Presenting with PowerPoint Presenter View
5 minutes read
Learn how to use PowerPoint Presenter View, which is your private cockpit view. Use it to set up your presentation notes, control slideshow timing, and more.
Giving a presentation can be intimidating, even for seasoned speakers. However, with PowerPoint Presenter View, you can transform your presentation experience into a more organized and confident one.
Understanding Presenter View
Presenter View is a unique display that you’ll see on your own screen while delivering a presentation. Unlike the audience, who will see only the main slides on a projector or large screen, you’ll have access to a private view on a second monitor. This feature acts like a cockpit, keeping essential controls front and center.
PowerPoint Presenter View provides you with at least four essential tools that enhance your presentation experience:
- Speaker Notes: Keep your notes visible while you speak.
- Slide Thumbnail: Preview the next slide to prepare your key points and jump to other slides quickly.
- Timekeeping Tool: Track how long you’ve been speaking to stay within your time limits.
- Drawing Tools: Highlight specific parts of your slides to draw audience attention.
When it’s time to give a presentation, you need every advantage you can get. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to maximize your use of Presenter View in PowerPoint.
Note: The tips in this tutorial are based on macOS and Office 365. If you’re using a different operating system or version of PowerPoint, your steps may vary slightly.
Getting Started with Presenter View (Video)
In this video, I’ll guide you through the process of enabling Presenter View and show you how to effectively use its tools. By leveraging these special features, you’ll be able to present more confidently.
Continue reading to discover more about using Presenter View in PowerPoint and the best features to explore.
Turning On PowerPoint Presenter View
To activate Presenter View in PowerPoint for macOS, click on Presenter View in the Slide Show tab to start your presentation.
You’ll see the Presenter View interface on one screen, while the other display will show the “audience version” of your presentation. This setup is perfect for multiple screen configurations, where you can place Presenter View on your laptop or tablet while projecting the presentation on a larger display.
Making the Most of Presenter View
Let’s delve into some of the standout features that Presenter View offers. Utilizing even one of these features can significantly enhance your presentation experience. Here’s why Presenter View is beneficial:
- It enhances the visual quality of your slides.
- It helps you stay organized.
With Presenter View, you can share neat and uncluttered slides without overwhelming your audience with content, as you can keep supporting details just for yourself.
For this tutorial, we’ll be using the beautiful Tezia - Corporate PowerPoint Template from Envato Elements, which includes 40 stunning slide layouts that work seamlessly with Presenter View.
Key Features of Presenter View
1. Speaker Notes
One of the top features of Presenter View is the Speaker Notes function. Instead of using paper notes, you can directly add your notes into PowerPoint.
To add Speaker Notes, begin by working in Normal view on PowerPoint’s View tab. At the bottom of your screen, click on Notes to access the Speaker Notes section.
While in Presenter View, your speaker notes will appear on the right side of your screen, and you can easily adjust the text size as needed.
Speaker Notes keep you on track during your presentation, allowing you to engage with your audience without relying solely on your memory.
2. Slide Previews
When you have a presentation with numerous slides, it can be challenging to remember the order. Presenter View eliminates any guesswork by providing a sneak preview of your next slide.
As you present, you’ll notice a thumbnail of the next slide in the upper right corner labeled Next Slide. This feature enables smooth transitions and allows you to jump to any slide in your deck without disrupting the audience.
The filmstrip at the bottom displays thumbnails of all your slides, allowing you to navigate quickly and efficiently.
3. Drawing Tools
Presenter View also includes drawing tools, which allow you to annotate your slides in real time. This is particularly useful when you want to highlight key points or engage your audience further.
To access the drawing tools, click on the icon shown in the PowerPoint interface. You can use tools like the Laser Pointer, Pen, and Highlighter to emphasize specific elements on your slides.
These annotations help capture the audience’s attention and provide a visual aid to your narrative.
4. Timekeeping
Time management is crucial during presentations. Presenter View features a built-in timer that keeps track of your time above the current slide thumbnail. You can pause or reset the timer as needed, allowing you to stay on pace.
Having a visible countdown encourages you to manage your dialogue effectively, ensuring you cover all your points within the allotted time.
5. Keyboard Shortcuts for Easy Navigation
Navigating through your presentation is made simple with various keyboard shortcuts in Presenter View. These shortcuts allow you to move seamlessly through your slides without the audience noticing.
To access a complete list of shortcuts, click on the Tips button in the upper left corner of Presenter View.
Conclusion
By utilizing Presenter View in PowerPoint, you can significantly reduce the anxiety associated with public speaking. This feature keeps essential tools in your view so you can focus on delivering a compelling presentation.
Start using Presenter View today, and enjoy a more organized and confident presentation experience. Remember to launch your presentation in Presenter View mode to keep your notes and cues readily accessible while engaging with your audience.
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions and a video from Andrew Childress, a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.