presentation view with notes powerpoint

May 9, 2022

Edit your notes in Presenter view in PowerPoint

Victoria Tran

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Hey, Officer Insiders! My name is Victoria Tran, and I’m a Program Manager on the PowerPoint team. I’m thrilled to share that you can now edit notes in Presenter view in PowerPoint for Windows. No more switching to Editor view to type or change your notes, even during a presentation!

Edit notes in Presenter view

Accessing and editing your slide content whenever the need arises is a key part of the PowerPoint workflow. Whether you’re making an important edit to your speaker notes during a presentation rehearsal or jotting down feedback during your presentation, the ability to edit notes in Presenter view increases your productivity and eliminates the need to toggle between views.

We are excited to add this highly requested feature and expand the use of PowerPoint notes. In the future, we’ll continue to add support for editing notes in other views, such as Teleprompter view.

How it works

Ready to edit notes in Presenter view?

NOTE:  You can also press the F6 key to select the Notes pane in Presenter view. When a white outline appears around the pane, press Enter and start typing to make any updates you want.

Known issues

Presenter view currently only allows basic formatting of notes, such as bold, italics, and underlining (via keyboard shortcuts). Formatting such as text color, highlighting, and other options aren’t yet available.

Tips and tricks

• If you are using keyboard commands to navigate through your slides during a presentation, make sure the text insertion point is not showing in the Notes pane. If it is, the arrow keys will move the insertion point around in the pane instead of navigating the slides.
• If you have two monitors, a full-screen slide will show on one monitor and Presenter view on the other monitor, featuring a view of the next slide, your speaker notes, a timer, and more. If you have just one monitor, you can press Alt + F5 to try out Presenter view.

Availability

We will be rolling the edit notes in Presenter view feature out to Office Insiders running Beta Channel Version 2204 (Build 15225.20000) or later.

Don’t have it yet? It’s probably us, not you.

Features are released over some time to ensure things are working smoothly. We highlight features that you may not have because they’re slowly releasing to larger numbers of Insiders. Sometimes we remove elements to further improve them based on your feedback. Though this is rare, we also reserve the option to pull a feature entirely out of the product, even if you, as an Insider, have had the opportunity to try it.

We want to hear from you! Please click Help > Feedback to submit your feedback about this feature.

Learn what  other information you should include in your feedback  to ensure it’s actionable and reaches the right people. We’re excited to hear from you!

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How-To Geek

How to use speaker notes in powerpoint.

If you're worried about forgetting important points during your presentation, jot down some speaker notes. Here's how to prepare and use them.

Quick Links

Add speaker notes in powerpoint, use speaker notes during a powerpoint presentation.

Adding speaker notes to a PowerPoint presentation provides reference material for the speaker when they're presenting a slideshow, allowing them to stay on track without forgetting key message points. Here’s how to add and use speaker notes.

To add speaker notes in PowerPoint, you’ll first need to be in the Normal view. If you’re not already there, you can switch to Normal view by going to the “View” tab and then selecting “Normal” in the “Presentation Views” group.

Next, in the pane on left, select the slide where you'd like to add speaker notes.

Next, click the “Notes” button at the bottom of the window.

A small box reading “Tap to Add Notes” will appear beneath the slide. For Mac users, this will say “Click to Add Notes.”

Now, simply type the speaker notes for that slide. Repeat this process for each slide you'd like to add notes to.

There are two ways to use speaker notes during a presentation: by presenting on a secondary monitor or by printing out the speaker notes .

Using a Secondary Monitor

It’s safe to assume that most presentations will be presented on a secondary monitor. If this is the case for you, there’s not a whole lot you really need to do.

Related: How to Add an Extra Monitor to Your Laptop

The first thing you need to do is change the view to Slide Show. You can do this by selecting the Slide Show icon at the bottom-right corner of the window.

In this view, the audience will see only the slides as you’re going through the presentation. However, on your primary monitor, you’ll see the current slide, a preview of the upcoming slide, and your speaker notes for the current slide.

This is a convenient way to have a virtual copy of the speaker notes while you’re giving a presentation, but it never hurts to have a hard copy.

Printing the Speaker Notes

To print the speaker notes of your presentation, first select the “File” tab in the Ribbon.

Related: How to Print Multiple PowerPoint Slides to Each Piece of Paper

In the pane on left, select the “Print" button.

In the “Settings” group, select the option that says “Full Page Slides.”

A drop-down menu will appear. Here, select “Notes Pages” in the “Print Layout” group.

Finally, click “Print.”

You’ll now have a physical copy of your speaker notes.

Understanding Presenter View in PowerPoint: A Deep Dive Guide

Origin and Evolution of Presenter View

Why presenter view is a game-changer for professionals, activating and customizing presenter view in powerpoint, in-depth features of the presenter view, common mistakes and how to avoid them, advanced tips for a power presentation, final tips for enhancing your presentation game, introduction to presenter view.

Have you ever found yourself awkwardly toggling between slides and speaker notes during a presentation? Or wished you could preview the next slide without your audience seeing? Enter Presenter View in PowerPoint, a feature designed to make presenting smoother and more professional.

In essence, Presenter View is a special mode in PowerPoint that allows the presenter to see their speaker notes on one screen, while the audience views the note-free presentation on another screen. This dual-screen setup means you can have your notes, upcoming slides, and timer conveniently on one screen while your audience remains blissfully unaware.

“Presenter View is the unseen ally behind many successful PowerPoint presentations.”

Microsoft’s PowerPoint, with its roots tracing back to the late 1980s, has undergone several metamorphoses. Over the years, as technology improved and presentation dynamics changed, Microsoft introduced new features to make the software more user-friendly and versatile. One such innovation is the Presenter View.

Back in the early days of PowerPoint, presenters had to rely on printouts or separate documents for their speaker notes. The advent of Presenter View in the early 2000s was a game-changer. It allowed presenters to merge their slides and speaker notes into one cohesive presentation experience.

The beauty of Presenter View lies not just in its conception but in its evolution. Over different versions of PowerPoint:

• 2003 : Introduction of a basic Presenter View with slides and notes.
• 2007 : Enhanced screen setup with better dual-monitor support.
• 2010 : Introduction of slide zoom and laser pointer features.
• 2013 & Beyond : Integration with touch features, improved UI, and annotations.

