What are speaker notes?

Speaker notes are private prompts that help a presenter remember what to say without putting every detail on the slide. They can include key points, transitions, examples, timing cues, or a short script.

In presentation software, notes are attached to individual slides and appear in presenter view rather than on the audience-facing slide. In a video recorder, speaker notes can sit near the recording area so you can refer to them while speaking.

What are speaker notes used for?

Speaker notes keep a presentation organized without turning each slide into a wall of text. They help you stay on track, remember important details, and move smoothly from one idea to the next.

When do you use speaker notes

There are two main scenarios when speaker notes are useful:

• Video Recording: Speaker notes can help you stick to your script by showing key points and reminders during a video recording e.g. a product launch. They help ensure nothing important is missed. An example is shown further below.

• Live Presentation: Speaker notes in slides can help guide your presentations by reminding you of key points and transitions. They help keep your presentation smooth and coherent.

Speaker notes example

For a slide titled Project launch plan, the speaker notes might say:

• Open with the customer problem the project solves.
• Explain the three launch phases shown on the slide.
• Pause after the timeline so the audience can read it.
• Transition with: “Next, let’s look at who owns each phase.”

This is more useful than copying the slide text. The slide gives the audience the main idea; the notes give the speaker the context and delivery cues needed to explain it.

What a speaker note looks like

A speaker note is plain text in a notes box under the slide. Most presenters write it as:

• Bullet points: three or four short reminders of what to cover, as in the example above.
• A short script: a few full sentences for openings, closings, or anything that has to be worded exactly, such as a quote or a number.
• Cues: reminders like "pause", "ask the room", "click to the demo", or a target time.

Why you should use speaker notes

Speaker notes keep your thoughts and key points organized, making sure your presentation or recording flows smoothly without any important details slipping through the cracks. 

With speaker notes, you can focus on connecting with your audience instead of worrying about what comes next. They help make your video more interesting and relatable for your viewers. 

How to add speaker notes in PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote

PowerPoint

1. Open the presentation in Normal view (View → Normal).
2. Click in the notes pane under the slide, where it says Click to add notes. If the pane is hidden, click Notes in the status bar at the bottom of the window.
3. Type your notes for that slide, then move to the next slide.

To see your notes while you present, check Use Presenter View on the Slide Show tab, or press Alt + F5 on Windows. Presenter View shows your notes and the next slide on your screen while the audience sees only the current slide. To print them, go to File → Print and choose the Notes Pages layout.

Google Slides

1. Open the presentation and click in the box under the slide that says Click to add speaker notes.
2. If you don't see the box, choose View → Show speaker notes.
3. Type your notes for each slide.

To present with them, click the arrow next to Slideshow and choose Presenter view. Your notes open in a separate window that only you see.

Keynote

1. Choose View → Show Presenter Notes.
2. Type in the notes area under the slide.

When you play the slideshow with a second display connected, the presenter display on your screen shows your notes, the current slide, and the next slide.

Speaker notes in Tella

Tella screen recorder comes with speaker notes: you can add them right in the Tella screen recorder in a few simple steps.

Only you can see them, and they won’t show up in the final video. This means that your audience won’t know you’re using them, and they won’t clutter your video. 

Step-by-step guide

• Open Tella: Launch the Tella app on your computer and log in or sign up. You can also use speaker notes on the Tella website (they just won’t be colourful). 
• Access Speaker Notes: Before or during your recording, click on Preferences.

From there, click on Show at the bottom of the Preferences tab. 

That will bring up the Speaker notes box. Now, you’re all set to start writing your notes. 

You can tap Show again to switch between the three available colors of post-it notes. 

You can also resize the text box and move it around to wherever suits you. 

• Finalize Your Presentation: Once you're happy with your recording, click Finish. You'll be taken to a window where you can watch your video, export it, share it with a link, add a thumbnail, and adjust permissions as needed.

How to make the most of speaker notes in Tella

When you're preparing a presentation using the Tella app, try to strike a balance between having a detailed script and relying on high-level talking points. That way, your presentation will be interesting but still cover everything you need to say. 

In Tella, your speaker notes are shown in a large format that’s easy to read. To make the most of it, keep your notes short and to the point. This helps you stay focused on your audience without getting lost in your notes.

While it's okay to glance at your notes, try not to read them word for word. Instead, use them as reminders to keep your audience engaged.

FAQs

Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions about speaker notes. 

What are speaker notes?

Speaker notes are private prompts attached to a slide or recording that remind the presenter what to say: key points, transitions, examples, and timing cues. In PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote they appear in presenter view on your screen, not on the slides the audience sees. In Tella's screen recorder, you can add speaker notes right in the recorder, and they won't be visible in the final video.

Can the audience see my speaker notes?

Not when you present with presenter view. PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote show your notes only on the presenter's screen while the audience sees the slide. If you share your whole screen in a video call while presenter view is open, though, participants will see the notes too, so share only the slideshow window.

How do I see my speaker notes while presenting?

In PowerPoint, turn on Use Presenter View on the Slide Show tab, or press Alt + F5 on Windows. In Google Slides, click the arrow next to Slideshow and choose Presenter view. In Keynote, the presenter display shows your notes on the screen you're presenting from.

How do you write speaker notes?

Write speaker notes by outlining your key points, transitions, and reminders to guide your presentation or recording. 

Is it OK to read from notes during a presentation?

Yes, it's okay to refer to notes during a presentation, but try to avoid reading them word-for-word.

What should speaker notes include?

Speaker notes should cover what you want to say and how you want to say it. They can include key points and reminders for pauses, tone changes, and transitions. 

How long should speaker notes be?

Aim for just one or two sentences per slide to keep things clear and focused. You want to give your audience the info they need without going overboard.

Speaker notes keep you on point

Want to give speaker notes a try for your next recording or presentation? Check out Tella - in a few simple steps, you can easily integrate them into your workflow.