Questions
- How do I turn on live subtitles in PowerPoint?
- How do I show real-time captions while I present?
- Can PowerPoint caption my presentation as I speak?
- How do I choose where subtitles appear and what language they use?
- How do I make my presentation easier to follow for people who are hard of hearing or are non-native speakers?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students who present with Microsoft PowerPoint and want live, automatic subtitles.
- Subtitles are available in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 on the desktop and the web.
- Subtitles are generated live from your microphone as you speak — they are not saved with the file.
Resolution
Live Captions and Subtitles in PowerPoint can display what you say as on-screen text during a presentation — helpful for anyone who has trouble hearing from the back of the room, is in a noisy space, or is a non-native speaker. You can show subtitles over your slides or on a blank slide used just to display captions.
Turn on live subtitles
- Open your PowerPoint presentation, or a blank slide.
- Select the Slide Show tab.
- Select the Always Use Subtitles check box.
Choose subtitle settings
Under Subtitle Settings, choose where the subtitles appear on screen, select the microphone your voice will come from, and select the spoken language and the language shown on screen.
Test before you present
Start your presentation and begin talking to test the subtitles and confirm the microphone is working.
Note: Subtitles are available only in Microsoft 365 — in the desktop and web apps.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.