Each version brought refinements, making it more intuitive and packed with features, tailoring to the evolving needs of presenters globally.

Fun Fact : Presenter View wasn’t initially as popular as it is today. It took a few iterations and user feedback loops for Microsoft to perfect the balance between utility and user experience.

The Core Components of Presenter View

Presenter View in PowerPoint is like the cockpit for pilots: it’s where all the essential controls and information are at the presenter’s fingertips. Whether you’re a newbie to PowerPoint or a seasoned professional, understanding these components can transform your presentation experience.

• This provides a glance at your current, previous, and upcoming slides. It ensures you’re always prepared for what’s coming next and can seamlessly transition between points.
• The soul of your presentation, speaker notes, are discreetly placed at the bottom or side, only visible to you. These notes can be elaborate explanations, quick pointers, or even personal reminders. They’re like your secret cheat sheet!
• Ever worried about running over time? This feature shows the elapsed time since you began the presentation and, in some versions, allows you to set a countdown. Stay on track and manage your pace efficiently.
• Interactive features that allow you to draw on slides or use a virtual laser pointer. These are especially helpful when you want to emphasize or explain specific points visually.
• Navigate between slides effortlessly and zoom into specific parts of a slide to draw attention or elaborate on details.

Table: Core Components Overview

Quote : “Presenter View is to a presenter what a dashboard is to a driver. It empowers, directs, and enhances the journey of your narrative.” – Jane Harris, Lead PowerPoint Expert – Powerbacks team

Understanding these components is one thing, but leveraging them effectively during a presentation can make a significant difference. Let’s delve into the ‘why’ behind the significance of Presenter View.

Stepping onto the stage or presenting in a boardroom can often be an overwhelming experience. The constant juggle between capturing the audience’s attention and keeping track of your slides can lead to nervousness. But what if there was a way to have everything you need right in front of you, ensuring smooth sailing through your presentation? Enter Presenter View.

• Having a preview of the upcoming slides and personal notes right in front of you can be a massive boost to confidence. You’re always one step ahead, knowing exactly what’s coming next.
• Instead of turning back to view the screen repeatedly, Presenter View lets you face your audience directly. This creates a more engaging and personal interaction.
• Gone are the days when you’d hold a bunch of cue cards or sheets of paper. With digital speaker notes, you have a cleaner, more organized setup.
• Using the annotation tools and laser pointer, you can make your presentation more interactive, leading to better retention and engagement from your audience.
• There’s no denying that seamlessly transitioning between slides, using interactive tools, and having no physical notes gives a more polished and professional look.

Table: Benefits of Using Presenter View

Quote : “Embracing the Presenter View is not just about leveraging a tool; it’s about amplifying your message and connecting more profoundly with your audience.”

It’s evident that the Presenter View has undeniable advantages for professionals. But how do you activate it and customize it to suit your needs? Let’s walk through the steps.

Starting with PowerPoint 2013, Microsoft enhanced the Presenter View to ensure that it’s both intuitive and user-friendly. Activating it and making it work for you is simple, as outlined in the following steps:

Step-by-Step Guide to Activate Presenter View :

• Start by opening your PowerPoint presentation. This will be the one you intend to deliver.
• At the top, you’ll notice several tabs. Click on the one labeled ‘Slide Show’.
• Within the Slide Show tab, you’ll spot a checkbox labeled ‘Use Presenter View’. Ensure that it’s ticked. If it’s not, simply click on it.
• If you’re using an external projector or display, make sure it’s connected. PowerPoint will automatically detect it and use the Presenter View on your primary display, showing the main presentation on the external one.
• Start your presentation by either pressing F5 on your keyboard or clicking on ‘From Beginning’ in the Slide Show tab.
• Next Slide Preview : Gives a preview of what’s coming next.
• Speaker Notes : Displays your notes for the current slide.
• Slide Navigation : Use this to jump to a specific slide.
• Annotation Tools : Highlight or draw on your slides in real-time.
• Timer : Keeps track of how long you’ve been presenting.
• You can move around the different elements, increase font size of your notes for better readability, or even hide specific components if they’re not required.

Table: Quick Access Tools in Presenter View

Quote : “The beauty of PowerPoint’s Presenter View is the control and flexibility it offers. It’s like having a personal assistant during your presentations.” – Linda Green, Presentation Expert

Now that we know how to activate and customize the Presenter View let’s delve deeper into its features and tools for maximum efficiency during presentations. Shall we proceed?

PowerPoint’s Presenter View is not just a simple “next slide” preview; it’s a hub of tools and functionalities designed to make the presenter’s job easier and the presentation more engaging.

H3: Slide Preview This is arguably the most straightforward feature but also the most helpful. At a glance, you can see what’s coming up, ensuring that you’re always prepared for the next topic or section.

• Smooth Transitions : Eliminates awkward pauses between slides.
• Improved Pacing : Know when to speed up or slow down based on upcoming content.
• Reduced Anxiety : No unpleasant surprises during your presentation.

H3: Speaker Notes For those who don’t rely on pure memory, speaker notes are a lifesaver. They’re your secret weapon, visible only to you, that provides additional context or reminders about what to say.

• Bold the crucial points to ensure they stand out.
• Use concise bullet points for easier and quicker reading.
• Add time cues if you’re aiming to cover specific points within certain timeframes.

H3: Slide Navigation While it’s always best to move sequentially through your slides, there might be instances when you need to skip ahead or return to a previous point. With the slide navigation tool, you can effortlessly hop around your presentation.

• Case Study : During a corporate presentation, John, a sales manager, was posed with a sudden question about Q2 performance. Thanks to slide navigation, he quickly reverted to the relevant slide, addressed the query, and resumed without any hiccups.

H3: Annotation Tools Engage your audience by turning your presentation into an interactive canvas. Whether you’re highlighting an essential statistic or drawing a quick graph, these tools can make a significant impact.

• Use contrasting colors to ensure visibility.
• Don’t overdo it; the aim is to emphasize, not to overwhelm.
• Practice beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with these tools during the presentation.

H3: Timer It’s easy to lose track of time during a presentation. With Presenter View’s timer, you can keep tabs on the elapsed time, helping you manage the pace and duration of your talk.

