also provide a security blanket, giving you the confidence to deliver your speech without worrying about forgetting something.

Remember, not worrying about memorization can help you prioritize inflection and tone and make you look more professional and connected with your audience.

How do I edit slide Notes?

A good thing to remember is that you can edit your speaker notes anytime you want. So, if there is a last-minute change or a new detail you would like to consider, you can follow these steps:

• Select the slide where you want to edit notes.

You will be able to see the Notes written in the Notes Pane . Click inside it so you can edit de content. Click outside the Notes Pane to save your changes.

What is the use of Notes Page view?

The Notes Page view is a PowerPoint feature that can help you upgrade your note-taking experience . Rather than presenting your notes in a simple text format, this feature presents them as individual pages with diverse layouts, colors, and formatting options for you to explore and customize.

If you would like to check out this feature, check out our Notes Page View section .

What is the advantage of the Notes Page view?

So, why is this feature impressive? Well, the Notes Page view offers several advantages that simplify the management of your notes:

• Organization: When it comes to giving presentations, being organized is essential. You can't afford to waste time deciphering your notes. With the Notes Page view, you effortlessly organize them into distinct pages, sections, or categories, allowing you to find what you need quickly.
• Personalization: The Notes Page view also puts you in complete control. It lets you customize the appearance and layout of your notes according to your preferences. You can explore a wide array of templates, themes, and styles, making your note-taking experience unique.

What is the difference between Slide Sorter view and Notes Page view?

The Slide Sorter view and Notes Page view are two different viewing options in PowerPoint .

The Slide Sorter view in PowerPoint provides a condensed and sequential display of all the slides in your presentation. It presents miniature versions of each slide in a grid layout, allowing you to manage the order and structure of your presentation easily.

This view is beneficial when you need to reorganize your content or gain a quick understanding of your entire presentation at a glance.

On the other hand, the Notes Page view allows you to see your slides along with any accompanying speaker notes . It is ideal for creating and reviewing speaker notes, providing a dedicated area to jot down the additional information you want to reference during your presentation.

You can customize and format your notes as needed, making them a valuable resource for guiding your delivery or providing more in-depth explanations.

Get outstanding presentations that make you stand out from the crowd!

If you want to improve your presentation skills and give a more professional image to your business, this tutorial can help. However, the design for your presentation is crucial, and that's where our presentation design solutions come in.

At 24Slides , we transform presentations from "good" to "extraordinary," saving you time and effort. Say goodbye to long working hours on PowerPoint and let our design experts amaze you overnight!

You might also like these articles:

• How to Add a Timer to Your Powerpoint Presentations
• How to Make a PowerPoint Slideshow that Runs Automatically
• How to Create Your Perfect Webinar Presentation (+Examples)
• Master Slides 101: How to Create and Use Master Slides in PowerPoint
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How to add notes to your Microsoft PowerPoint slides

When you present a slideshow, it’s likely that you have more to say than what displays on the slides. You may want to expand on the text you’ve included, or if the slide only contains visuals, explain them further.

Add speaker notes to a slide in PowerPoint

Hide notes while editing a slideshow, view speaker notes during a slideshow.

Did you know that you can add speaker notes to each slide you create when using Microsoft PowerPoint ? This allows you to add notes to each slide and then see them in Presenter View when you start the show.

What You Need

Microsoft PowerPoint

Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the first slide where you want to add notes.

Step 1: Go to the View tab and choose either Normal or Outline View . This allows you to see your slide along with the note you plan to add.

If you’re wondering how to add a note in PowerPoint without changing the view, the short answer is: You can’t. But if you prefer not to use Normal or Outline View, you can check out the Notes Page view in the same section of the ribbon.

While still technically a “view,” this displays your slide and a text box for your note as a printed page, as shown below.

Step 2: Display the Notes panel below the slide if it’s not visible using one of the following:

• Click the Notes button in the Status Bar at the bottom.
• Move your cursor to the bottom of the window. When you see the two-sided arrow, drag up until the panel displays.

Step 3: When the panel is empty, you’ll see “Click to Add Notes” within it. Place your cursor in the box and type your note.

Step 4: You can apply simple formatting to your note using the tools on the Home tab or in the floating toolbar. This is handy if you want to add bullet points or emphasize the font with bold, italics, or an underline.

Step 5: If you have a lengthy note within the panel, you’ll see a scrollbar appear on the right so that you can move down and see the entire note. You can also drag up on the panel to enlarge it.

Once you're happy with your changes, it's a good idea to print your PowerPoint presentation with the notes , just in case you need a physical copy.

If you want your slide in full view as you're assembling or editing your slideshow, you can hide the presenter notes. This does not delete them; it merely moves the notes panel out of view.

Do one of the following to hide your notes:

• Drag the notes panel downward until it no longer displays.

When it’s time to present your slideshow, you can use Presenter View to see your speaker notes. This allows you to view the notes for each slide on your monitor while presenting the slideshow on another. Your audience will not see your notes.

Step 1: Go to the Slide Show tab. On Windows, check the box for Use Presenter View in the Monitors section of the ribbon. On Mac, click the Presenter View button in the Start Slide Show section.

If you’ve already started the slideshow, you can still turn on Presenter View. Click the Three Dots in the Presenter Toolbar and choose Show Presenter View (Windows) or Use Presenter View (Mac).

Step 2: You’ll then see your notes display on the right side of the screen, with your slide on the left. As you advance each slide, the notes will display accordingly.

Step 3: The text for your note wraps automatically to the next line, and you have a scrollbar to move through those lengthy notes.

To adjust the font size for the notes, use the buttons below the notes panel.

Whether you want to add notes to PowerPoint to talk through your slideshow or simply as references while you assemble your slides, be sure to take advantage of this built-in feature.

To improve your presentations, check our guide on the best practices in Microsoft PowerPoint .

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One you know how to use PowerPoint, you can craft a great presentation. What's even better, however, is the option to use Presenter View. This lets you leave notes for yourself that can be viewed on your computer screen while everyone else is only seeing your presentation.

If you use Microsoft PowerPoint, converting a PDF to into a PowerPoint is a great way to make complex documents more digestible for presentations. It doesn't have to be complicated, either. There are free apps and web services that can do it for you quickly and easily.

Follow these steps, and you'll be turning PDFs into PowerPoint presentations in no time.

