How to Add Speaker Notes in PowerPoint: A Quick Guide

Updated at: 22/06/2025

PowerPoint presentations are more effective with well-prepared speaker notes. This quick guide shows you exactly how to add, edit, and format these essential notes within PowerPoint. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or just starting out, mastering speaker notes will boost your confidence and delivery. Learn how to seamlessly integrate your speaking points for a polished and professional presentation, saving you time and stress. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Select Slide

    • Select the slide where you want to add speaker notes.
    Select the slide where you want to add speaker notes.
    Select Slide

  2. Open Notes Page

    • Go to the 'View' tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.
    • Click on 'Notes Page' in the 'View' tab.
    Click on 'Notes Page' in the 'View' tab. Click on 'Notes Page' in the 'View' tab.
    Open Notes Page

  3. Add Speaker Notes

    • Type your speaker notes in the notes section below the slide preview.
    • Add any tables or images to your notes as needed.
    Add any tables or images to your notes as needed. Add any tables or images to your notes as needed.
    Add Speaker Notes

  4. Return to Slide View

    • Once finished, go back to the 'Normal' view (or another view as needed) to continue editing the slides.
    Once finished, go back to the 'Normal' view (or another view as needed) to continue editing the slides.
    Return to Slide View
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Tips

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Saving Speaker Notes with the Presentation

Reason: Speaker notes are saved separately and can be lost if not properly linked or exported with the main presentation file.
Solution: Always save your PowerPoint presentation, ensuring that the speaker notes are included in the final saved file.

2. Using Too Much Text in Speaker Notes

Reason: Overly long notes can distract the presenter and make it difficult to maintain eye contact with the audience.
Solution: Keep speaker notes concise, using keywords and short phrases as reminders instead of full sentences.

3. Forgetting to Practice with Speaker Notes

Reason: Rehearsing with notes ensures a smooth and confident presentation delivery.
Solution: Practice your presentation multiple times using the presenter view to become familiar with the flow and timing.

FAQs

Can I print my speaker notes separately from my slides?
Yes! In PowerPoint's Print dialog box, choose 'Notes Pages' to print your slides with their corresponding notes. Alternatively, you can select 'Notes' only to print just the speaker notes.
How do I format my speaker notes (font size, etc.)?
You can format your speaker notes just like regular text. Simply select the text in the notes pane, and use the formatting tools on the PowerPoint ribbon (font size, color, bold, italics, etc.) to customize their appearance.