• Tip : Always allocate a buffer period. If you’re presenting for 30 minutes, aim to finish in 25. This allows for Q&A or any unexpected delays.

Quote : “PowerPoint’s Presenter View is like a dashboard for presenters. It provides every tool one might need, all within arm’s reach, ensuring a seamless and interactive presentation experience.” – Michael Roberts, Tech Analyst

Understanding the features of the Presenter View is the key to unlocking its potential. With practice and familiarity, it becomes an extension of the presenter, leading to more confident and impactful presentations.

Making the Most of Presenter View

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a presentation Jedi, mastering the Presenter View is your path to the force. But having the tool isn’t enough – it’s about leveraging its features optimally. Here’s a detailed guide on maximizing the benefits of the Presenter View:

H3: Setup and Access Before harnessing its power, you need to ensure you can access Presenter View without hitches.

• Connect your computer to the projector or external display.
• Launch PowerPoint and open your presentation.
• Go to the Slide Show tab and select Set Up Slide Show .
• In the pop-up, ensure Browsed by an individual (window) is selected.
• Start the slide show. Presenter View should appear on your computer, while the audience sees only the slides.

H3: Customize the Display Remember, it’s your dashboard; make it as comfortable and efficient for you as possible.

• Within Presenter View, hover over the bottom to reveal the toolbar.
• Click on the gear icon to adjust settings.
• Reorder tools based on your preference or hide those you don’t need.

H3: Practice, Practice, Practice The tool’s efficiency relies heavily on your familiarity with it. Do dry runs to ensure you know where everything is and how each feature works.

• Pro Tip : Mimic the presentation environment during practice. If you’re presenting in a large hall, practice with the same setup.

H3: Seamlessly Integrate Other Media If your presentation includes videos, animations, or other media, ensure they play seamlessly in Presenter View.

• Deep Dive : Always embed media within the presentation. Relying on external links or files can disrupt the Presenter View experience.

H3: Engage the Audience Use the tools not just to aid your presentation but to engage your audience. Pose questions, use the pen tool to sketch quick diagrams based on audience inputs, and make it interactive.

• Table of Engagement Techniques :

H3: Master the Art of Transitions Smooth transitions are key to maintaining audience attention. With a preview of the next slide, prepare your narrative to flow seamlessly.

Even with the most powerful tools, human error can play a spoilsport. The Presenter View, as intuitive as it may be, has its quirks. Here’s a list of common pitfalls users face and ways to steer clear of them:

H3: Not Checking Hardware Setup Before you even start the presentation, ensure your hardware is correctly set up. This includes checking the display connection, ensuring the projector or external monitor is detected, and setting up the correct display settings.

• Pro Tip : Always keep a spare HDMI or VGA cable. Technical glitches often come from the most unexpected sources.

H3: Overlooking Speaker Notes Having made the effort of adding speaker notes to your slides, it would be a shame not to use them. They serve as a discreet prompt, ensuring you don’t miss any critical points.

• Fact : According to a study, presenters who actively used speaker notes were 25% more consistent in delivering their core messages.

H3: Ignoring the Timer Time management is crucial. If you have a fixed time slot, exceeding it can inconvenience others and may appear unprofessional. Conversely, finishing too early can leave your audience unsatisfied.

• Actionable Advice : Always have a buffer. If your slot is 30 minutes, aim for a 25-minute presentation, leaving room for Q&A or unexpected delays.

H3: Relying Exclusively on Presenter View Despite its usefulness, never be wholly dependent on Presenter View. Technical glitches happen, and the ability to continue smoothly without it showcases professionalism.

• Case Study : At a major tech conference in 2018, a renowned speaker’s Presenter View malfunctioned. Instead of panicking, he smoothly transitioned to the standard view, using his printed notes as a backup. The audience lauded his adaptability, and his message wasn’t overshadowed by the hiccup.

H3: Not Adapting to Audience Feedback The tools in Presenter View, like slide navigation, are meant to enhance adaptability. If you sense your audience resonating more with a particular topic, don’t be afraid to dwell on it a bit longer or even revisit slides.

By sidestepping these common mistakes, you not only harness the full potential of Presenter View but also project confidence and control. Next, we’ll explore some advanced features to elevate your presentation game even further.

Mastering Presenter View basics can tremendously improve your presentation skills. But if you’re looking to elevate your game and leave a lasting impression, dive into these advanced features:

H3: Seamless Transition Between Slides The art of a great presentation lies not just in the content but also in the delivery. A choppy slide transition can disrupt the flow. PowerPoint offers a plethora of transition effects — from subtle fades to dynamic 3D effects.

• Go to the Transitions tab.
• Browse and select your preferred effect.
• Adjust the transition duration if needed.
• Click Apply To All to maintain uniformity.

H3: Use Zoom to Focus on Details Occasionally, you might want to draw attention to specific details on a slide. Instead of making your audience squint, use the in-built Zoom feature.

• Tip : Combine zoom with a laser pointer or pen tool for emphasis.

H3: Ink Annotations Annotating directly on your slides can be beneficial for interactive sessions or workshops. PowerPoint’s “Ink” feature allows you to do just that.

• Did You Know? : Ink annotations made during a presentation can be saved for future reference!

H3: Embed Multimedia for a Rich Experience Modern presentations often go beyond static slides. Consider embedding videos, audio clips, or even live web content to keep your audience engaged.

• Navigate to the Insert tab.
• Choose Video or Audio and select your file.
• Adjust playback settings under the Playback tab.

H3: Custom Slide Show Sometimes, different segments of your audience require varied content. Instead of having multiple PPT files, create a custom slideshow within the same presentation.

PowerPoint’s Presenter View is akin to a secret weapon, waiting in the wings, ready to empower speakers, educators, and presenters globally. Whether you’re a novice taking your first steps into the world of presentations or a seasoned speaker aiming to refine your skills, the Presenter View, along with the myriad features PowerPoint offers, ensures your content shines in the best light.

Remember, a successful presentation doesn’t merely rely on flashy slides or multimedia elements. It’s the seamless blend of content, delivery, and engagement. And with tools like Presenter View, you’re equipped to handle the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – connecting with your audience.

As Bill Gates once said:

“If you think the PowerPoint presentation is there for you as the presenter, you’re wrong. It’s there for the audience.”