While PowerPoint is widely used to develop presentations, using Google Slides has become a popular alternative. Part of what makes it so popular is that it's free to use, as is other Google software such as Google Docs and Google Sheets – which is a stark contrast to the premium price you'll pay for Microsoft Office and PowerPoint.

Even if you know how to use Microsoft PowerPoint, you might want to jump ship to Slides, and Google makes it easy to do so. In fact, it takes little more than a few clicks to convert a PowerPoint to Google Slides. Whether you need to change the format for a coworker or want to permanently switch to the free platform, here's a look at how to convert your PowerPoint into a Google Slides presentation.

How to view your notes in the presentation mode

Usually, there are two different screens for the presentation. For example, one screen is your laptop and the second is the provided monitor, TV, projector, web application screen, etc.

Today is popular to give a presentation via the Internet. E.g., you can use a Web meeting application such as WebEx or GoToMeeting or present your PowerPoint presentation online using the Office Presentation Service , to show your presentation to the audience on the additional screen.

For this purpose, PowerPoint provides the Presenter view , a special view of the presentation that is available on systems with more than one monitor (presentation screen):

To start your presentation with the Presenter view , see some features of the Presenter view .

In the Presenter View screen, there are the following elements:

On the left side:

The timer can help you keep track of how long your presentation has dragged on. You can click on the pause button for some cases or even restart the timer.

On the right side:

• On the top, the next slide is shown (see how to create your own slide show ),
• On the bottom, the notes of the current slide.

You can reorganize the Presenter view by moving the divider lines to see more notes, or make the slide bigger:

The text should wrap automatically, and a vertical scroll bar appears if necessary. You can also change the size of the text in the Notes pane by using the two buttons at the lower left corner of the Notes pane:

See more about different features of Presenter view in how to make slide show easier and more informative using Presenter view .

See also this tip in French: Comment afficher vos notes dans le mode de présentation .

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Some features of the Presenter view

Byte Bite Bit

How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever felt the jitters when presenting a PowerPoint to an eager audience? I certainly have. It can be nerve-wracking to keep eye contact and effortlessly present your ideas. Seeing your notes while presenting in PowerPoint can dramatically boost your confidence and ensure you don’t miss any important points. Here’s how you can ace this:

When I’m presenting, my secret weapon is Presenter View. It allows me to see my notes privately while my audience focuses solely on the slides. It feels like having a cheat sheet, yet totally professional! With just a few clicks, I can activate Presenter View in the Slide Show tab and choose to display my notes on my primary monitor. This setup helps me maintain eye contact with the audience without constantly looking down at my papers.

Imagine your audience being completely engaged because you’re glancing at them more, rather than your notes. This simple trick makes presentations smoother and helps build a stronger connection with your listeners. Embrace Presenter View and make your next presentation the best one yet!

• 1.1 Using Keyboard Shortcuts
• 1.2 Leveraging the Control Bar and Tools
• 1.3 Managing the Slide Show Tab
• 2.1 Customizing Display Settings
• 2.2 Accessing Notes and Tools
• 2.3 Using Advanced Features
• 3.1 Engaging with Your Audience
• 3.2 Utilizing Visuals and Animations
• 4 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Navigating Slides Effectively

When presenting with PowerPoint, knowing how to efficiently navigate through your slides can greatly enhance your delivery and professionalism. Below are key strategies that help you move seamlessly between slides and utilize various tools at your disposal.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a lifesaver during presentations. They allow you to quickly switch slides without searching for the right button on your screen. For instance, using the arrow keys lets you move to the next or previous slide effortlessly.

If you need to jump to a specific slide, just type the slide number followed by the Enter key. Esc key is handy for exiting the full-screen mode instantly. These shortcuts save time and keep your flow uninterrupted.

Leveraging the Control Bar and Tools

The control bar at the bottom of PowerPoint’s presenter view offers several useful tools. Here, you can find the pen , highlighter , and laser pointer . These tools are excellent for emphasizing points and keeping the audience focused.

• Pen and Highlighter : Use these for on-the-fly annotations.
• Laser Pointer : Handy for pointing out specific elements.

Additionally, the See All Slides feature on the control bar allows you to quickly find and jump to any slide. This is particularly useful if you need to navigate back to previously discussed topics.

Managing the Slide Show Tab

The Slide Show tab on the ribbon menu holds various options to control your presentation. In this tab, you can find the Start Slide Show group, which lets you begin your presentation from the beginning or from the current slide .

Another essential feature is the Set Up Slide Show , where you can configure options such as using Presenter View on a single monitor. This ensures that you can see your notes while the audience views only the slides, making your delivery more polished and professional.

Optimizing Presenter’s View

When presenting with PowerPoint, the Presenter’s View can be a game-changer by enabling smooth delivery and effective audience engagement. From tweaking display settings to utilizing advanced tools, this feature offers comprehensive control over presentations.

Customizing Display Settings

First, open the Slide Show tab in PowerPoint. Here, you can access the essential tools needed for customizing your presentation. It’s crucial to start by checking the “Use Presenter View” box.

Depending on your setup, you might need to select which monitor to display the Presenter View on. Choosing the correct monitor ensures that your audience sees only the slides while you manage the presentation effectively.

For those using one monitor, there’s an option to view presenter mode without the audience seeing your notes.

Accessing Notes and Tools

In Presenter View, your speaker notes are displayed alongside the current and next slides. This allows for discreet glances at your notes without breaking the flow of your presentation.

The control bar, usually found at the bottom left, offers some useful features. These include pen and laser pointer tools for marking important parts of your slide, as well as options to black or unblack the slide show to refocus audience attention.

If you need to edit notes on the fly, you can easily do so within the Presenter View itself. This is especially handy during interactive sessions or Zoom meetings.

Using Advanced Features

Advanced features in Presenter View can further enhance your presentation. You can navigate efficiently with options to see all slides and select any slide to display instantly.

Engage your audience with interactive tools such as annotations and laser pointer to highlight key points dynamically. Additionally, use the zoom function to focus on specific content, making it clearer for your audience.

Finally, make sure to explore timer and progress controls, which help in keeping track of time and maintaining the flow of your presentation.

Remember, these features are designed to enhance your presenting experience, making sure that you stay in control and your audience remains engaged from start to finish.

Effective Presentation Techniques

Mastering effective presentation techniques can significantly boost your confidence and engagement levels. Improving your interaction with the audience and utilizing visuals strategically is key.

