Adding audio narration to a PowerPoint presentation and then converting it to video can be a simple method for making a lecture accessible to people who couldn’t attend the live event, or who need to preview or review the presentation.
NB. If you don’t use PowerPoint, consider using a screen recorder to create a video instead.
What you will need:
- A Computer running Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 or later (2010, 2013, 2016 on PC, and 2011, 2016 on Mac)
- An external microphone that can be plugged into your computer (we recommend using an external microphone, as built-in microphones can pick up a lot of background noise). A basic headset is good enough.
- A Webcam (Optional) if you plan to include a talking head in your slides.
Recording Audio narration onto a PowerPoint presentation:
Depending on whether you’re using Windows or macOS and which version of PowerPoint is installed on your system, there are slight variations in the steps to recording a narration. Please pick the correct version of PowerPoint for relevant instructions. (Note that instructions for Mac are indicated in blue lettering, just above the instructions for PC).
Saving a PowerPoint to a video file: