How to Use Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

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.

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

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

3. 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.

4. Type or paste your notes into the Notes pane.

5. 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.

1. Go to Slide Show and select Use Presenter View.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.