Engaging with Your Audience

Engaging with the audience is crucial. It’s essential to establish eye contact to build a connection. I always aim to make eye contact with different sections of the audience to ensure they feel involved. Asking questions can also help in gauging their feedback and interest.

Using anecdotes or humor can make the presentation relatable. I make a point to be mindful of body language. For instance, by avoiding closed-off postures and instead opting for open and welcoming gestures. Confidence is vital; speaking clearly and at a natural pace can make a difference.

Engagement can also come through interactive tools like polls or live Q&A sessions. Keeping things dynamic not only maintains attention but fosters a sense of participation.

Utilizing Visuals and Animations

Visuals are powerful tools in any presentation. Leveraging graphs, images, and videos can help convey complex information simply and effectively. I often use visuals to break the monotony of text and keep the audience visually engaged.

Animations, when used sparingly, can highlight significant points. For instance, I use subtle animations to bring in bullet points one at a time, preventing information overload. Avoid overuse, as it can be more distracting rather than beneficial.

Thumbnails of your slides can help keep track of where you are in your presentation. A vertical scroll bar, under slide navigation, can also be useful for quick access to particular slides. This helps maintain a smooth flow and ensures you don’t lose track of your content.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your presentation appears on the wrong screen, don’t panic. This happens more often than you’d think, especially if using a single monitor. Swapping the displays usually does the trick. On Windows or Mac, head to the PowerPoint Slide Show tab and ensure the “Use Presenter View” option is checked.

Facing problems with the size of the text in your presenter notes? Adjust the text size in PowerPoint settings. On a Windows laptop, go to the View tab, select Zoom , and choose your preferred size. Mac users can achieve similar results via the same method.

Text not displaying correctly or appearing cut-off usually means it’s a resolution issue. Adjust your display settings via the Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) for optimal performance.

PowerPoint notes not syncing with slides is another common hiccup. This might be due to software glitches or outdated software. Ensure PowerPoint is updated to the latest version. If problems persist, restarting the software can often help resolve temporary glitches.

Want to use a smartphone as a remote? Apps like Microsoft PowerPoint Remote for Android or iOS can transform your phone into a handy clicker. They can even display your notes. 😊

Dealing with subtitles and closed captions in your presentation? If they’re not showing, navigate to the Slide Show tab, select Always Use Subtitles , and configure the settings accordingly. This can enhance accessibility for your audience.

If your taskbar is obstructing your view, you can tweak settings to auto-hide it. On Windows, right-click the Taskbar , select Taskbar settings , and turn on Automatically hide the taskbar . For Mac, adjust the Dock preferences in System Preferences .

Presenting Important Slides

It’s frustrating when your camera’s placement isn’t ideal. Adjust your laptop or external camera so your face is visible without blocking the slides. A bit of camera tinkering can greatly improve your presentation’s clarity and engagement.

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How to use speaker notes in powerpoint.

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Add speaker notes in powerpoint, use speaker notes during a powerpoint presentation.

Adding speaker notes to a PowerPoint presentation provides reference material for the speaker when they're presenting a slideshow, allowing them to stay on track without forgetting key message points. Here’s how to add and use speaker notes.

To add speaker notes in PowerPoint, you’ll first need to be in the Normal view. If you’re not already there, you can switch to Normal view by going to the “View” tab and then selecting “Normal” in the “Presentation Views” group.

Next, in the pane on left, select the slide where you'd like to add speaker notes.

Next, click the “Notes” button at the bottom of the window.

A small box reading “Tap to Add Notes” will appear beneath the slide. For Mac users, this will say “Click to Add Notes.”

Now, simply type the speaker notes for that slide. Repeat this process for each slide you'd like to add notes to.

There are two ways to use speaker notes during a presentation: by presenting on a secondary monitor or by printing out the speaker notes .

Using a Secondary Monitor

It’s safe to assume that most presentations will be presented on a secondary monitor. If this is the case for you, there’s not a whole lot you really need to do.

Related: How to Add an Extra Monitor to Your Laptop

The first thing you need to do is change the view to Slide Show. You can do this by selecting the Slide Show icon at the bottom-right corner of the window.

In this view, the audience will see only the slides as you’re going through the presentation. However, on your primary monitor, you’ll see the current slide, a preview of the upcoming slide, and your speaker notes for the current slide.

This is a convenient way to have a virtual copy of the speaker notes while you’re giving a presentation, but it never hurts to have a hard copy.

Printing the Speaker Notes

To print the speaker notes of your presentation, first select the “File” tab in the Ribbon.

Related: How to Print Multiple PowerPoint Slides to Each Piece of Paper

In the pane on left, select the “Print" button.

In the “Settings” group, select the option that says “Full Page Slides.”

A drop-down menu will appear. Here, select “Notes Pages” in the “Print Layout” group.

Finally, click “Print.”

You’ll now have a physical copy of your speaker notes.

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Everything you need to know about using speaker notes in PowerPoint®

Chariti Canny

Through preparing for our Slide Design training , we realized there’s a feature that many presenters don’t realize plays a key role in slide design and speaker support: speaker notes in PowerPoint®.

To use your  speaker notes in PowerPoint most effectively during your next talk, follow the tips below.

What are speaker notes in PowerPoint?

Speaker notes in PowerPoint help presenters recall important points, such as key messages or stats, as they give a presentation. Some presenters even upload their whole script in there!

Even if you aren’t writing a complete script, using speaker notes for the high-level points of your script will help you match your talk track to what’s happening on the current slide you’re on.

It can also be handy for other purposes, such as:

• Adding nuanced information about a slide’s graphics
• Giving instructions for how to click through an animation
• Adding links to important files
• Providing stage directions
• Giving reminders of when to pause or give an anecdote
• Setting up triggers for gestures to a co-host or the audience
• General note-taking – just like if someone would use a scratch piece of paper

What are the benefits of speaker notes in PowerPoint?

You are the storyteller, and your slides are your support, forming the atmosphere and emphasizing your key points. Because there’s a limit to how much information people can process at one time — they will either listen to you or read your slides — it’s important to show only information essential for your story.

Speaker notes in PowerPoint allow you to move nonessential text and stats off your slides so that your audience can fully absorb your message. Having the info in the speaker notes allows you to be ready should your audience ask questions about your data , or other points in your presentation that may require additional information.