So, the next time you’re gearing up for that crucial pitch, workshop, or lecture, take a moment to familiarize yourself with Presenter View. Your audience — and your confidence — will thank you for it.

Happy presenting!

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How to view your notes in the presentation mode

Usually, there are two different screens for the presentation. For example, one screen is your laptop and the second is the provided monitor, TV, projector, web application screen, etc.

Today is popular to give a presentation via the Internet. E.g., you can use a Web meeting application such as WebEx or GoToMeeting or present your PowerPoint presentation online using the Office Presentation Service , to show your presentation to the audience on the additional screen.

For this purpose, PowerPoint provides the Presenter view , a special view of the presentation that is available on systems with more than one monitor (presentation screen):

To start your presentation with the Presenter view , see some features of the Presenter view .

In the Presenter View screen, there are the following elements:

On the left side:

The timer can help you keep track of how long your presentation has dragged on. You can click on the pause button for some cases or even restart the timer.

On the right side:

• On the top, the next slide is shown (see how to create your own slide show ),
• On the bottom, the notes of the current slide.

You can reorganize the Presenter view by moving the divider lines to see more notes, or make the slide bigger:

The text should wrap automatically, and a vertical scroll bar appears if necessary. You can also change the size of the text on the Notes pane by using the two buttons at the lower left corner of the Notes pane:

See more about different features of Presenter view in how to make slide show easier and more informative using Presenter view .

See also this tip in French: Comment afficher vos notes dans le mode de présentation .

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Some features of the Presenter view

How to make the presentation easier and more informative using Presenter view

How to create speakers notes for the PowerPoint presentation

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How to add notes to your Microsoft PowerPoint slides

When you present a slideshow, it’s likely that you have more to say than what displays on the slides. You may want to expand on the text you’ve included, or if the slide only contains visuals, explain them further.

Add speaker notes to a slide in PowerPoint

Hide notes while editing a slideshow, view speaker notes during a slideshow.

Luckily, Microsoft PowerPoint provides a built-in feature for speaker notes. This allows you to add notes to each slide and then see them in Presenter View when you start the show.

What You Need

Microsoft PowerPoint

Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the first slide where you want to add notes.

Step 1: Go to the View tab and choose either Normal or Outline View . This allows you to see your slide along with the note you plan to add.

If you’re wondering how to add a note in PowerPoint without changing the view, the short answer is: You can’t. But if you prefer not to use Normal or Outline View, you can check out the Notes Page view in the same section of the ribbon.

While still technically a “view,” this displays your slide and a text box for your note as a printed page, as shown below.

Step 2: Display the Notes panel below the slide if it’s not visible using one of the following:

• Click the Notes button in the Status Bar at the bottom.
• Move your cursor to the bottom of the window. When you see the two-sided arrow, drag up until the panel displays.
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Step 3: When the panel is empty, you’ll see “Click to Add Notes” within it. Place your cursor in the box and type your note.

Step 4: You can apply simple formatting to your note using the tools on the Home tab or in the floating toolbar. This is handy if you want to add bullet points or emphasize the font with bold, italics, or an underline.

Step 5: If you have a lengthy note within the panel, you’ll see a scrollbar appear on the right so that you can move down and see the entire note. You can also drag up on the panel to enlarge it.

If you want your slide in full view as you're assembling or editing your slideshow, you can hide the presenter notes. This does not delete them; it merely moves the notes panel out of view.

Do one of the following to hide your notes:

• Drag the notes panel downward until it no longer displays.

When it’s time to present your slideshow, you can use Presenter View to see your speaker notes. This allows you to view the notes for each slide on your monitor while presenting the slideshow on another. Your audience will not see your notes.

Step 1: Go to the Slide Show tab. On Windows, check the box for Use Presenter View in the Monitors section of the ribbon. On Mac, click the Presenter View button in the Start Slide Show section.

If you’ve already started the slideshow, you can still turn on Presenter View. Click the Three Dots in the Presenter Toolbar and choose Show Presenter View (Windows) or Use Presenter View (Mac).

Step 2: You’ll then see your notes display on the right side of the screen, with your slide on the left. As you advance each slide, the notes will display accordingly.

Step 3: The text for your note wraps automatically to the next line, and you have a scrollbar to move through those lengthy notes.

To adjust the font size for the notes, use the buttons below the notes panel.

Whether you want to add notes to PowerPoint to talk through your slideshow or simply as references while you assemble your slides, be sure to take advantage of this built-in feature.

For additional ways to work in Microsoft PowerPoint, check out how A.I. can help you create your slideshows .

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PowerPoint makes it easy to give a great presentation thanks to intuitive software that lets anyone craft an eye-catching deck. What's even better, however, is the option to use Presenter View. This lets you leave notes for yourself that can be viewed on your computer screen while everyone else is only seeing your presentation.

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Fortunately, there are several different tools you can use to monitor this important statistic. Some are built right into your operating system, while others will require a separate download. You can also purchase certain external devices to keep tabs on your desktop’s energy output.

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Here's how to get and add fonts in Google Slides:

How to use Presenter View in PowerPoint

• Categories: PowerPoint productivity , Presentation skills
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Think of PowerPoint’s Presenter View like the cockpit of an aeroplane (or airplane for our American readers!). Like an experienced pilot, you have all the controls you need at your fingertips when you’re navigating your slides, whether you’re presenting online or in person, helping you give a seamless presentation and leave your audience seriously impressed.

Presenter View in PowerPoint works best if you have two monitors. On one monitor, you can display your slides for your audience to see. On the other, you have your own private view (which isn’t visible to your audience), where you can see your notes and the upcoming slide while you’re presenting.

How to start using Presenter View in PowerPoint:

– Open your presentation. – Select Slide Show in the top ribbon. – Make sure Presenter View is selected in the Monitors section. – Choose from the dropdown menu which monitor you want your presentation to appear on. (Presenter View will automatically appear on whichever monitor you don’t choose.) – When you’re ready to start presenting, click From Beginning in the Start Slide Show section of the PowerPoint ribbon, or click the Slide Show icon in the bottom right of the screen, or hit the Alt + F5 keys on your keyboard to start your presentation in Presenter View.

