Creating excellent presentations is a crucial component of communication in a variety of disciplines, including education and business. However, preparing your slides is only half of the battle. Handouts of presentations frequently steal the show, providing essential tools to supplement your presentations.
So, how do you create handouts in PowerPoint that complement your message while simultaneously engaging your audience? This detailed guide mentions two simple yet effective ways to produce them and also explains why handouts are Important.
What are Handouts in PowerPoint?
Handouts in PowerPoint are real or digital printed papers that summarise the main points of your presentation. They may include visual aids such as charts or diagrams, as well as space for audience members to take notes.
Handouts improve the entire learning experience by ensuring that attendees retain key information delivered during your presentation.
Why Handouts are Important?
By including handouts in your presentations, you not only increase participation but also improve understanding across diverse audiences. With their help, you can ensure that everyone leaves with the knowledge they need to thrive in their respective industries.
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Easy for Making Notes
Handouts provide specific space for participants to jot down thoughts, questions, and reflections throughout the presentation. Moreover, handouts allow your audience to stay focused on the topic without getting distracted by the need to scribble everything down.
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A Tool for Sharing and Distribution
These useful materials can be easily distributed to a larger audience, even those who cannot attend the presentation in person. Digital handouts can include hyperlinks to pertinent resources, allowing recipients to learn more about the topic when it is convenient for them.
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Helpful for Follow-up
Handouts provide attendees with a long-term takeaway by summarizing key ideas and providing appropriate resources for further investigation. They ensure that your audience can return to key topics long after your presentation is over, boosting the possibility of informed action based on your knowledge.
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How to Make Handouts in PowerPoint?
Making handouts in PowerPoint is a simple process. Let’s discuss two effective approaches below.
Method 1: By Using the View Tab
Step 1: Open Your Presentation in PowerPoint – Launching PowerPoint with your already open presentation allows you to access the necessary tools easily.
Step 2: Click on the View Tab – Locate the “View” tab at the top of your PowerPoint interface.
Step 3: Click on the Handout Master Icon – This icon is found in the “Master Views” area of the toolbar. Clicking it brings up a preview of your handout arrangement.

Step 4: Choose the Number of Slides to Display on Each Handout – You can set your handouts to show one to nine slides per page. Keep in mind that adding additional slides may result in a smaller font, which can reduce readability.
Step 5: Click on Handout Orientation – Choose between portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) orientation for your handout.
Step 6: Choose Which Placeholders to Keep on the Handout – The “Placeholders” tab contains checkboxes that allow you to control which elements show on your handouts, such as headers, footers, dates, and page numbers.
Step 7: Click Fonts – In the “Background” panel, select appropriate fonts for your handouts; this will match the text to your presentation style.
Step 8: Click the Colors Menu – Choose a color scheme that is consistent with your branding or the content’s theme.
Step 9: Click Background Styles – Choose a background shade that complements your color scheme. This provides a visually appealing touch while improving readability.
Step 10: Click Effects – Choose an effects theme to give your handouts a different look.
Step 11: Insert Extra Items as Needed – To add photos, shapes, or custom headers and footers. Select the Insert tab and enter the appropriate elements.

Step 12: See a Preview of Your Handouts – To see how your handouts will appear, go to the File menu and pick “Print”. The preview will appear on the right panel.

Step 13: Click “Close Master View” – This step closes the handout master editor, leaving you with the finished result. Please save your presentation and all edits made for the handout to be kept.

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Method 2: By Using the Print Option
Step 1: Open Your Presentation in PowerPoint – Ensure that your presentation is open and ready.
Step 2: Click on the File Menu – In the upper-left corner of PowerPoint, select the File menu.

Step 3: Select Print From the Options – This selection will take you to your printing preferences.

Step 4: Choose a Customized Set of Slides – If you only want specific slides in your handouts, select a custom range from the dropdown menu.

Step 5: Click on the Full Page Slides Menu – This dropdown, found under “Settings,” provides a variety of printing layouts, including the handout area.
Step 6: Choose an Appropriate Handout Layout – Feel free to select the amount of slides to add on each page based on your requirements.

Step 7: Select the Edit Header and Footer Link – This is where you may customize or update your headers and footers to match your overall handout design.
Step 8: Select the Rest of Your Printing Options – Once you’ve made your selections, print your handouts.

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Conclusion
Creating handouts of presentations is more than just giving your audience something to take home; it’s a deliberate step towards assuring successful communication. You can emphasize your presentation’s essential points and boost audience retention by employing simple approaches such as the “View Tab” or the “Print Option”.
Remember, the more prepared you are as a presenter, the better your message will resonate. So go ahead and make your next presentation memorable with effective handouts that empower your audience and facilitate their learning journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it possible to customize the handout layout in PowerPoint?
You can change the arrangement of handouts in PowerPoint by selecting the number of slides you want on each page—one, two, three, or more. You can also choose between landscape and portrait orientations.
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How do I export handouts in PowerPoint?
When it comes to exporting your handouts, simply go to the File menu and pick “Export”, then “Create Handouts”. This will display a variety of layout options for your exported document.
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Can I incorporate speaker notes with my exported handouts?
If you want to include speaker notes in the handout of your presentation, simply select the “Notes Below Slides” style during the export process.
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