Add Text in PowerPoint While Presenting

How to Add Text in PowerPoint While Presenting

Updated on:

May 25, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to write text directly on slides during a PowerPoint presentation.

Quick summary

Learn how to add text in PowerPoint while in Slide Show mode by using the built-in pen and annotation tools. This lets presenters write directly on slides in real time without exiting the presentation.

Steps

Click the Slide Show icon to view your presentation in full-screen mode.
Right-click on the slide or click the pen icon to access annotation options.
Choose the Pen or Text tool from the menu (if available).
Write directly on the slide to annotate in real time during your presentation.

📌 Why this matters

Adding text or annotations during a PowerPoint presentation lets presenters highlight key points, respond to audience questions, and emphasize ideas in real time — without interrupting the flow of the presentation. This feature is especially valuable for educators, trainers, and business presenters who need to engage audiences dynamically. Using PowerPoint's built-in pen and annotation tools eliminates the need for third-party software and keeps everything within your existing workflow. Mastering this capability helps presenters deliver more impactful, interactive slide shows.

Your product deserves an interactive demo

Start free