PowerPoint Presenter View’s most useful features (by number!):

• This is your current slide. This shows you what your audience can see. This should be the same content that is displayed on your other monitor. The timer in the top-left corner lets you keep an eye on how long you’ve spent on the slide so far, helping you to pace your presentation. You can pause or reset the timer using the icons to the right.
• Here you can see your speaker notes. While we don’t generally recommend that you read out your speaker notes like a script (because it can make you sound like a monotonous robot and make your audience disengage very quickly), it can be useful to have some prompts in the speaker notes so that you know what happens with each mouse click and so that you don’t forget the key points on each slide. You can use the font icons in the bottom left of this panel to make your speaker notes larger or smaller.
• The tracker shows you how far through your presentation you are. Click the forward or back arrows to navigate to your next or previous animation. Hitting the forward or back keys on your keyboard will do the same thing.
• This is a preview of your next animation or next slide. This shows you what’s coming up next, which helps you to transition seamlessly from one slide to another.
• The Pen and laser pointer:  This allows you to write on or highlight a particular part of your slide as you present. Adding ink annotations while you’re presenting won’t change your original slides – you can choose whether to keep or discard your annotations when you end your slide show.
• The See all slides tool: Click this to view thumbnails of all the slides in your presentation without your audience seeing. This means you can jump straight to a specific slide without flicking through all the slides in between.
• The Zoom tool:  Use this to magnify a specific part of your slide. This is handy if you need to draw your audience’s attention to a particular detail.
• The Black or un-black tool:  Use this to blank out the screen the audience sees. This is helpful whenever you want to release your audience’s attention from the slide content and back to you (e.g., during a Q&A). You can choose whether you want the blank screen to be black or white by clicking on the More slide show options icon at the far-right end of the toolbar.
• Toggle subtitles:  Use this to turn automated subtitles on or off. You can adjust subtitle settings (such as language and where the subtitles appear on your slide) by clicking on the More slide show options icon.
• Click Show taskbar to open another program on your private monitor. This can be useful if you need to pull up another document without changing what your audience sees.
• Select Display settings to swap the monitors your slides and Presenter View appear on.
• Click End slide show when you’ve finished presenting. Hitting the Esc key on your keyboard will also close Slide Show mode and Presenter View.

And there you have it! Now you know everything there is to know about PowerPoint’s Presenter View. Give it a try next time you present – you might find it helps you to navigate and deliver your slides more confidently.

And for more tips on presenting, check out our ULTIMATE guide to presentation skills .

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How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting

Giving presentations can be nerve-wracking. Even if you know your content inside and out, it’s easy to get flustered when all eyes are on you. Having speaker notes in PowerPoint can be a lifesaver to jog your memory or keep you on track.

The good news is PowerPoint makes it easy to add notes to your slides. The even better news is that you can view those notes privately while presenting so the audience only sees your slides.

Here is a step-by-step guide to adding speaker notes in PowerPoint and viewing them during your presentation.

Step 1: Add Notes to Your Slides

The first thing you need to do is add notes to the slides you want to reference during your presentation.

Here’s how:

• Open your PowerPoint presentation and select Normal View .
• Click on the slide thumbnail where you want to add notes. The notes pane will open underneath.
• Click where it says “Click to add notes” and type your notes.

You can add quite a bit of text in the notes pane. It will automatically wrap and include scroll bars if needed.

Pro Tip: Don’t write full sentences in your notes. Use short phrases or bullet points as memory joggers instead.

Step 2: Start Your Presentation in Presenter View

Once your notes are added, it’s go time! Starting your presentation in Presenter View allows you to view your speaker notes privately on your computer screen. The audience will only see the slides on the projected screen.

Here’s how to enable Presenter View:

• Select the Slide Show tab.
• Check the box for Use Presenter View .
• Click From Beginning or press F5 to start the slideshow.

A Presenter View panel will open on your computer screen. You’ll see your current slide, a preview of the next slide, a timer, and your speaker notes.

Step 3: View Notes While Presenting

Now that you’re in Presenter View presenting your slides, your notes will be readily available to you.

Here’s how to view them:

• Click the Notes button on the bottom left of the Presenter View panel. Your notes will pop up in a separate panel.
• Scroll through your notes using the up and down arrows or by dragging the scrollbar.
• Click the Notes button again to minimize the notes pane.

Your notes will stay hidden from the audience’s view on the presentation screen.

Pro Tip: Make sure your notes text size is large enough to read quickly. Use the plus and minus buttons in the bottom left corner of the notes pane to adjust text size.

Step 4: Use Other Presenter View Tools

In addition to speaker notes, Presenter View gives you other useful presentation tools:

• Laser pointer – Click the pen icon then choose the laser pointer. Click and drag it on your slide to point things out to your audience.
• Highlighter – Select the pen icon then choose the highlighter. Click and drag it on your slide to highlight important points.
• Slide thumbnails – Click the thumbnail icon to see all your slides in one view. Click a slide to jump directly to it.
• Screen blackout – Select the screen icon to temporarily black out the presentation screen. This shifts focus back to you as the presenter when needed.
• Zoom – Magnify parts of your slide using the magnifying glass icon. Click and drag to move around the zoomed area.
• Slideshow controls – Use the onscreen controls to jump between slides, pause the timer, end show, etc.

Step 5: Swap Displays (Optional)

If you connect a second monitor, you can choose which screen shows your speaker notes in Presenter View and which one projects only the slides to your audience.

Here’s how to swap the displays:

• Open Display Settings on your computer.
• Select the monitor icon representing the display you want Presenter View to appear on.
• Check the box for Make this my main display .
• Return to PowerPoint. Presenter View will now appear on your selected monitor.

And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can privately view your speaker notes during a PowerPoint presentation. No more fumbling around with printed notes or trying to memorize every word.

Spend less time worrying about what to say, and more time engaging your audience with these public speaking tips. Before you know it, presentations will be a breeze even without those trusty notes as a backup!

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Home Blog Design How to Create the Perfect Handouts for a Presentation

How to Create the Perfect Handouts for a Presentation

As we presenters know, aiming for a flawless presentation experience involves not only top-notch presentation skills but also graphics, a well-thought-out presentation structure, and articulating both how to start a presentation and how to conclude a presentation. Yet, very little is said about presentation handouts and their role in large-scale meetings, or their value when securing business deals.

Seasoned presenters acknowledge the impact of a presentation handout, and today we’ll guide you in the process of creating these printed-format assets to make your presentation more memorable.

