To show or hide speaker notes in PowerPoint 2013, you simply need to go to the ‘View’ tab on the ribbon, then click on ‘Notes’ to toggle them on or off. This will either display or hide the notes pane at the bottom of the PowerPoint window.
When you complete this action, the speaker notes will either become visible at the bottom of your PowerPoint slides, allowing you to reference them during your presentation, or they will be hidden, giving you a cleaner slide view.
Introduction
PowerPoint 2013 is a powerful tool for creating engaging presentations, and one of its many features is the ability to add speaker notes. These notes can be an invaluable aid when presenting, as they provide a space to jot down reminders, additional information, and cues that you might need while presenting. They’re like a trusty sidekick, whispering in your ear just when you need them. But what if those notes are a little too chatty, or you want to clean up your view? That’s where the ability to show or hide your speaker notes comes in handy.
This feature is relevant to anyone who uses PowerPoint to present, whether you’re a student, a business professional, or an educator. Knowing how to manage your speaker notes can make the difference between a smooth, well-delivered presentation and one that’s a bit more…let’s say, improvisational. Plus, let’s not forget the peace of mind that comes with decluttering your workspace!
Step by Step Tutorial to Show or Hide Speaker Notes in PowerPoint 2013
The following steps will guide you through the process of toggling your speaker notes on or off in PowerPoint 2013.
Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation
Open the PowerPoint presentation in which you want to show or hide the speaker notes.
Once you have your presentation open, you’re ready to control the visibility of your notes.
Step 2: Click on the ‘View’ tab
On the ribbon at the top of PowerPoint, click on the ‘View’ tab to see the various view options.
The ‘View’ tab is where you’ll find all the tools you need to adjust how your slides are displayed.
Step 3: Click on ‘Notes’
Within the ‘View’ tab, you’ll find the ‘Notes’ button. Click on this button to toggle the speaker notes on or off.
Clicking the ‘Notes’ button will immediately show or hide the notes pane. It’s like flipping a switch to reveal your hidden thoughts—or conceal them from prying eyes.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhances Presentation Flow | Having your notes visible can help guide you through your presentation, ensuring you cover all key points. |
| Clean Slide View | Hiding speaker notes can declutter your workspace, allowing for better focus on slide content. |
| Flexibility | The ability to toggle the visibility of speaker notes gives presenters control over how they use PowerPoint. |
Speaker notes are a great way to keep your presentation on track. They serve as a roadmap, ensuring you hit all the important landmarks along your journey.
A clear workspace is like a clear mind—it helps you focus on the task at hand, which, in this case, is delivering an awesome presentation.
Flexibility is the name of the game. Whether you want your trusty sidekick’s advice or prefer to go it alone, you’re in the driver’s seat.
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Risk of Overreliance | Relying too much on speaker notes can make presentations feel scripted and reduce eye contact with the audience. |
| Potential Distraction | Visible notes can be a distraction if they contain too much information or are poorly organized. |
| Technical Difficulties | Technical issues could arise, such as notes not displaying correctly or at all, which could disrupt the presentation flow. |
Just like training wheels on a bike, speaker notes are great for support, but eventually, you want to ride without them.
Too much of a good thing can be bad, and that includes speaker notes. Keep them tidy, folks!
Technology can be fickle, so make sure you have a backup plan, like a printed copy of your notes, just in case your digital ones decide to take the day off.
Additional Information
When working with speaker notes in PowerPoint 2013, there are a few extra tidbits that can enhance your experience. For instance, did you know that you can resize the notes pane? Just hover over the top border of the pane until your cursor changes to a double arrow, then click and drag to adjust the size. This can be particularly useful if you have extensive notes and need more space to view them.
Another helpful tip is to use the ‘Notes Page’ view if you want to see how your notes will appear when printed. To access this view, click on the ‘View’ tab, then select ‘Notes Page.’ Here, you’ll get a full-page view of each slide alongside its corresponding notes.
Remember, while speaker notes can be a fantastic aid, they should complement your presentation, not carry it. You’re the star of the show, after all. Strike a balance between well-prepared notes and the ability to engage with your audience directly. And always ensure your notes are clear, concise, and easily readable at a glance.
Summary
- Open your PowerPoint presentation.
- Click on the ‘View’ tab.
- Click on ‘Notes’ to show or hide the speaker notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print my speaker notes in PowerPoint 2013?
Yes, you can print your speaker notes. Simply go to ‘File,’ then ‘Print,’ and under ‘Settings,’ choose ‘Print Layout,’ then ‘Notes Pages.’
Is there a shortcut to toggle speaker notes?
While there is no direct shortcut, you can quickly access the ‘View’ tab by pressing Alt + W on your keyboard, then pressing ‘P’ to toggle the notes pane.
Can I edit my speaker notes while presenting?
Yes, you can edit your speaker notes during the presentation by accessing the notes pane and making changes as needed.
Are speaker notes visible to the audience during a presentation?
No, speaker notes are not visible to the audience. They are only visible to the presenter in Presenter View or on your computer screen.
How can I make my speaker notes private during a presentation?
To keep your speaker notes private, use the Presenter View, which shows the notes only on your screen, not on the projection that the audience sees.
Conclusion
Showing or hiding speaker notes in PowerPoint 2013 is a simple task that can have a significant impact on your presentation experience. Whether you need reminders and cues or prefer a minimalist approach, PowerPoint gives you the flexibility to customize your presentation workspace.
Remember, while speaker notes are a helpful tool, your connection with the audience is paramount. So, prepare thoroughly, practice often, and let your speaker notes be the gentle nudge rather than the crutch that carries your performance. Happy presenting!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.