Hiding speaker notes in Google Slides can be a handy trick when you’re presenting and don’t want your audience to see your cues. Luckily, it’s a pretty easy task to accomplish. With just a few clicks, you can ensure that your speaker notes are for your eyes only, and keep your presentation looking clean and professional.
Step by Step Tutorial: Hiding Speaker Notes in Google Slides
Before we dive into the steps, here’s what you need to know: hiding speaker notes won’t delete them, it’ll just keep them from displaying during your presentation. Ready? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Open Your Google Slides Presentation
Open the presentation you’re working on in Google Slides.
When you’ve got your presentation open, make sure you’re in the editing mode. This is where you can see all your slides on the left side of the screen and the main slide you’re working on in the center.
Step 2: Click on "View" in the Top Menu
In the top menu, look for the "View" option and click on it.
This will open a dropdown menu with several options. You’re looking for one in particular, but don’t rush – clicking the wrong option could alter your presentation in ways you don’t want.
Step 3: Select "Show Speaker Notes"
From the dropdown menu, click on "Show Speaker Notes."
If you had your speaker notes visible, clicking this option will hide them from view. If they were already hidden, clicking this will make them visible again. It’s a toggle switch, so just click until you get the result you want.
Once you’ve successfully hidden your speaker notes, you’ll be able to present your slides without any of those notes appearing on the screen. No more distractions for your audience, and you can keep those helpful hints to yourself.
Tips for Hiding Speaker Notes in Google Slides
- Make sure you’re signed into the correct Google account before starting. You can’t edit a presentation if you don’t have permission.
- Always double-check that your speaker notes are hidden before starting your presentation. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- If you’re using multiple monitors, you can also set up presenter view to see your notes on one screen while the audience sees the slides on another.
- Remember that hiding notes doesn’t delete them. If you need them back, just follow the steps again.
- Practice navigating these settings before your actual presentation, so you’re not fumbling when it’s showtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide speaker notes in Google Slides on a tablet or smartphone?
Yes, you can hide speaker notes on mobile devices too. The process is similar, but the layout might look a little different on smaller screens.
Will hiding speaker notes affect how my presentation looks to the audience?
Nope! Hiding your speaker notes only changes what you can see on your screen – the audience won’t notice a thing.
Can I print my Google Slides without speaker notes?
Absolutely. When you go to print your slides, you’ll have the option to include or exclude the speaker notes.
What if I can’t find the "View" option?
Make sure you’re in editing mode. If you’re in presenting mode, you won’t see the same menu options.
Are the speaker notes private, or can others see them when shared?
When you share a Google Slides presentation, you can set the permissions to control whether others can see your speaker notes. Keep them private by restricting editing access.
Summary
- Open your Google Slides presentation.
- Click on "View" in the top menu.
- Select "Show Speaker Notes" to toggle the visibility of your speaker notes.
Conclusion
Hiding speaker notes in Google Slides is an essential skill for anyone who presents regularly. Whether you’re a teacher, a business professional, or just sharing ideas with friends, keeping your speaker notes hidden can help you maintain a polished and professional appearance. It’s a simple process, but one that’s easy to overlook in the rush to get ready for a presentation. Always take a moment to ensure your notes are hidden before you begin – your future self will thank you.
Plus, the flexibility of Google Slides means that you can hide or show your notes as needed, even during the presentation if you’re slick with your clicks. Just remember to practice the steps so you can do it smoothly and without drawing attention to the process. And if you ever need to share your presentation, don’t forget to adjust the sharing settings to keep your notes private.
After all, while speaker notes are a fantastic tool for keeping you on track, they’re not meant for public consumption. They’re your behind-the-scenes support, the silent partner in your presentation success. Keep them hidden, and let your slides shine. Happy presenting!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.