Table of Contents

What is a Presentation Handout?

The role of presentation handouts, why create handouts for large scale presentations, examples of effective handouts for presentations, how to create presentation handouts in powerpoint, how to create presentation handouts in google slides, best practices for presentation handouts, final words.

A presentation handout is a supplementary document provided to the audience by the presenter or the event’s organization during or before a presentation. The core purpose is to enhance the understanding and retention rate of the information shared or to provide contact points with the presenter via email, LinkedIn, website, or social media profiles.

Handouts in presentations allow attendees to follow along more easily, take notes on specific parts, and have a further reference – ideal in large corporation events. The talk may not fully cover information, like detailed metrics, supplementary graphs, etc.; thus, they can be featured inside the handout to provide additional background on the presentation topic. In short, think of handouts as deliverable presentation aids .

Picture yourself attending a series of presentations at a large-scale event, like a medical conference. How many research presentations can you retain in your head? 3-4 top, whereas perhaps you attended over 12 in the past 8 hours. Handouts for presentations simplify attendees’ efforts, as they have a palpable reference about the presentations they attended, who delivered the talk, the conference presentation slides , etc. 

Another interesting point of view for handouts is when we position ourselves in the shoes of an attendee with a physical impairment, like lessened hearing capacity. In this situation, we can picture a handout example, as the presenter integrates the audience, even those who cannot fully participate, by delivering information in a physical format.

When covering examples of handouts for presentations, we can position ourselves in generalistic situations as follows.

Helping people with physical impairments

Handouts don’t necessarily have to be printed in text format. Braille handouts can be used to assist people with low visual acuity to understand the missing gaps between the speech and the visuals shown in the slides. Electronic devices with screen readers can assist, as well as an audible format of the handout.

For people with hearing impairments, printed handouts summarizing the presentation’s key points are valid, but another creative method is to insert a QR code in PowerPoint and link to a PDF document with the transcript of the presentation, plus the slides. 

Illustrations and Diagrams

Think about hard-to-understand topics involving a series of charts or graphs to comprehend the disclosed information. Those same graphics can be given to the audience in the format of handouts, with callouts or visual aids that remind the attendees of the importance of those concepts.

Summarize Key Information

Suppose you attended a chef conference, where new technologies, methodologies, or recipes are shared in presentations. You can refer to the handouts for detailed instructions and focus on the training presentation in real time rather than taking notes.

Contact Data

Finally, we can consider a handout format for people who want to get in touch for business partnerships, academic collaborations, etc. Rather than delivering a business card, provide additional information about your work and deliver a handout.

Follow these steps to create handouts in PowerPoint.

Open your presentation in PowerPoint. Go to the View tab and find Handout Master .

You can customize the appearance of your handout by adding a header, date, logo, contact details, etc. This works exactly the same as Slide Master in PowerPoint , so all changes will be reflected on all pages in your handout.

Now, go to File > Export and select Create Handouts .

Click on the Create Handouts button, and you will be prompted with a context menu with the following options:

• Notes next to slides
• Blank lines next to slides
• Notes below slides
• Blank lines below slides
• Outline only

Select the option you prefer. We highly recommend selecting Paste to add a tiny version of the slides to your new handouts document.

Once that’s done, a new Microsoft Word document will open with your presentation handouts, which can also be customized from Word.

For Google Slides, the instructions are much simpler. Select your desired presentation in Google Slides and go to File > Print Preview . All options for how to print slides in Google Slides are now available.

The option we’re interested in is the menu below the top bar that says 1 slide without notes .

Open that and select Handout , with the number of slides per page you prefer.

Then click on Print, and a new PDF document will be generated. Unlike PowerPoint, you have to edit everything beforehand or opt for a PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat.

Handouts should be concise. The idea is to summarize information, not to confuse the audience with an overwhelming amount of data. Although these recommendations are valid for all handouts created with PowerPoint templates and Google Slides, the same rules apply to handouts created in Graphic Design Software (Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, etc.), as it’s tempting to keep adding unnecessary data or complex illustration effects.

Sharing your handout before the presentation starts is advisable, as it’s the moment most attendees will gather and where the expectation about what the talk will be about is at its highest. In our experience, the audience tends to grow restless toward the last 5 minutes of your presentation, with some attendees leaving if they have to attend another conference with a very limited timeframe between both. Distributing a handout during the presentation is distracting and will negatively impact your presentation’s performance.

Finally, as you would do with poster presentations , focus on readability. Avoid using heavily contrasting colors or text that looks too small to read for the sake of adding more data. The handout is a tool to complement your presentation, not to summarize countless words.

Handouts for presentations are not an optional add-in. They are a vital element of effective academic and business presentations. By providing a clear structure to your handout or using digital mediums to help people with impairments, you are taking into account accessibility, one of the best practices you can engage early on in your path to becoming a professional presenter.

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How to View Notes in PowerPoint While Presenting

If you’re a seasoned presenter, you know that it’s essential to have a well-organized set of notes to guide you through your presentation. However, it can be challenging to balance reading your notes while also delivering an engaging presentation to your audience. Fortunately, PowerPoint has a feature that allows you to view your notes while presenting, making it easier for you to stay on track. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about viewing notes in PowerPoint while presenting.

Table of Contents

Why Viewing Notes in PowerPoint is Important for Presenters

Before we dive into the specifics of how to view notes in PowerPoint, let’s take a moment to discuss why it’s so important in the first place. For one, having speaker notes can help you remember key talking points and transitions between slides. Additionally, it can be a valuable reference in case you get lost or flustered during your presentation. Lastly, viewing notes can help you ensure that you give a comprehensive and detailed presentation, without worrying about missing important points. Ultimately, by viewing your notes in PowerPoint, you can feel more confident and prepared while presenting.

Another reason why viewing notes in PowerPoint is important is that it allows you to customize your presentation for different audiences. By having notes that are specific to each presentation, you can tailor your message to the needs and interests of your audience. This can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and make your presentation more engaging and memorable. Additionally, viewing notes can help you stay on track and avoid going off on tangents, which can be a common problem for presenters. Overall, taking the time to view your notes in PowerPoint can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your presentation.

