powerpoint see notes during presentation

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Tips for Powerpoint by Regina Griffin

How To View Notes In PowerPoint While Presenting

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

Viewing notes while presenting in PowerPoint can be a game-changer.

We explore the importance of viewing notes during presentations and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do so.

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

Let’s dive in and elevate your presentation game!

Key Takeaways:

• Viewing notes while presenting helps to stay on track and remember key points.
• Presenter View in PowerPoint allows you to easily navigate through slides with notes and use helpful tools.
• Practice and use visual cues to make the most of the Presenter’s View and deliver a more effective presentation.

Why Is it Important to View Notes While Presenting?

Viewing notes while presenting is crucial for maintaining a coherent presentation that effectively engages the audience and enhances the delivery of key points.

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

Viewing notes helps keep the presenter on track by providing a roadmap of the presentation flow and key elements to cover, ensuring a structured and organized delivery that captivates the audience.

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

Viewing notes in PowerPoint aids in recalling and emphasizing important points that need to be conveyed to the audience, enhancing the presenter’s ability to deliver key messages effectively.

By referring to these notes during the presentation, the speaker can ensure a structured and organized delivery, leading to a more coherent and memorable session for the listeners. Using PowerPoint notes also acts as a guide for the presenter, keeping them on track and preventing the omission of critical details. This method not only serves as a memory aid but also facilitates a smooth flow of the presentation, helping to maintain audience engagement and interest.

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.

When presenters view their notes, they can ensure that they cover all essential points, maintain a coherent structure, and deliver information. This process helps in avoiding disruptions or forgetting key details, leading to a more polished and professional presentation. By having their notes readily available, speakers can focus on connecting with the audience, maintaining eye contact, and adjusting their delivery to keep listeners interested and involved.

How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting

To view notes in PowerPoint during a presentation, follow these simple steps to enable the presenter to view and seamlessly navigate through slides while accessing your accompanying notes.

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

Begin by opening your PowerPoint presentation to initiate the process of viewing notes, ensuring that you have access to the slide content and accompanying notes for a seamless presentation experience.

Once you have your PowerPoint software open, navigate to the file menu and select ‘Open’ to locate your desired presentation file on your device. Choose the respective file and click ‘Open’ to load it into PowerPoint. Upon opening the presentation, you will see your slides displayed on the main PowerPoint screen.

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.

Upon clicking on the ‘Slide Show’ tab, a drop-down menu will appear, offering various options to adjust the presentation settings. One crucial element to focus on is the ‘Set Up Slide Show’ feature, which allows you to define how the slides will be displayed during your presentation. Within this menu, you can choose between ‘Presented by a speaker’ or ‘Browsed by an individual,’ depending on your presentation style and audience. You can also opt to ‘Loop continuously until ‘Esc” or set specific timings for each slide to control the pace of the presentation.

Step 3: Select ‘Set Up Slide Show’

After clicking on the ‘ Slide Show ‘ tab, proceed to select the ‘Set Up Slide Show’ option to configure the presentation settings according to your preferred method of viewing notes and slides.

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.

Next, you can opt for the ‘Show options’ section to decide whether you want to display all slides, specific slides, or a range of slides. Under the ‘Advance slides’ section, you can set timings for slide transitions. Experiment with these settings to find the method that suits your presentation style best.

Step 4: Choose ‘Presenter View’ Option

Opt for the ‘Presenter View’ option after setting up the slide show to enable the presenter view mode, which provides access to presenter-specific features and tools for a more dynamic presentation experience.

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

speakers can view their upcoming slides, speaker notes, and a timer all in one layout for seamless transitions. It allows for interactions with the slides while the audience sees only the main screen, ensuring a smooth and professional delivery. Presenters can

toggle between slides, embed annotations, and zoom in on certain areas for emphasis. This multi-functional mode enhances engagement and enables presenters to deliver impactful presentations effortlessly.

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.

In the presenter view mode, you have the advantage of discreetly glancing at your notes while the audience sees only the slides being presented. This feature ensures a seamless and professional delivery by providing you with valuable prompts and highlights during your presentation. It’s a practical tool that maximizes your control over the content flow and enhances audience engagement. To initiate this helpful mode, simply click on the ‘Start’ button within PowerPoint.