Though speaker notes should be a somewhat simplified version of what you are saying, using them for the high-level points of your script will help you match your talk track to what’s happening as you move through your presentation.

Spending a little time structuring speaker notes in PowerPoint can also be an easy way to turn your presentation into a dual-purpose file. Not only can you use your file to present, you can also use it as a standalone document that can be effectively shared without you presenting. This more advanced feature is described below.

How do I add speaker notes in PowerPoint?

There are two ways to add speaker notes in PowerPoint.

Method no. 1

Directly edit in slide editing mode (aka Normal View). Click the “Notes” section of the window and begin typing. If the “Notes” section is hidden, click the “Notes” button found in “Options” on the bottom right of the PowerPoint screen.

Method no. 2

Edit your notes in “Notes View.” Click on the “View” tab in the ribbon and click “Notes Page.” Here you have more room on the screen to write your notes and adjust the font size and layout.

How should you write speaker notes in PowerPoint?

Although some people feel more comfortable putting their complete script into the speaker notes section, one could also be brief in the notes, allowing them to sound more authentic when presenting. I have worked on a lot of high-stakes presentations and have seen this done both ways with success. So, it depends on your comfort level and ability with public speaking .

The first bullet point of your speaker notes can convey the overarching idea for the slide, and your other points can support it. I call these speaking touchpoints, and often they are short words or phrases that will remind me of what I want to say.

If one of your supporting concepts involves telling an anecdote or story (which we teach and recommend in all of our workshops, by the way!) you can trigger your memory by leaving a note to yourself in brackets. For example, you could type:

• As a company, we’ve been through difficult times before
• [Story: 2008 financial crisis]

It’s also important to keep these simple because the space to view them is limited. Though, there are times when a more elaborate note needs to be included. I’ve found that including a very important phrase in full is one of my favorite things about speaker notes. We often spend a lot of time crafting that pivotal moment, the pace of it, and the wording. Leave room to easily see it in presenter view.

Once, I sat through a presentation where the presenter stayed on one slide for quite some time. He was telling a long story that was coming back to resolve and tie together various points of information on the slide. To help himself stay on track, he wrote about six key speaking touchpoints in a list in the speaker notes, duplicated the slide (so it looked the same to the audience), then completed his next few speaking touchpoints for the slide. When he reached the bottom of the first six touchpoints he clicked the slide without missing a beat and continued the talk track. The audience had no idea that he just moved slides and he was able to use his notes, even though they were long.

The speaker notes are also an opportunity to include “stage directions.” These can be anything from reminding yourself to click and advance an animation, gesture to a co-speaker or member of the audience, or even take a breath and pause.

How do you project speaker notes in PowerPoint during a presentation?

PowerPoint is set up to show notes only to the speaker when a presentation is connected to another output, such as a monitor, a projector, a video conferencing app, etc. Just select the “Slide Show” tab and click “Presenter View” to enable a display that only you can see on your computer.

You’ll see your slides, speaker notes, and even a timer, but your audience will only see slides projected on a monitor or screen.

How else can I use my speaker notes in PowerPoint?

I mentioned that you can structure the Notes pages to act as a standalone document that can be shared without you presenting. This is a more advanced way to use notes, but extremely valuable.

Let’s say your presentation wowed your audience so much that they requested copies of your slides so they can reference them later, or share with others. Because you created a presentation meant to be shown, not read, chances are that your file won’t make sense to someone who wasn’t in the room.

Unless, of course, they can read and make sense of your speaker notes. Speaker notes can be used to create beautiful presentation artifacts for your audiences. By giving people a physical reminder of your presentation content, they’ll keep thinking about your talk long after you give it, and they’ll more easily share your message with others.

We recommend you do this with Slidedocs ®, a skimmable visual document that is a version of your slides meant to standalone. It’s great for pre-reads before meetings, leave-behinds at a presentation, or of course, a summary of your great presentation without your messy speaker notes and stage directions in there!

David Allen, the author of the bestselling series  Getting Things Done , leaves information behind after his talks to ensure that his audience remembers his key principles and methodologies.

After we created a cinematic presentation for David, we translated the rich, evocative images and layouts of his presentation into handouts using our Slidedocs® methodology so that anyone could read and understand his message even if they didn’t attend his presentation.

How can I use speaker notes in PowerPoint to create handouts?

Step 1: First, make the overall changes to the Notes master, such as how you want the slide image to appear and how much space you want your notes to have.

Step 3: Next, make changes to the layout in the Notes Master, keeping in mind that changes here will be reflected on all the notes pages.

In the image below, an example of a default Notes Master is shown at left, with a redesigned Notes Master on the right. In the modified version on the right, the slide image was resized and moved to the top left, and the notes box was reformatted and moved.

Not only can the Notes Master be adjusted, but each Notes Page itself can have text, charts, quotes, and images added as separate and additional content to augment what’s on the surface slide.

You can scale your slide thumbnail to any size and place it anywhere on the master. Headers, footers, and the note placeholder can be moved into any position you’d like. You can add objects to the Notes Master, but remember that objects added in Notes Master will appear on every slide’s notes page.

Thus, you must be strategic about what you add. To that point, adding a logo or some other universal image would make sense in the Notes Master.

Step 4: Once the Notes Master has been restructured, return to Notes Page View: View tab > Notes Page. You’ll see that the notes format matches the changes you made in the Notes Master.*

Step 5: For each page, add any custom graphics, data, text, or other items that relate to that slide. Remember, these will not appear on the slides. They will only appear in these notes.

In the layouts we created for David Allen below, we placed a small image of the slide on the top left of the page and a graphic and quote at the top right.

How do I print speaker notes in PowerPoint?

Perhaps you’d rather print out your notes instead of viewing them digitally on a monitor. Or maybe you’ve gone the extra step and customized your notes and now you’re ready to distribute them to your audience.

Step 1: Click the File tab and select Print to open the print dialog.

Step 2: Pull down the second menu within the Settings options. PowerPoint defaults to the Full Page Slides option, and you’ll need to switch it to Notes Pages option.

Now you can print the file in Notes Page View to give a hard copy to your audience.

Note: Image resolutions may be slightly less in printed or PDF Notes View. Text and shapes will remain the same.

By putting thought into how you prepare, use, and re-use your speaker notes, you ensure that your message resonates long after you and your audience leave the room.