How to Add Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

Before you can view your notes in PowerPoint, you have to first add them. To add speaker notes in PowerPoint, start by opening your presentation and click on the “Notes” button located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This will open a panel where you can enter your notes for each slide. To add text to the notes pane, simply click on it and start typing. Once you’ve added your notes, click on the “Notes” button again to close the panel. Remember to save your changes afterwards.

Speaker notes are a great way to keep track of important points you want to make during your presentation. They can also serve as a helpful reference if you need to refer back to your notes during the presentation. When adding speaker notes, it’s important to keep them concise and to the point. Avoid writing out your entire script, as this can be distracting for both you and your audience. Instead, focus on key points and reminders to help guide your presentation.

How to Access the Notes Pane in PowerPoint

Now that you’ve added your notes, it’s time to access them while presenting. Start by opening your PowerPoint presentation and clicking on the slideshow tab at the top of the screen. Next, click on the “Presenter View” button in the “Monitors” section. This will open up a new window with your presentation on one screen and your notes on another. To navigate through your notes, use the arrow keys on your keyboard. Keep in mind that this feature requires two monitors, so be sure to set up your display accordingly.

Additionally, you can also access the notes pane while in editing mode. Simply click on the “View” tab at the top of the screen and select “Notes Page” from the “Presentation Views” section. This will bring up a new window with your presentation on one side and your notes on the other. You can edit and add to your notes here as well. This feature is especially useful if you need to make changes to your notes while working on your presentation.

Using the Presenter View in PowerPoint to View Notes

The Presenter View in PowerPoint is specifically designed to help you view notes while presenting. Along with showing your notes on one screen, it also displays a timer, current slide, and upcoming slide. This can help you stay on track and avoid running out of time or getting lost. Additionally, the Presenter View allows you to annotate your slides or highlight specific points during your presentation.

Another useful feature of the Presenter View is the ability to preview your next slide before it appears on the main screen. This can help you prepare for the next point you want to make and ensure a smooth transition between slides. Additionally, you can use the Presenter View to navigate through your presentation, allowing you to jump to specific slides or sections without interrupting the flow of your presentation. Overall, the Presenter View is a powerful tool that can help you deliver a more polished and professional presentation.

Customizing Font and Text Size of Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

If you find yourself struggling to read the notes while presenting, consider adjusting the font and text size. To do this, access the notes pane by clicking on the “Notes” button, then click on the “View” tab at the top of the screen. From there, select “Notes Master” and choose “Fonts” from the drop-down menu. Here, you can customize the font, size, and color of your speaker notes to your liking.

It’s important to note that while customizing the font and text size of your speaker notes can be helpful, it’s also important to keep in mind that your audience may not be able to read small or fancy fonts from a distance. It’s best to choose a clear and easy-to-read font, and to keep the text size large enough for everyone in the room to see. Additionally, using bullet points and short phrases can make your speaker notes more concise and easier to read during your presentation.

How to Print Handouts with Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

If you prefer to have physical copies of your presentation with notes, PowerPoint allows you to print handouts with speaker notes. To do this, click on the “File” tab at the top of the screen, then select “Print” from the menu. Under “Settings,” select “Full Page Slides” and choose your desired layout for the notes. You can also customize the number of slides per page and add a header or footer to your handouts. Once you’re done, click on the “Print” button in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Printing handouts with speaker notes can be a great way to provide your audience with a physical copy of your presentation that they can refer to later. It can also be helpful for those who may have missed your presentation and want to review the material. Additionally, printing handouts with speaker notes can be a useful tool for presenters who may need to refer to their notes during the presentation.

It’s important to note that when printing handouts with speaker notes, you may want to consider the amount of ink and paper that will be used. If you have a large audience, printing multiple copies of your presentation with speaker notes can quickly become expensive. In this case, you may want to consider providing digital copies of your presentation instead.

Tips for Reading Notes while Presenting

While viewing your notes can be helpful, it’s important not to rely on them too heavily. Make sure to maintain eye contact with your audience and use your notes as a reference rather than reading from them word-for-word. Additionally, practice your presentation beforehand to become more familiar with your notes and the flow of your presentation.

Another tip for reading notes while presenting is to use visual aids to supplement your notes. This can help you stay on track and keep your audience engaged. Consider using slides, diagrams, or other visual aids to help illustrate your points and keep your presentation organized.

Finally, it’s important to be aware of your body language while reading notes during a presentation. Avoid slouching or looking down at your notes for too long, as this can make you appear disengaged or unprepared. Instead, stand up straight and use hand gestures to emphasize key points and keep your audience engaged.

How to Switch Between Slides and Notes during a Presentation

If you need to switch back and forth between your presentation and your notes during your presentation, there’s an easy way to do it. Simply press the “Ctrl” and “T” keys on your keyboard to toggle between the two. This can be helpful if you need to reference a particular slide or point while speaking.

Another useful tip is to use the presenter view in your presentation software. This allows you to see your notes and upcoming slides on your computer screen, while your audience only sees the current slide on the presentation screen. To access presenter view, go to the “Slide Show” tab and select “Presenter View” from the options. This can help you stay organized and on track during your presentation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues when Viewing Notes in PowerPoint

If you encounter any issues while viewing your notes in PowerPoint, such as font size or display issues, try adjusting your display settings or checking for updates. Additionally, make sure that you have the latest version of PowerPoint installed, as newer versions may offer more robust note-taking features.

Another common issue that may arise when viewing notes in PowerPoint is the formatting of the notes themselves. If you copy and paste text from another program, such as Microsoft Word, into your notes section, it may cause formatting issues. To avoid this, try typing your notes directly into the PowerPoint notes section or use the “Paste Special” function to paste plain text only. This can help ensure that your notes display correctly and are easy to read during your presentation.

Viewing notes in PowerPoint can be a valuable tool for presenters, allowing them to stay on track and provide a comprehensive presentation to their audience. By adding speaker notes to your presentation, customizing font and text size, and using the Presenter View, you can enhance your presentation skills and deliver more engaging and informative presentations.

Another benefit of using speaker notes in PowerPoint is that it can help you to remember important points that you may forget during the presentation. By having your notes in front of you, you can quickly refer to them and ensure that you cover all the necessary information.

Additionally, Presenter View can also be used to keep track of time during your presentation. The timer feature allows you to see how much time has elapsed and how much time is remaining, helping you to pace your presentation and ensure that you stay within the allotted time frame.

