Using only one monitor while giving a PowerPoint presentation can be challenging when you want to view speaker notes. However, with some simple tweaks to your PowerPoint settings and presentation setup, you can easily view notes on a single monitor.
Why Viewing Notes is Important
Being able to view speaker notes during your presentation is crucial for several reasons:
- Remember key points – Notes jog your memory so you cover all important information.
- Quote data and statistics – Include exact figures, quotes, etc. from your notes rather than guessing.
- Smooth delivery – Glancing at notes keeps your flow smooth if you lose your train of thought.
- Answer questions – Notes have helpful details you can reference to answer audience questions.
Ways to View Notes with One Monitor
There are a few straightforward ways you can view PowerPoint notes on a single monitor:
Use Presenter View
PowerPoint’s Presenter View displays your notes prominently while the audience just sees your slides.
To enable:
- Click Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show
- Choose Browsed by an individual (window)
- Click Slide Show > Use Presenter View
- Start slideshow – your notes now display alongside current slide
You can resize/move the notes section as needed.
Show Notes Next to Slides
Alternatively, you can display notes beside slides in normal view:
- Click View > Notes Page
- Resize slide and notes sections as desired
- Start slideshow
Notes will display alongside slides.
Use Notes Master
Create a custom “Notes Master” slide master to prominently display notes during presentations.
To create:
- Click View > Master > Slide Master
- Insert text box for notes
- Resize/position text box as needed
- Save as Notes Master
To use:
- With presentation open, select View > Master > Notes Master
- Start slideshow – notes will display prominently
Presentation Tips for One Monitor
When using only one monitor, keep these tips in mind:
- Practice your presentation – Rehearse with your notes so you know the key points.
- Face the audience – Don’t turn your back looking at notes. Glance briefly at notes instead.
- Use a larger font – Format notes in at least 18-point font so they are readable at a glance.
- Simplify notes – Include only essential information in bullet points, not full sentences.
- Try different layouts – Adjust notes and slide sizes to find view you’re most comfortable with.
Benefits of Viewing Notes
Being able to view speaker notes on one monitor provides many benefits:
- Gives confidence during your delivery
- Enables smooth transitions between points
- Allows you to elaborate based on note details
- Helps you answer audience questions
- Results in more polished, professional presentations
With these PowerPoint tweaks and best practices, you can deliver great presentations using just one monitor!