Step 6: Navigate Through Slides Using Notes

Utilize the notes pane in PowerPoint to navigate through slides while referencing your accompanying notes, ensuring a seamless transition between content delivery and note consultation for an impactful presentation.

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.)

Leverage the tools available in the presenter view mode of PowerPoint, such as timers, pens, and pointers, to enhance your meeting or presentation delivery with added visual aids and interactive features.

Utilizing these tools can significantly boost the engagement levels of your audience, making your content more dynamic and memorable. The timer feature helps you manage your time effectively, ensuring that you stay on track during your presentation. With the pen tool, you can annotate slides in real-time, emphasizing key points and fostering better understanding among your viewers. The pointer function allows you to direct attention to specific areas of your slide, guiding the audience’s focus and enhancing clarity.

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.

One essential practice is to conduct a thorough pre-presentation rehearsal to familiarize yourself with the software features and transitions within the presenter’s view. This allows you to anticipate any technical glitches and smooth out the flow of your presentation. Make the most of remote controls or handy keyboard shortcuts to navigate through your slides effortlessly, enhancing your overall performance.

Practice Before Your Presentation

Prepare for successful presentations by dedicating time to practice using presenter view in PowerPoint, refining your delivery, and familiarizing yourself with the tools and features available for an impactful 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.

• Refining your presentation style through practice enables you to speak confidently, maintain audience engagement, and effectively convey your message. Utilize this time to adjust your pace, tone, and body language to create a compelling and impactful delivery.
• Optimizing the utilization of available tools, such as animations, transitions, and multimedia elements in PowerPoint, can elevate the visual appeal of your presentation. Familiarize yourself with these features to create visually appealing slides, maintain audience interest, and emphasize key points effectively.

Use a Remote or Keyboard Shortcuts

Optimize your meeting or presentation experience by utilizing a remote control or keyboard shortcuts to navigate through slides seamlessly, allowing for enhanced interaction and fluid transitions during your delivery.

Incorporating such tools in PowerPoint presentations revolutionizes how presenters interact with their content, eliminating the need to be tied to a specific spot for slide changes. By effortlessly moving from one slide to another without disruptions or distractions, the focus remains on the message being conveyed, enhancing audience engagement. Utilizing keyboard shortcuts for commands like starting a slideshow, jumping to a specific slide, or adjusting display settings creates a smooth and professional delivery that captivates your audience. These techniques not only save time but also allow for a more dynamic and interactive presentation experience.

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.

Concise notes are the cornerstone of a successful PowerPoint presentation, allowing presenters to stay on track and deliver their message with clarity and precision. By jotting down key ideas and supporting details, speakers can confidently navigate through their slides, ensuring a smooth flow of information and engaging the audience effectively.

These notes serve as a roadmap, keeping the presenter grounded in the core message and aiding in seamless transitions from one slide to the next. They also help in organizing thoughts, highlighting crucial data, and reinforcing the key takeaways for both the presenter and the viewers.

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.

Visual cues like pointers or laser pointers can significantly elevate the impact of your presentation, capturing attention effectively and making it easier for your audience to grasp key concepts. By utilizing these tools strategically, you can create a more cohesive narrative flow, guiding your audience’s focus and enhancing overall comprehension.

Pointers are especially useful for highlighting specific areas on slides or on a screen, drawing attention to essential details that might otherwise be missed. Incorporating this visual aid can also help you maintain a smoother delivery, ensuring that your audience stays engaged throughout your presentation.

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.

Presenter view is a powerful tool that allows you to see your presentation notes, upcoming slides, and elapsed time while your audience views only the main screen. This feature not only boosts your confidence but also facilitates smoother transitions and on-the-spot adjustments during your presentation.

Being able to control what your audience sees and what you see simultaneously elevates your performance, enabling you to maintain a seamless flow and deliver your message with clarity and precision.

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.

To view your speaker notes while presenting, simply click on the “Notes” button located at the bottom of the PowerPoint window. This will open a separate window with your notes, which you can resize or move as needed during your presentation.

2. Can I view my speaker notes on a separate screen while presenting?

Yes, you can. To do this, go to the “Slide Show” tab and click on “Set Up Slide Show”. Then, under the “Multiple Monitors” section, select “Presented by a speaker (full screen)” and click “OK”. Your speaker notes will now appear on the secondary 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?