How to get expert PowerPoint help the easy way

If you have a big, high-stakes presentation coming up, and would like additional help on crafting your speech, delivering your keynote, designing your slides, or engaging an audience to take an action, our Consulting services are here to help!

Talk to a Solution Architect about your needs, we’ve done the presentations, keynotes, and speeches for the big stages like HubSpot’s INBOUND , Salesforce’s Dreamforce , and many other events in between.

If you’d like to train up your team on better presentation design skills, we recommend talking to a Training Concierge about building a custom learning journey for your needs.

And if you’d like help today for your presentation fast approaching, take our 90-minute on-demand course on Slidedocs ® along with Slide:ology ®. Then you’ll be properly equipped to download our free Slidedocs® PowerPoint templates so you can get started on the path to nailing your next presentation immediately!

*A technical footnote: If your Notes Page view doesn’t change when you make changes to your Notes Master, you may need to reset your Notes Page view. Unfortunately, the following instruction only works on Windows. For resetting notes when on MacOS you will need to use the Developer Tab, which is not covered in this article. Open Notes Page view. On an empty spot of the notes page, right click and select Notes Layout. Select the box “Reapply Master”. This will remove any previous formatting that was on the notes and reset it to the current Notes Master. This will need to be done on each slide that may cling to the old Notes Page master format.

This article was originally published on March 23, 2020. It has been updated in August 2024 for relevancy.

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How to Add Notes to PowerPoint Presentations: A Comprehensive Guide

Sara Wanasek

Presenting a slideshow can be a daunting task, especially when you’re speaking to a large audience. Thankfully, most presentation software comes equipped with the ability to add notes to your slides, making it easier for you to stay on track and deliver a seamless presentation – no full memorization needed.

In this blog, we will explore two different ways that you can to add notes to PowerPoint:

• Presentation notes that you prepare in advance and only you can see or
• Adding live notes to your presentation for your audience to see

By leveraging these techniques, you’ll be able to engage your audience effectively and deliver memorable presentations. Let’s dive in.

How to Add Presenter Notes in PowerPoint

Presenter Notes in PowerPoint are notes that you can view on your screen while you are presenting. Your audience will not see these notes, just you, so you can stay on track, remember important points, and deliver your information clearly and easily. Presenters, here’s everything you need to know to add notes to PowerPoint.

Add Notes in Edit Mode

Notes can be added to any slide in PowerPoint. Follow these steps:

• Start by clicking on the Notes button located beneath each slide. If you don’t see it, click on the View tab at the top of the screen and then click on Notes Page.
• Begin typing your notes for that slide, providing additional details, reminders, or cues to guide your presentation.
• Repeat the process for each slide you want to add notes to.

Once you’ve added your notes, you’re ready to deliver your presentation with confidence!

Present with Notes

Now that your notes are added to your presentation, let’s learn how to use them during the presentation. Do note that to present with the Presenter Notes, you will need to be connected to another screen or projector.

• First, select the Slide Show tab in the PowerPoint ribbon
• In the Set Up section, click the check box for Presenter View
• Enter Presentation Mode! You should see your presentation on one screen (such as your projector) and your notes displayed on the other screen (such as your laptop).

⚠️ If the Presenter view appears on the wrong screen, you can swap this by clicking on the Display Setting on top of the Presenter view screen.

As you move through your slides, your notes will automatically advance with the slides, keeping you right on track.

Print Notes

If you prefer a physical copy of your notes to present with or want to share it with your audience, you can print them from PowerPoint.

To do this go into File → Print → and under Settings , choose Notes Pages . Now, you can Print .

Presenting with notes in your PowerPoint presentation helps you stay on track, maintain confidence, engage your audience, adapt to unexpected situations, and appear professional and organized, ultimately leading to a smoother, more impactful delivery. But what if you want to further explain a concept with notes and annotations during your presentation? You can with annotation tools! →

Add Notes During a Presentation

Need to add notes to aid your presentation and help your audience understand, follow along, and stay engaged? Presenter tools such as annotations are great tools to help your presentation delivery and pace. By interacting with your slide information throughout your presentation, you can encourage active learning and audience participation in the presentation. There are a few ways you can add notes to PowerPoint:

Add Notes to Any Slide

During your presentation, you can add notes in two main ways:

1.You can use PowerPoint’s built-in simple pen and highlighter to add notes to your slide. This is found in the bottom left corner of the screen click on the pen and choose your color to begin drawing.

2. For sightly more advanced pen tools, text boxes, and shapes, you can use the free PowerPoint add-in ClassPoint, to add notes to PowerPoint sides . Once downloaded, ClassPoint , an audience engagement tool, will add a toolbar at the bottom of your presentation screen with these additional annotation & presentation tools .

This gives you different thickness options and color options for the pens , highlighters , shapes , and text boxes on your slide.

Insert Whiteboard Slides

Did you know you can even add a blank whiteboard slide into your PowerPoint presentation while you are presenting? With ClassPoint, it’s true!

Perfect for when you run out of space, want to brainstorm, or have fresh details to convey to the audience.

To add a whiteboard slide to your presentation, click on the Whiteboard icon on the ClassPoint toolbar. From there, choose a template provided, or add your own whiteboard background design . This slide will be opened & inserted right into your presentation and you can begin adding your notes. All annotations added will be saved once you exit out of the presentation mode.

Add disappearing laser ink

With ClassPoint’s presentation toolbar, you can also use the laser pointer to write with disappearing ink!

Although this will not save to your slide, it is a great way to help your audience follow along and make connections to your slide information.

Share Notes

Just like when you printed your Speaker Notes above, you can also share all the notes you added to your PowerPoint slides. Print your presentation, or share it with your audience via a QR code.

Click on the Share PDF icon on the ClassPoint tab in the PowerPoint ribbon. Select to include the whiteboard and annotations that you made and click Generate . A QR code will appear that your audience can scan to access your PowerPoint slides and see all the notes you have added!

Overall, adding annotations to your PowerPoint presentation is a great way to enhance your message, engage your audience, and make your presentation more effective. So if you haven’t tried it before, why not give it a go and see the difference it can make to your next presentation?

Adding notes to your presentation is a simple but effective way to elevate your overall performance. Whether you’re adding notes in edit mode or during your presentation, PowerPoint offers a variety of tools to help make your presentation a success. Start implementing these strategies with ClassPoint, and watch as your presentations become more engaging and impactful than ever before!

