How to Narrate a PowerPoint (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
Recording narration in PowerPoint isn’t just for professors reading 60-slide lectures with the energy of a sloth. Narration is a super useful way to guide your audience, especially if you’re not with them in-person to present. Whether you’re creating an online training, a client walkthrough or a class project, adding narration gives your slides a human voice.
We’ll walk you through how to narrate a PowerPoint presentation and, how to sound natural doing it. We’ll also give you some tips on equipment you might want to use if you want it to sound extra professional.
How to Add Narration to Your PowerPoint Slides
Let’s dive right in. Here’s how to record narration directly inside PowerPoint for Windows. If you’re on a Mac, scroll down a little further.
Note: As of PowerPoint 365 (desktop), narration is done via the Record feature built into the Slide Show tab. Microsoft’s official guide confirms this process.
Step 1: Open Your Presentation
Obvious? Sure. But let’s not skip steps. We’re being thorough here.
Step 2: Go to the “Slide Show” Tab or Just Click “Record”
In the top menu, click Slide Show. From there, click Record > From Beginning or From Current Slide, depending on where you want to start. On newer versions, you may simply see a “Record” button available without having to enter the “Slide Show” tab.
Step 3: Hit “Record” and Start Talking
You’ll see a countdown. Then, just speak. You can also turn on your webcam to include video if you want a picture-in-picture style presentation.
Step 4: Save and Review
When you’re done, click Export to create a video with your narration baked in, or just save the file and play it back using Slide Show > From Beginning to test how it sounds.
What About PowerPoint for Mac?
If you’re on a Mac, below are the steps you’ll need to follow. The interface is a little different, but the core process is the same.
- Open your PowerPoint.
- Go to the Slide Show tab or just hit Record.
- Click Record Slide Show > From Beginning or From Current Slide.
- Click the Record button and start speaking.
Can You Narrate in PowerPoint Online?
Unfortunately, no. PowerPoint for the web is like the frozen pizza of PowerPoint versions… it works in a pinch, but don’t expect gourmet features.
At the time of writing, you can’t record narration directly inside PowerPoint Online. But you can:
- Add pre-recorded audio to slides
- Play audio during a slideshow
But if you want slide-by-slide narration recording? You’ll need the desktop app.
Why Add Narration in PowerPoint?
When you narrate a PowerPoint, you’re doing more than just reading the text. You’re adding context, clarity and personality. It’s especially useful when:
- You’re sending slides without presenting live
- You’re creating asynchronous training
- Your topic needs explanation that doesn’t fit on slides
- You want to keep viewers from zoning out halfway through
What Equipment Do You Need to Record Your PowerPoint?
Honestly, you probably don’t need a thing outside your laptop. Your laptop mic is probably good enough for internal use, school projects or team trainings.
That said, if you’re recording for clients or your voice will live online forever, a basic USB microphone can make a huge difference in clarity. You don’t have to spend much… Just $30-$50 is more than enough to get solid sound quality.
But in the end, don’t stress over gear. Content and delivery matter more than sounding like Morgan Freeman.
Tips to Avoid Sounding Like You’ve Been Taken Hostage
And really, that’s the hardest part for many of us, isn’t it? Narrating slides is weird at first. You’re staring at your screen, talking to nobody, wondering if you sound like a sentient fax machine. We have some tips to help you get past that.
1. Write loose notes, not a full script.
If you script every word, you risk sounding robotic. If you go in cold, you risk rambling and saying “um” a whole lot. Aim for bullet points and speak naturally.
[Read more: How to Memorize a Presentation Fast]
2. Use your slide notes as prompts.
PowerPoint can show you slide notes while recording. These are great for reminding you what to say without reading verbatim.
3. Smile when you talk.
Even if you aren’t putting yourself on camera, smile when you speak. It changes your tone and makes you sound more engaging. Weird but true.
4. Keep it conversational.
Pretend you’re explaining your slides to a curious coworker.
5. Cut the filler.
“Ums” and “likes” happen, but if you’re saying “so yeah” every 4 seconds, it adds up. Do a quick listen-through and re-record any awkward bits.
Can You Export a Narrated PowerPoint as a Video?
Yes, you actually can. Once your narration is in place just do the following (or look further to a link for a video of the process).
- Go to File > Export > Create a Video.
- Choose your quality and whether to use recorded timings and narrations.
- Click Create Video and save it as an MP4.
Boom—your slide show becomes a narrated video, ready for YouTube, a learning management system, or embedding in your website.
Microsoft’s guide for turning a narrated PowerPoint into a video is here.
Narration + AI = Less Work, More Wow
If you’re already spending time recording narration, why not save time with the slides themselves?
That’s where Twistly comes in.
With the Twistly AI add-in for PowerPoint, you can:
- Generate slides based on your topic
- Add speaker notes instantly
- Get structure that works well with narration
- Use AI to rewrite, shorten or expand your content
Create PowerPoint Slides with AI
Build AI-powered presentations from any prompt, doc, or video
Narrating a PowerPoint doesn’t have to be complicated. And it definitely doesn’t have to sound like a ransom note. With just a few tools and some practice, you can create engaging narrated presentations that are polished, personal and easy to share.
Whether you’re explaining company strategy, teaching photosynthesis, or walking your team through quarterly goals, narration brings your ideas to life. And if you need a hand writing or organizing those slides? Twistly’s got you covered.