Yes, you can. To do this, go to the “View” tab and click on “Notes Master”. Here, you can make changes to the font, size, and layout of your speaker notes, which will be applied to all slides in your presentation.

5. Are there any shortcuts for quickly accessing speaker notes during a presentation?

Yes, there are. During a presentation, you can press the “Ctrl” and “P” keys on your keyboard to quickly toggle between your slides and speaker notes.

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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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

How-To Geek

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.

• Microsoft Office
• Office 2016

How to View Notes When Presenting in PowerPoint While Presenting with PPT Slides

by Dr Valeria Lo Iacono | Last updated Oct 31, 2024

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 view notes when presenting in PowerPoint, (invisible speaker notes and presenter notes) i.e. notes that the participants or students cannot see as you show the slides, let me explain.

Page Contents

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

Okay Let’s get started:

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.

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)

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).

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 speaker notes or trainer notes in powerpoint.

Speaker notes in PowerPoint and Trainer notes in PowerPoint refer to the same thing and they are the 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:

9 Tips on PowerPoint Design for Trainers and Teaching

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

Thank you for reading this post on how to view notes when presenting in PowerPoint and hopefully I have answered your questions.

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

• Where to Find Feedback Training PowerPoint Slides for Corporate Trainers
• 5 Tips to Master How to Ask Open vs Closed Questions for Better Conversations
• Feedback Sandwich Technique: 3 Easy Steps for Effective Workplace Communication

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How to Use Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

Speaker notes keep a presenter on track during a presentation

• Brock University

What to Know

• To add a note, go to Slide pane > select slide's thumbnail > enter notes into Notes pane.
• To see notes during presentation, go to Slide Show > Use Presenter View .

Here's how to use and print PowerPoint notes, accompanied thumbnail versions of the appropriate slides, as a handy reference when making an oral presentation. Instructions in this article apply to PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010; PowerPoint for Microsoft 365, PowerPoint for Mac, and PowerPoint Online.

How to Add Notes in PowerPoint

Keep on track during your slideshow by adding speaker notes to each slide of your presentation. You don't need to write down everything you want to say, just add enough information to keep your speech flowing.

Go to View and select Normal . In PowerPoint Online, toggle the notes pane on and off by selecting View > Notes .

In the Slide pane, select the thumbnail of the slide you want to add a note.

Place the cursor in the Notes pane. The text in the Notes pane reads, Click to add notes .

If you don't see the Notes pane, go to View and select Notes . On a Mac, drag the bar below the slide upward to reveal the notes section.

Type or paste your notes into the Notes pane.

Save the changes to your presentation.

How to See Your Notes During a Presentation

If your computer is connected to another monitor or projector, you can enable Presenter View in PowerPoint 2016, 2013, and 2010.

Go to Slide Show and select Use Presenter View .

Select the monitor that you want to use to view your speaker notes in the Display Settings dialog box. Place a check next to This is my main monitor .

If available, select From Current Slide , Custom Slide Show , Present Online , or Broadcast Slide Show . Each of these views displays your slideshow notes during the presentation.

PowerPoint for Mac works a little differently than the Windows version. To see your notes during a presentation, go to Slide Show and select Presenter View .

PowerPoint Online is unable to open a presentation in Presenter View because it can't connect to an additional monitor.

Tips and More Information on PowerPoint Notes

Speaker notes are notes added to PowerPoint presentation slides as a reference for the presenter . Notes in a PowerPoint slide are hidden during the presentation and only visible to the one presenting the slides.

Presenter View works only if your computer is connected to another display. The purpose of Presenter View is to show something different on your screen than on the one your viewers are watching.

While in Presenter View, you'll see the current slide, the upcoming slide, and your notes. Presenter View includes a timer and a clock that shows if your presentation is running too short or too long.

To exit Presenter View, and end the presentation, select End Slide Show at the top of the screen. If you don't see that option, right-click the slideshow and select End Show .

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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 to Read Notes While Presenting PowerPoint Slides

Here’s a quick hack that shows you how to read notes while presenting PowerPoint slides live during a webinar or meeting.

This is a setup I use to present to an audience when I need to rely on speaker notes (without having anyone see my notes).