About Sara Wanasek

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How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting on Teams

Do you frequently use Microsoft Teams for online presentations, but struggle to view your notes simultaneously? If so, it’s important to know how to view your PowerPoint notes while presenting on Teams. By doing so, you’ll be able to stay organized, on-topic, and well-prepared during your presentation. In this article, we’ll explore step-by-step instructions on how to view notes in PowerPoint while presenting on Teams. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why You Need to Know How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting on Teams

Firstly, it’s essential to understand precisely why it’s so crucial to learn how to view notes in PowerPoint while presenting on Teams. By doing so, you’ll have access to all the essential information and talking points during the presentation without getting lost or distracted. By keeping prompt notes for quick reference, you’ll be able to stay on topic and maintain your confidence throughout the presentation. Furthermore, by viewing your notes onscreen alongside your PowerPoint presentation, you’ll be less likely to forget crucial points and details, which can help you to deliver a more successful and impactful presentation altogether.

Another reason why it’s important to know how to view notes in PowerPoint while presenting on Teams is that it allows you to customize your presentation for different audiences. With access to your notes, you can easily adapt your presentation on the fly to better suit the needs and interests of your audience. For example, if you notice that your audience is particularly interested in a specific topic, you can quickly refer to your notes and adjust your presentation accordingly. This level of flexibility and adaptability can help you to engage your audience more effectively and deliver a more memorable presentation overall.

The Benefits of Viewing Notes While Presenting on Teams

There are numerous benefits to viewing notes while presenting on Teams. For one, it can help to keep you on track, ensuring that you don’t miss any important points or ideas throughout your presentation. Additionally, it can be a convenient way to access information quickly, without having to refer to physical notes or other external sources. By keeping your notes visible on your screen, you’ll be able to give the audience clearer explanations, details, and statistics that can help you to maintain their engagement throughout the presentation.

How to Prepare Your PowerPoint Slides for Presenting on Teams

Before you learn how to view your notes in PowerPoint while presenting on Teams, it’s crucial to ensure that your PowerPoint slides are fully prepared for the Teams presentation. This involves taking care of the visual elements such as the font size, type, color, and layout of the slides. It’s a best practice to keep the slides concise and straightforward while also keeping the audience engaged with visually appealing slides, and effective transitions. By preparing your PowerPoint slides upfront, you’ll be able to focus better on your presentation and deliver a more impactful and effective message.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting on Teams

Now that you understand the importance of viewing notes in PowerPoint while presenting on Teams and have prepared your slides let’s explore the step-by-step process of how to view notes while presenting on Teams.

Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the “Slide Show” tab on the top menu bar.

Click on the “Presenter View” button located within the “Monitors” group. This will initiate the Presenter View mode.

You will now see the Presenter View appear on your primary screen, and your presentation on the secondary screen. Here, you’ll be able to see your notes in one section, along with the next slide and timing for each slide.

To advance to the next slide, use the arrow keys on your keyboard, or click on the forward button located at the bottom of the presenter view section.

If you wish to make any quick annotations or highlight points during the presentation, you can use the laser pointer tool, which will make it easier for the audience to follow your cues.

Once done with the presentation, press the “Esc” key to exit the presentation mode.

Tips for Using the Presenter View in PowerPoint on Teams

There are some essential tips and tricks that you should keep in mind when using the Presenter View in PowerPoint on Teams. Firstly, adjust the settings to match your needs and preferences. Adjust the font, text size, and color of the notes to get the attention of your audience. Also, keep a reliable internet connection and a computer that can handle a high-graphic presentation. This will ensure that you enjoy a seamless experience, with no interruptions or delays. Additionally, keep your notes organized and labelled in a clear and logical manner, for easy reference when presenting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Viewing Notes in PowerPoint on Teams

Despite the ease of use of PowerPoint on Teams, there are some common issues that can arise when viewing notes. For instance, if you have a low-quality video or network problem, the notes and slides might not display correctly. The fix is to ensure that you have a high-quality connection and adjust the display resolution of your presentation. Also, ensure that your PowerPoint software is up-to-date, and avoid opening too many files at once, as this can make the software crash and your notes inaccessible.

Best Practices for Using Presenter View in PowerPoint While Presenting on Teams

To make the most of the Presenter View in PowerPoint presentation on Teams, it’s essential to follow best practices for its use. Some of these include choosing a well-lit and quiet place to present, using a high-quality microphone, and maintaining eye contact with the camera if presenting virtually. Additionally, continually referring to your notes and utilizing the laser pointer tool can help to reinforce your arguments and improve your delivery. Finally, ensure that you engage your audience during the presentation by asking questions, responding to feedback, and keeping them interested throughout the presentation.

Advanced Techniques: Customizing the Presenter View in PowerPoint on Teams

There are some advanced customization options that you could take advantage of when using the Presenter View in PowerPoint on Teams. For instance, you can customize the gradient or solid color of your background, amend the size and location of the notes section, and adjust the timing for the presentation. This comes in handy especially when you want to add more details or data to the presentation to automate certain functions, like changing the slide transitions or animations.

How to Take Advantage of the Laser Pointer Tool in Presenter View on Teams

The laser pointer tool is a handy presenter tool that helps you highlight crucial points and get the audience’s attention. By using this tool, you can focus audience attention on a particular point or graph, which can help to help emphasize the point you’re making. You can easily access the laser pointer tool during your presentation by clicking on the “Use Pen” button in the Presenter View tab. Please select the “Laser Pointer” option to activate the tool, and then click on the slide where you wish to use the pointer.

Maximizing Your Presentation Impact with Notes and Annotations on Teams

One of the best ways to maximize the impact of your presentations on Teams is to use notes and annotations to make your presentation more organized, informative, and engaging. You can choose to add comments, highlights, or even bold text to your notes, which can help to reinforce your points and communicate more effectively with your audience. Annotations, on the other hand, can help emphasize a point, establish credibility, elicit emotions, or even create more interactivity with your audience.

Comparing Presenter View Versus Normal View: Which is Better for Your Presentation?

When it comes to presenting on Teams with PowerPoint, you have the option of using the Presenter View or the Normal View. While the latter option might be more straightforward and more accessible, Presenter View offers substantial benefits like seeing the next slide and having your notes visible alongside the slides. This helps to keep your presentation more organized and engaging. On the other hand, Normal View offers a more straight forward approach, and is ideal for short, less detailed presentations. Ultimately, the choice between Presenter View and Normal View comes down to the specific needs of your presentation and your audience, and what will work best to help you deliver the most effective results.

