Be able to hide slides within a presentation

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Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 – Presentations: Hiding Slides (and Related Skills)

Learning Objective

Students will be able to hide and un‑hide slides in a presentation, evaluate when and why to use this technique, and integrate it with the full range of presentation skills required by the Cambridge IGCSE ICT syllabus (Section 19).

📚 Syllabus Alignment (Section 19 – Presentations)

Syllabus Requirement Coverage in These Notes Key Assessment Objective (AO)
Create a presentation (structure, slide order, template) Full workflow, slide‑order planning, template selection AO1 – Knowledge & understanding
Use master slides for consistent design Dedicated “Master Slides” subsection AO2 – Application of knowledge
Insert & edit text, images, shapes, tables, charts, audio/video, hyperlinks Comprehensive object table AO2
Apply transitions and animations consistently Guidelines plus evaluation checklist AO2 & AO3 – Evaluation of design choices
Use presenter notes and produce hand‑outs Notes & hand‑out section (including formatting tips) AO2
Output the presentation (full‑screen, presenter view, PDF, printed hand‑outs) Output options checklist AO2
Hide / un‑hide slides (optional or backup content) All sections on hiding slides, shortcuts, verification, limitations, evaluation AO2 & AO3
Evaluate design choices (justify hidden slides, timing, audience) Evaluation of hidden slides (why, impact on timing, audience) AO3
e‑safety when embedding media or hyperlinks Safety checklist (copyright, virus‑free media, link testing) AO2
File management – naming, version control, exam‑submission format File‑management guidelines AO1 & AO2

Full Presentation Workflow (Quick Reference)

  1. Plan the structure – decide slide order, identify optional/backup material, choose a template.
  2. Start a new file – select a suitable template or a blank deck.
  3. Set up the master slide(s) – fonts, colours, logo, footer (see “Master Slides”).
  4. Insert slides in the planned order
    • PowerPoint: Ctrl + M
    • Keynote: ⌘ + Option + N
    • Google Slides: Ctrl + M
  5. Add content objects (text, images, shapes, tables, charts, audio/video, hyperlinks).
  6. Apply transitions/animations consistently (see “Transitions & Animations”).
  7. Write presenter notes for each slide.
  8. Hide optional or backup slides (see “Hiding Slides”).
  9. Test in Slide Show / Presenter View and adjust timing.
  10. Export / output – full‑screen, presenter view, PDF hand‑out, printed notes, or video.
  11. Save with a clear file name (e.g., Topic_Year_Class_v01.pptx) and keep a backup copy.

Master Slides – Ensuring Design Consistency

  • What they are: A master slide stores layout, background, fonts, colours, and placeholders that appear on every slide using that master.
  • Why they matter (AO2): Editing the master updates all linked slides instantly, guaranteeing uniformity and saving time.
  • How to edit:
    • PowerPoint: View → Slide Master
    • Keynote: Edit → Edit Master Slides
    • Google Slides: Slide → Edit master
  • Typical master‑slide elements: logo, slide number, footer text, colour scheme.

Inserting & Editing Objects (Core Presentation Skills)

Object Typical Use Key Command (PowerPoint / Keynote / Google Slides)
Text box Headings, bullet points, captions Ctrl + T / ⌘ + Option + T / Ctrl + Shift + T
Image Illustrations, photographs, diagrams Insert → Pictures (all apps)
Shape Call‑outs, flow‑chart symbols, decorative elements Insert → Shapes
Table Structured data, comparison grids Insert → Table
Chart Statistical visualisation (bar, line, pie) Insert → Chart
Audio / Video Multimedia support, demonstrations Insert → Media
Hyperlink Link to external web pages, other slides, or files Ctrl + K (PowerPoint/Google Slides) / ⌘ + K (Keynote)

Transitions & Animations – Consistent Visual Flow

  • Choose one or two transition styles for the whole deck (e.g., “Fade” or “Push”).
  • Apply the same animation to similar objects (e.g., “Appear” for bullet points).
  • Avoid over‑animating – it distracts the audience and skews timing.
  • Typical commands:
    • PowerPoint: Transitions tab → select style → Apply To All
    • Keynote: Animate sidebar → “Add an Effect” → “Apply to All”
    • Google Slides: Slide → Change transition
  • Evaluation checklist (AO3):
    • Does the transition support the narrative or merely add flair?
    • Is the animation duration appropriate for the slide‑show timing?
    • Is the same style used consistently across similar slide types?

