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!
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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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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.
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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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How to Add Notes to a PowerPoint Presentation
Learn how to add and effectively use notes in PowerPoint to enhance your presentation skills with this detailed guide.
Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation
Step 2: Add Notes to Your Slides
- Navigate to the Slide : Click on the specific slide you want to add notes to. This will make it active and ready for editing.
- Find the Notes Pane : At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a section labeled ‘Click to add notes’. Click inside this box.
- Type Your Notes : Start typing your notes directly into this box. These can be as detailed or as brief as you prefer. Remember, these notes won't appear on the slide itself during the presentation but can be viewed by you as the presenter.
Step 3: Edit and Format Your Notes
- Font Adjustments : You can change the font size, style, and color of your notes using the options in the toolbar, similar to editing text in your slides.
- Adding Bullet Points : To organize your notes better, you can add bullet points or numbered lists just as you would in any text editing software.
Step 4: View Your Notes While Presenting
- Presenter View : Enable 'Presenter View' in PowerPoint. This view will show your notes on your screen while displaying only the slides on the projector or other display screens used by your audience. It also provides tools to navigate through your slides and keep track of presentation time.
Step 5: Print Your Notes
- Print Settings : Go to ‘File’, select ‘Print’, and under ‘Settings’, choose ‘Full Page Slides’ for a dropdown menu. Select ‘Notes Pages’ to print slides alongside your notes.
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Tips for writing effective speaker notes.
- Keep It Concise : Your notes should be brief and to the point. Use them as reminders or cues.
- Use Keywords : Instead of full sentences, jot down keywords that will prompt your memory.
- Include Timing Cues : Make notes of when to advance slides or when to introduce new topics.
- Practice with Your Notes : Rehearse your presentation using your notes to ensure they effectively aid your delivery.
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Start the presentation and see your notes in Presenter view. Transfer slides from one presentation to another. Add speaker notes to each slide to help you remember what you're going to say when you present.
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.
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.
Add speaker notes to help you remember what to say when you present. You can see your notes on your computer, but your audience only sees your slides. Add speaker notes. Select Notes below the slide.
We’ll show you how to add notes to PowerPoint so that you have your talking points at your fingertips. You don’t have to wing it when presenting a slideshow.
Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation. First, ensure that your PowerPoint application is open and you have loaded the presentation to which you want to add notes. Step 2: Add Notes to Your Slides. To add notes to your slides, follow these simple steps: Navigate to the Slide: Click on the specific slide you want to add notes to.