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Present on multiple monitors (and view speaker notes privately)

You can present with 2 monitors: Using Presenter View is a great way to view your presentation with speaker notes on one monitor (your laptop, for example), while your audience views the notes-free presentation on a different monitor (like a larger screen you're projecting to).

Note:  Make sure the device you're using for your presentation supports the use of multiple monitors. Check with your manufacturer for up-to-date information about multiple monitor support.

To do this procedure and split the view between projectors in this way, you must be connected to the second screen.

Set up PowerPoint to use Presenter view with two monitors

On the Slide Show tab, in the Monitors group, select Use Presenter View .

Windows Display Settings should open.

In the Display Settings dialog box, on the Monitor tab, select the monitor icon that you want to use to view your speaker notes, and then select the This is my main monitor check box.

If the This is my main monitor check box is selected and unavailable, the monitor is already designated as the primary monitor.

Select the monitor icon for the second monitor—the one the audience will watch, and then select the Extend my Windows Desktop onto this monitor check box.

Notes:  If the Windows Display Settings don't open, do the following:

Windows 10: Click Start > Settings > System > Display . At the top, under Customize your display , is a diagram of the screens connected to your computer, with each screen numbered. If you are connected to a project, typically it will be represented in the diagram as screen 2. Select screen 1 in the diagram, then scroll downward. Ensure that the check box named Make this my main display is selected. Above that check box, in the Multiple displays list, select Extend these displays .

Windows 8: Right-click the Windows Start button, click Control Panel > Display > Adjust resolution . In the Multiple displays list, click Extend these displays . Select the monitor on which you want to view your speaker notes, and click Make this my main display .

You can use PowerPoint on your smartphone as a remote control to run your presentation and view your speaker notes. See Using a laser pointer on your smartphone when presenting in PowerPoint for more information, including a brief video.

Deliver your presentation on two monitors

On the Slide Show tab, in the Set Up group, click Set Up Slide Show .

In the Set Up Show dialog box, choose the options that you want, and then click OK . If you choose Automatic , PowerPoint will display speaker notes on the laptop monitor, if available. Otherwise, PowerPoint will display speaker notes on the main display identified in your Display settings ( Settings > Display ).

Extend vs. Duplicate: What happens after the slide show ends

PowerPoint does something behind the scenes to make the process of starting a slide show on a second monitor as smooth and quick as possible. When you enter Slide Show, PowerPoint automatically changes your display settings (also known as your display topology) to Extend .

What can be confusing is what happens after your slide show concludes:

In PowerPoint 2013 , when your slide show ends, PowerPoint leaves the display topology as Extend . (The benefit of this approach is that the next time you present on a second monitor, the first slide will appear with minimal delay. The drawback is that PowerPoint may be overriding your preferred display setting of "duplicate". Some people don't like this override.)

In newer versions , in the same end-of-slide-show scenario, PowerPoint reverts to your default setting, returning to Duplicate , if that's what you have chosen.

If you are using PowerPoint 2013 and you want PowerPoint to revert to the default setting, rather than keeping the Extend setting, you can tell it to do that by making a small change to the Windows registry as described below.

In this procedure, you are creating a command that adds a new setting to the Windows Registry for PowerPoint, and then you are running that command:

Create a new file in Notepad.

Copy and paste the following three lines of text into Notepad:

On the File menu in Notepad, click Save As .

Name the file Update.reg . (It's important that the file name extension be .reg ).

In the Save as type box, choose All Files (*.*) .

Take note of the folder in which you are saving the file. Then click Save , and close Notepad.

Open File Explorer from the Start menu and navigate to the folder where you saved Update.reg.

Double-click Update.reg .

Answer "Yes" to the two prompts that ensue.

With that completed, PowerPoint will now revert to your default display topology at the conclusion of a slide show.

(Read more technical details in this community forum post that was answered by a PowerPoint program manager .)

Video: Use Presenter view

View your speaker notes as you deliver your slide show

Video: Rehearse timings for a slide show

Zoom in to part of a slide in Slide Show view

Print your PowerPoint slides, handouts, and notes

Create a self-running presentation

Start the presentation and see your notes in Presenter view

PowerPoint videos not playing on secondary monitor

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How to view and control a powerpoint presentation from an IOS devices and control slide switches for the audience display on a remote PC?

Hey there community! I've done a few searches with mediocre results on this topic.

I want to be able to open and view a powerpoint presentation from my ios mobile device and control the same presentation that is open on a remote PC. The audience will presumably be viewing the presentation that is open on the PC which is connected to a large screen or overhead projector. Sometimes I do presentations without the remote PC and need the presentation on my ios device yet other times the audience size requires a large screen or overhead projector, so this approach gives me the flexibility to operate either way.

An added feature would be to have a laser spot show on the remote PC that is driven from my touching the slide on the mobile device, but its not a deal breaker.

I've seen a couple of 3rd party accessories that may work and I'm open to go that route BUT if there is already this capability in the Microsoft product suite then that would be my preference.

Appreciate your thoughts and guidance on this!

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• Microsoft Agent |

Hello,toyoda guy

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

According to your description, you want to open and view PowerPoint files from an iOS mobile device and control the same presentation opened on a remote PC.

Microsoft has software that can do this before: Office Remote for PC - Microsoft Support

However, due to its system requirements for:

Supported operating systems

Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1

Windows Phone 8

Microsoft Office 2013 (Office 2013 RT is not supported)

so it will most likely no longer work on your device. Download Microsoft Office Remote PC Setup from Official Microsoft Download Center

If you have a better option, you can also try other third party accessories that may work.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

With best regards

Navian - MSFT |Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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• Volunteer Moderator

Regarding Navian's reply:

>> Windows Phone 8

That's the key. Unless you have one of those (MS abandoned them years agao), the Microsoft solution won't work. And it often worked poorly even when you met all the other requirements. I wouldn't go down that rabbithole.

A product like GoToMyPC ( https://get.gotomypc.com/  ) might do the trick; it lets you control your computer remotely from another computer OR a phone/tablet. There'd probably be some other ducks to get in a row in order to make this do what you're after, but it'd be a start. They offer a free trial, so you wouldn't have to commit to $$$pending until you know it works for you.

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