How to Switch Between Full-Screen and Presenter View Modes in PowerPoint on Teams

Another useful trick to learn is how to switch between Full-Screen and Presenter View modes in PowerPoint on Teams. To switch to full-screen mode while in presenter view, press the “F5” key. To return to presenter view, press the “Esc” key. This can come in handy when you want a more immersive presentation, but with quick access between your notes and your slides.

Using Presenter View as a Teaching Tool for Online Learning with Microsoft Teams

Using Presenter View as a teaching tool is a great way to enhance learning, cover significant topics, and ensure that the class is kept focused and engaged during online classes. With Presenter View on Teams, teachers can utilize the notes and annotations to help explain concepts, reinforce essential concepts, and keep the students engaged throughout the presentation. Some students might find it easy to follow the teacher’s notes and images during the presentation, while others might prefer to have them in-hand afterward. Overall, using Presenter View on Teams is an innovative and effective approach to modern teaching and e-learning.

Best Practices for Collaborating with Co-Presenters Using Presenter Mode on Teams

When it comes to working with co-presenters using Presenter View on Teams, there are some best practices to follow to ensure an excellent presentation. Firstly, assign roles to each co-presenter to avoid confusion and make running of the presentation smooth and effortless. Secondly, ensure that there is proper coordination and communication between the co-presenters to avoid any confusion or overlap during the presentation. Finally, ensure that everyone has access to the notes and annotations, and that everyone follows the same presentation guidelines to ensure an organized and effective presentation.

Viewing notes in PowerPoint while presenting on Teams is easy once you know how to do it. By following the step-by-step guide and implementing the tips and tricks we’ve covered in this article, you’ll be able to deliver professional, well-organized, and effective presentations to your audience on Teams, no matter what your topic or subject happens to be. Whether you’re preparing for a business meeting or holding a webinar, utilizing the PowerPoint presenter view on Teams is a great way to inform, educate, and entertain your audience all at once.

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How Can I Present My PowerPoint Presentation and View Notes on the Monitor While Presenting

by Dr Valeria Lo Iacono | Last updated Sep 19, 2023

In PowerPoint, you can teach and make your trainer notes invisible to your students whilst also having these notes visible for you to see on your own monitor or screen and it is easy to do.

So, if you are wondering how to have invisible notes for a presentation (invisible meaning that the training participants or students cannot see your notes but you can view notes in PowerPoint while presenting) let me explain.

Page Contents

How to See Notes for Your Presentation Show on Your Own Monitor

Okay Let’s get started:

Step 1 – Open PowerPoint and the Presentation

The first step is to open PowerPoint as an application.

Once you have opened PowerPoint, you will then need to open the presentation that you want to use for your presentation.

Step 2 – Go into Slide View Mode

Next, you need to click the ‘Slide View’ button on the bottom of the PowerPoint screen (see the image below and to where the red arrow is pointing)

Step 3 – Selecting ‘Show Presenter View’

You will now be in ‘Slide View.

What you need to do now is to right-click anywhere over the slide and then select ‘ Show Presenter View ‘ (see image below).

Once you press ‘Show Presenter View’, you will then immediately see what your classroom participants can see and you can see your own screen (and with your teacher’s notes on it, that only you will see).

Step 4 – Additional Options

Once you are in presenter mode, you will see a view such as in the image directly below.

There are some pretty nifty things you can do including zooming in on certain parts of the slide for your students to see or using a marker to point things out on screen. You can easily do these things in Presenter View.

How Do You Add Trainer or Teacher Notes to PowerPoint?

It is a great idea to add trainer and teacher notes at the bottom of each PowerPoint, especially if you are designing the training materials for someone else to teach.

Even if designing the materials to use yourself though, to keep the presentation and workshops fluid and seamless, it is a great idea to have notes for each slide so that you have useful prompts.

These notes can be bullet points on what you need to say for each part of the slide, or it might be a list of instructions that you need to explain to the participants to run a classroom activity or team-building activity .

Adding teacher notes to PowerPoint slides is a straightforward process you’ll be happy to know.

Teacher notes are meant to provide additional information, instructions, or speaking points to the presenter or trainer while delivering the presentation. Here’s how you can add teacher notes to your PowerPoint slides:

Adding Teacher Notes to Individual Slides

Open your PowerPoint presentation by launching PowerPoint and then opening the presentation you want to work on.

Select the slide : Navigate to the slide to which you want to add teacher notes. Click on the slide in the left-hand slide pane to select it.

Access the Notes section : At the bottom of the PowerPoint window, you’ll see two tabs: “Normal” and “Notes.” Click on the “Notes” tab to reveal the speaker notes area for the selected slide.

If you cannot see the notes section below the slide then you need to click on the ‘Notes’ button on the menu of PowerPoint (see image below).

Enter your teacher notes : In the speaker notes area, you can type or paste the additional information, instructions, or speaking points that you want to include for that slide. To reiterate, these notes will only be visible to the presenter when in Presenter View or while editing the slide.

Repeat as needed: To add notes to other slides, select each slide, go to the “Notes” tab, and enter the relevant information.

Note : You might also have to switch to Normal View to do the above. To get to ‘Normal View’ :

• Click on the “View” tab in the PowerPoint top menu bar
• Select the “Normal” view.
• This view provides a clearer workspace for editing slides and notes.

FAQs about PowerPoint Slides and Trainer Notes

1. what are trainer notes in powerpoint.

Trainer notes in PowerPoint are hidden notes that provide additional information, instructions, or reminders for the presenter during a slide show.

As discussed earlier, when we say hidden notes, they are visible to the presenter or instructor (if they wish to see the notes) but invisible to the people viewing the presentation.

2. What Is the Purpose of Trainer Notes?

Trainer notes help presenters stay on track, provide context, and deliver a presentation effectively.

3. Are Trainer Notes Visible to the Audience?

No. Only you will be able to see the notes.

4. How Do I Add or Edit Trainer Notes?

Click in the notes section below each slide to add or edit trainer notes.

5. Can I Format Text and Add Images in Trainer Notes?

Yes, you can format text and include images in trainer notes, similar to regular slides.

