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Did you forget the key points during the presentation? Master how to add speaker notes in powerpoint can make a significant difference in how you present your information. In this guide, we’ll show you how to do it step by step.

Speaker notes in PowerPoint are a hidden text design for the presenter. They are often used as a script or a set of reminders to help presenters recall key points, data, or stories they want to share with their audience.

Instead of filling slides with too much text, you can keep them clean and professional while relying on the speaker notes as an invisible guide.

How do You Add Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

Adding notes is a simple process, and the steps are similar across different versions of PowerPoint.

How to Insert Notes in PowerPoints (Windows & Mac)

1. Open your PowerPoint presentation.

2. At the bottom of the window, click the “Notes” pane below the slide.

how to insert notes in powerpoint on windows and mac


3. Enter your notes in the box. You can expand the Notes pane if needed.

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How to Put Speaker Notes in PowerPoint Web

1. Open your presentation in the browser.

2. At the bottom, select “Notes” under the slide and type your notes in the box.

3. Notes are saved automatically in the cloud.

How to Use Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

After adding speaker notes for each slide, how to view speaker notes in PowerPoint? Here are the steps:
1. Go to the Slide Show tab.

2. Check the box for “Use Presenter View.”

view speaker notes in powerpoint

3. Click “From Beginning” or “From Current Slide” to start your presentation.

present slides with speaker notes

On your own screen, you’ll see:

  • The current slide
  • The upcoming slide
  • Your speaker notes below the slide

How to Print Speaker Notes With Slides

Sometimes, you may want to share slides with notes (for rehearsals or handouts).
1. Go to File > Print.

print powerpoint notes with print function

2. Under the Settings section, you’ll see a dropdown menu. By default, it’s set to “Full Page Slides.” Click this dropdown and select “Notes Pages.”

print slides with notes

3. This will print each slide on a separate page with the corresponding notes below it.

Examples of Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

For a data slide
  • Highlight the key finding: “Sales are up 15% this quarter.”
  • Explain the “why” and “how” behind this number.
  • Mention the specific marketing campaign that drove the growth.
For an intro slide:
  • Briefly introduce myself and the topic.
  • Start with the hook: “Did you know that…?”
  • Tell the audience what they will learn by the end of the presentation.
For an Academic Lecture Slide:
  • Cite a key author or a specific research finding.
  • Elaborate on the data points in a chart, explaining their significance within the research context.
  • Prepare to address potential questions, such as, “How does this methodology support your conclusion?”
For a Training Session Slide:
  • Provide clear, step-by-step instructions.
  • Remind yourself to pause and give attendees time for a hands-on exercise or to ask questions.
  • Use a real-world case study to demonstrate a concept and emphasize its practical application in their work.

FAQs Related to Record on Google Slides

Q1: Why add speaker notes in PowerPoint?

A: Speaker notes help you stay organized during your presentation. Instead of overloading your slides with text, you can keep them clean and use notes as your private script or talking points.

Q2: How to make good speaker notes?

A: Keep them short and natural. Use bullet points, reminders, and cues—avoid writing full essays or reading word-for-word.

Q3: How to show speaker notes while presenting PPT?

A: Open your slides in Present mode, turn on your webcam, and start recording with both screen and camera.

Q4: Why can't I see my notes in presenter view?

A: This usually happens if Presenter View is turned off or your display settings are incorrect. Go to Slide Show > Use Presenter View, and ensure your laptop is set as the primary screen while the projector or second monitor shows the slides.

Q5: How to record a PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes?

A: You can use PowerPoint’s Record feature (Slide Show > Record) or third-party tools like Loom or OBS. While recording, enable Presenter View so you can see your notes without them appearing in the final video.

💬 Conclusion:

By understanding how to add speaker notes in PowerPoint, you can deliver a polished, confident, and engaging presentation every time.

Speaker notes are your secret weapon for confident presentations. And if you want to save time preparing both slides and notes, WorkPPT AI Presentation Maker
helps you create clean, professional decks in just a few clicks.

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