Presenter Notes & Hand‑outs

  • Presenter notes: Private cues visible only in Presenter View. Use them to expand bullet points, recall statistics, or prompt questions.
  • How to add:
    • PowerPoint – View → Notes Page or the “Notes” pane below each slide.
    • Keynote – click the “Presenter Notes” area at the bottom of the window.
    • Google Slides – View → Show speaker notes.
  • Hand‑outs: Export the deck as a PDF.
    • Choose 1–6 slides per page.
    • Include notes if required (PDF → “Include speaker notes”).
    • Ensure the layout matches the exam specification (A4, portrait).

Output Options – Delivering the Presentation

  1. Full‑screen slide show – standard delivery mode.
  2. Presenter view – shows current slide, next slide, notes, and a timer.
  3. Export as PDF – for hand‑outs or offline review.
  4. Print hand‑outs – 1–6 slides per page, with or without notes.
  5. Save as video (PowerPoint/Keynote) – optional for online sharing.

File Management & e‑Safety (AO1 & AO2)

  • File naming: Use a clear, descriptive name and version number, e.g. SolarEnergy_2025_Grade10_v02.pptx.
  • Backup strategy: Save a copy on a USB drive or cloud storage before the exam.
  • e‑safety checklist:
    • All embedded media must be virus‑scanned and stored locally (no external links that could break).
    • Check copyright – use royalty‑free images or give proper attribution.
    • Test every hyperlink before the exam; replace broken links with a note “(link unavailable)”.
  • Exam submission format: Export the final version as a PDF (if the exam board requires) and verify that hidden slides are excluded unless explicitly required.

Hiding Slides – Concept, Rationale & Evaluation (AO3)

A hidden slide remains in the file but is automatically skipped when the presentation runs in Slide Show mode. It can be revealed later or left out of the final delivery.

Why Hide Slides? (Evaluation Points)

  • Provide optional or supplementary information without disrupting the main narrative.
  • Adapt the presentation on the spot for different audiences (technical vs. non‑technical).
  • Store backup material (extra data, contingency slides) that can be shown if time permits.
  • Test alternative versions without creating separate files.
  • Maintain a clean slide order while keeping reference material handy.

Impact on Timing & Assessment

  • Hidden slides still count toward the total slide count, so they affect your rehearsal timing.
  • When exporting to PDF, hidden slides are included unless you select “Export only visible slides”.
  • During an exam, forgetting to un‑hide a slide you intended to show can lead to missing marks for omitted content.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

  • Hidden slides are visible in the editing view; an unnoticed hidden slide may be missed during rehearsal.
  • Some remote clickers or presentation‑software settings have an option “Show hidden slides”; ensure it is disabled.
  • When converting to other formats (e.g., video), verify that hidden slides are omitted.

General Procedure to Hide / Un‑hide Slides

  1. Select the slide(s) you want to hide (hold Ctrl / ⌘ for multiple selections).
  2. Apply the hide command (see the “Hide/Un‑hide Commands” table below).
  3. Verify the slide number is dimmed, crossed out, or marked with an icon indicating a hidden state.
  4. Run the presentation (from the start or from the current slide) to confirm the slide is skipped.
  5. To un‑hide, repeat the same command – it toggles the state.

Timing Impact Reminder

Even hidden slides count toward the total slide count. When rehearsing, subtract the hidden slides from your total timing calculation to avoid overrunning the exam‑specified length.