6. What Are the Differences Between Presenter View and Trainer Notes?

Presenter View displays your notes alongside the current slide during a presentation, while trainer notes are for editing and reference.

7. How Can I Secure or Password-Protect Trainer Notes?

Unfortunately, PowerPoint doesn’t have a built-in feature to password-protect trainer notes. Consider securing the presentation file itself if confidentiality is a concern.

How to Design Great PowerPoint Slides

If you are looking for tips on how to design PowerPoint slides for teaching then we’ve already written a post with 8 tips explained. Here’s the post:

8 Tips on How to Design Teaching Materials on PowerPoint for Employee Training

How to Download Pre-Made Ready-to-use PowerPoint Slides with Trainer Notes

Designing PowerPoint slides with notes such that the subject you are teaching is covered in great detail, with great visuals, clear and transparent trainer notes, and training activities included, really takes time.

It is possible to throw together a PowerPoint presentation in a few hours but the soft skills workplace training materials we provide take weeks to design and are designed in-house by Dr Valeria Lo Iacono, who has over 20+ years of experience in teaching and education .

You can learn more about our downloadable PowerPoint slides and trainer notes packages below:

• Recent Posts

• Building Better Learning Experiences with Gagné’s 9 Events of Instruction
• 12 Collaboration Activities to Improve Teamwork and Team Building
• 5 Tips on How to Avoid Confirmation Bias

Training Materials Catalogue & Prices

Payment Options

Bulk Discounts

What Is Included in Our Training Packages?

How to Make PowerPoint Notes Invisible While Presenting

Making PowerPoint notes invisible during a presentation is a straightforward process. Simply use the Presenter View option, which shows your notes on your screen but not on the audience’s view. With a few clicks, you can deliver a seamless presentation without your notes being visible to everyone.

After completing this action, you will be able to present your PowerPoint slides without the audience seeing your personal notes, creating a more professional and clean presentation.

Introduction

Imagine you’re giving a big presentation. Your slides are perfect, but you’re a bit nervous and could use some notes to keep you on track. The last thing you want is for your audience to see these notes, distracting from the impact of your slides. That’s where the ability to make PowerPoint notes invisible during a presentation comes in handy.

PowerPoint is an incredibly powerful tool for creating compelling presentations. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or a lecturer, mastering PowerPoint is a valuable skill. One of the lesser-known features of PowerPoint is the ability to keep your speaker notes private while presenting. This feature is particularly important for anyone who relies on cues or additional information to deliver their presentation smoothly. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference in how confidently you present your information.

Step by Step Tutorial on Making PowerPoint Notes Invisible

Before getting into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re aiming for. By following these steps, you will be able to view your notes on your computer while only the slides are displayed to your audience. This allows you to reference your notes discreetly during your presentation.

Step 1: Set Up Multiple Monitors

Ensure that you have a second monitor or projector connected to your computer.

Having a second monitor or projector connected is essential for using Presenter View. This allows you to view your notes on one screen while the audience sees only the presentation on the other.

Step 2: Enable Presenter View

In PowerPoint, click on the ‘Slide Show’ tab and check the ‘Use Presenter View’ box.

Enabling Presenter View is the key action that hides your notes from the audience. This option is usually found in the ‘Monitors’ group on the ‘Slide Show’ tab.

Step 3: Start Your Slide Show

Start your slide show as you normally would, and your notes will be visible only to you.

Once Presenter View is enabled and you start your slide show, you’ll see your notes on your screen, while the audience will see only the slides.

Having your notes hidden from the audience helps maintain the focus on the content of your slides, rather than on your personal cues. This contributes to a more professional appearance and can help you make a better impression.

Knowing that you can reference your notes without the audience seeing them can be a significant confidence booster. This safety net allows you to focus on delivering your message rather than memorizing it.

With Presenter View, not only can you see your current slide’s notes, but you also get a preview of upcoming slides. This flexibility can be a game-changer, allowing you to better plan your transitions and manage your presentation’s pace.

One significant limitation is the need for additional equipment. Without a second monitor or projector, you won’t be able to use Presenter View.

Technical issues can also pose a problem, such as when the second screen isn’t immediately recognized by your computer, which could cause delays or disruptions to your presentation.

For those who are not tech-savvy, using Presenter View may require a bit of a learning curve. Becoming comfortable with this feature can take some practice.

Additional Information

When preparing for a presentation, there are a few extra tips you might find useful. First, rehearse with Presenter View ahead of time to become comfortable with toggling between your notes and the slides. Familiarize yourself with the controls, so you don’t fumble during the actual presentation.

Another tip is to keep your notes concise. Since you’ll be the only one seeing them, it might be tempting to write down everything, but this can be counterproductive. Short, keyword-based notes are generally more helpful than lengthy paragraphs.

Also, always have a backup plan. Technology can be unpredictable, so be prepared to give your presentation without your notes being visible on your screen. This could mean having a printout of your notes or being familiar enough with your material that you can present without them.

Finally, remember to engage with your audience. While it’s great to have notes, don’t become so reliant on them that you fail to make eye contact and connect with your audience. Presenter View is just a tool to aid you, not a crutch to lean on.

• Connect a second monitor or projector.
• Check the ‘Use Presenter View’ box in PowerPoint.
• Start your slide show to view notes on your screen and slides on the audience’s screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is presenter view.

Presenter View is a PowerPoint feature that allows you to view your notes on your screen while the audience sees only the presentation slides.

Can I use Presenter View without a second monitor?

No, Presenter View requires a second monitor or projector to function correctly.

How can I ensure my notes are completely invisible to the audience?

By using Presenter View and making sure your laptop is not mirrored on the projector or second screen.

What should I do if my computer doesn’t recognize the second monitor?

Check your connection and make sure that you have the correct display settings on your computer.

Can I still see the next slide in Presenter View?

Yes, Presenter View allows you to see not only your notes but also a preview of the upcoming slide.

In conclusion, making PowerPoint notes invisible during a presentation is a nifty trick that can make a significant difference in your delivery. It allows for a more professional appearance and can help boost your confidence as a speaker. By following the steps outlined, you’ll be able to leverage the power of Presenter View to keep your notes private while still engaging your audience with a polished presentation.

Always remember to practice ahead of time, keep your notes concise, and, most importantly, ensure that you’re prepared for any technical hiccups that might arise. Good luck with your presentations, and may your PowerPoint notes always remain invisible to your audience!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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