You’ll need two monitors, an external webcam (one that you can adjust above your notes), Microsoft PowerPoint, and online presentation software that can share one screen at a time (such as Webex).

Step-by-step instructions on how to read notes while presenting PowerPoint slides

• Add the notes you want to reference throughout the presentation underneath each slide of your PowerPoint deck ( click here to learn how to add notes if you don’t know how to do that in PowerPoint)
• Start a slide show on one of your two monitors (in the picture above, I used my right monitor to present a full screen version of my slide show)
• Display “presenter view” on the other monitor ( here’s how )
• Share the slide show screen on Webex or any other online collaboration tool ( here’s how in Webex)
• Line up your webcam above the notes in “presenter view.” This helps make sure you are looking in the direction of your audience and not off to the side.
• Read through your notes as you progress through your slides. You can even “vertical scroll” through your notes if you have a lot to material to go through.

How to Read Your Notes While Presenting

Going through your notes line by line can sound very scripted and your audience will be able to see your eyes moving from left to right as you read.

To avoid having people know that you’re just reading off of your screen, try to speak extemporaneously by only adding the main bullet points in your notes. This way, you’ll be able to break eye contact from your notes as you speak naturally to the content. The idea is to use your notes as a backup solution to fall back on and help make sure you cover all the points you need to cover.

Update: If you’d like to present and read notes while directly looking at the camera, you’ll need to use a teleprompter with an app. Here’s a short video I put together that shows you how .

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View Notes During Your Presentation for PowerPoint 2013

powerpoint 2013

powerpoint notes page

powerpoint presentation

PowerPoint tip

powerpoint tutorial

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Apr 01, 2016

Presenter notes in PowerPoint 2013 are an essential tool that allows you to have additional information at your fingertips while delivering your presentation. These notes act as a script or reference, helping you stay on track without displaying them to your audience. PowerPoint’s Presenter View enables you to see your slides, notes, and upcoming content all at once on your monitor, while your audience only sees the slides.

Here’s how to set up and use Presenter View to view your notes during your presentation in PowerPoint 2013:

1. Enabling Presenter View

Presenter View allows you to display your notes on one screen (your laptop or desktop monitor) while projecting the slides onto a second screen (such as a projector or external display).

How to Enable It :

• Connect Your External Display or Projector : Plug in your second monitor or projector.
• Go to the “Slide Show” Tab : Click on the Slide Show tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.
• Check “Use Presenter View” : Under the Monitors group, make sure Use Presenter View is checked.
• Select the Correct Display : Next to the Use Presenter View checkbox, select which monitor will show the Presenter View (usually your laptop screen) and which one will display the slides (external display or projector).

2. Adding Notes to Your Slides

Before using Presenter View, ensure your notes are added to each slide. These notes will be visible to you while you present.

How to Add Notes :

• Select a Slide : Click on the slide where you want to add notes.
• Open the Notes Section : At the bottom of your PowerPoint window, you’ll see a panel labeled Notes . If it’s not visible, click the Notes button at the bottom right of the PowerPoint window.
• Type Your Notes : Type any information or talking points you want to reference during your presentation in the Notes pane.

3. Using Presenter View During the Presentation

When in Presenter View, you’ll be able to see:

• Current Slide : The slide currently being displayed to your audience.
• Next Slide : A preview of the upcoming slide.
• Presenter Notes : A section showing the notes you’ve written for the current slide.
• Timer and Clock : A timer to keep track of how long you’ve been presenting, and a clock to help manage your time.

How to Access Presenter View :

• Start the Slide Show : Go to the Slide Show tab and click From Beginning or From Current Slide .
• Presenter View Appears : Once the slide show begins, Presenter View will automatically appear on your primary screen, and the slides will be displayed on the external display or projector.
• Navigate with Confidence : Use the arrows in Presenter View to move between slides while reading your notes without the audience seeing them.

4. Adjusting the Notes During the Presentation

If you need to adjust or edit your notes during the presentation, you can click the Notes section in Presenter View and type changes directly. This is especially useful for adapting or updating content as you go.

Final Thoughts

Presenter View in PowerPoint 2013 is a valuable tool for anyone looking to deliver a more polished and organized presentation. By keeping your notes and key points visible to you, but hidden from your audience, you can stay focused, confident, and on track throughout your presentation.

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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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