Hiding Slides in Specific Applications

Microsoft PowerPoint (365 / 2019)

  1. In the slide thumbnail pane, click the slide to hide.
  2. Right‑click → Hide Slide or use the ribbon: Slide Show → Hide Slide.
  3. The slide number turns grey, indicating a hidden slide.
  4. To un‑hide, repeat the step; the command toggles the state.
  5. Keyboard shortcut:
    • Windows: Alt + S + H
    • Mac: Option + Shift + H (official shortcut in Office 365 for macOS)

Apple Keynote

  1. Select the slide(s) in the navigator on the left.
  2. Open the Format sidebar (if not already visible).
  3. Under the Slide tab, tick the box Hide slide during presentation.
  4. An eye‑icon appears on the thumbnail to show the hidden status.
  5. To reverse, simply untick the box. (No default shortcut; you may create one in System Preferences → Keyboard → Shortcuts.)

Google Slides

  1. Click the slide thumbnail you wish to hide.
  2. From the top menu choose Slide → Skip slide or right‑click and select Skip slide.
  3. The slide number is crossed out, indicating it will be omitted.
  4. Repeating the command restores the slide (cross disappears).

Verifying Hidden Slides in Slide Show Mode

  • Start the slide show from the beginning:
    • PowerPoint: F5
    • Keynote: ⌘ + Shift + Enter
    • Google Slides: click the Present button.
  • Observe that the hidden slide is automatically skipped.
  • If a hidden slide appears, double‑check:
    1. The hide command was applied to the correct slide.
    2. You are using the most recent saved version of the file.
    3. No “Show hidden slides” option is enabled in the slide‑show settings.

Best Practices for Using Hidden Slides (AO3)

  • Label clearly: Prefix the slide title with “Optional – …” or “Backup – …”.
  • Keep the count low: Too many hidden slides can cause confusion during a live delivery.
  • Test on the actual equipment: Verify that the presentation computer and remote clicker honour hidden‑slide settings.
  • Document in your presenter’s note sheet: List the hidden slide numbers and the circumstances under which you would reveal them.
  • Remember export behaviour: When creating a PDF hand‑out, decide whether hidden slides should be included (use “Export only visible slides” if they are not needed).
  • Timing check: Subtract hidden slides from your total slide‑count when rehearsing to keep within the exam‑specified duration.

Hide / Un‑hide Commands – Summary Table

Application Menu Path / Shortcut Icon / Indicator Notes
PowerPoint (Windows) Slide Show → Hide Slide  or  Alt + S + H Greyed‑out slide number Command toggles – repeat to un‑hide.
PowerPoint (Mac) Slide Show → Hide Slide  or  Option + Shift + H Greyed‑out slide number Same toggle behaviour.
Keynote Format sidebar → Slide → “Hide slide during presentation” (checkbox) Eye icon on thumbnail No built‑in shortcut; can be custom‑assigned.
Google Slides Slide → Skip slide  or  right‑click → Skip slide Crossed‑out slide number Command toggles – repeat to restore.

Example Scenario (Applying Evaluation)

Task: A Year 10 class is presenting a 12‑minute report on renewable energy. The teacher asks you to be ready to answer detailed questions about solar‑panel efficiency.

  1. Prepare 15 slides covering the main narrative (10 minutes).
  2. Create 3 additional “Technical Details” slides with data tables and hide them.
  3. Label them “Optional – Solar‑Panel Efficiency”.
  4. During the presentation, the teacher asks a follow‑up question. You un‑hide the relevant slide (press Alt + S + H in PowerPoint) and continue.
  5. Evaluation: You justified the hidden slides as “backup material for deeper enquiry”, kept the main timing within limits, and demonstrated adaptability – all of which are AO3 criteria.

Quick Checklist Before the Exam

  • ✅ Slide order planned; optional slides clearly labelled.
  • ✅ Master slide set up and applied to all slides.
  • ✅ All objects inserted, hyperlinks tested, media virus‑free.
  • ✅ Transitions/animations consistent and evaluated.
  • ✅ Presenter notes written and aligned with hidden‑slide plan.
  • ✅ Hidden slides verified in Slide Show mode.
  • ✅ Timing rehearsed – hidden slides excluded from total time.
  • ✅ File saved with proper name, backed up, and exported as required (PDF without hidden slides unless specified).
  • ✅ e‑safety checklist completed.

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