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The beginner's guide to google slides.

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7 signs an online seller is running a scam, today's nyt connections hints and answer for june 28 (#383), quick links, what is google slides, how to sign up for an account, how to create a blank presentation, how to import a microsoft powerpoint presentation, how to check your spelling in google slides, how to collaborate on presentations, how to see all recent changes to a presentation, how to link to a specific slide, how to insert special characters into a slide, how to use google slides offline.

If you’re just getting started with Google Slides, its extensive features and add-ons can be a little overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you get going with this powerful alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint.

If you’ve heard of Google Slides before, feel free to skip ahead; if you haven't, here’s a crash course on what you need to know. We’ll go over the basics and get you brushed up on what Google Slides is and how you can get started right away.

Slides is a free, web-based presentation program designed to compete with Microsoft Office PowerPoint. It's part of G Suite---Google's complete office suite (though some people refer to it all as Google Docs). The other main services included in the cloud-based suite are Sheets (Excel) and Docs (Word).

Related: What is Google Workspace, Anyway?

Google Slides is available on all devices and platforms; all you need is an internet connection and a web browser (or, in the case of mobile, the Android and iOS apps ). Google does the rest and handles the brunt of the heavy lifting, while it runs the software in the cloud.

Slides supports several file types, including  .ppt, .pptx , .odp, .jpg, .svg, and .pdf. This makes it easy to view or convert Microsoft Office files directly from Google Drive or insert images directly into a slide.

Related: What Is a PPTX File (and How Do I Open One)?

And since Slides is an online presentation program, you can share and collaborate with multiple people on the same file, and track revisions, changes, and suggestions, all in real-time.

Have you heard enough? Let’s get started.

Before you can use Google Slides, you have to sign up for a Google account (an @gmail account). If you already have one, feel free to move on to the next section. If not, we’ll go over the simplest way to create a Google account and get you set up with Slides.

Head over to  accounts.google.com , click "Create Account," and then click "For Myself."

On the next page, you provide some information---first and last name, username, and password---to create your account.

Also, you have to verify your phone number, so Google can make sure you’re not a bot.

After you verify your phone number, the subsequent pages require you to provide a recovery email address and your date of birth and gender. You must also agree to the privacy statement and terms of service. After that, you’re the proud new owner of a Google account.

Now that you have a Google account, it’s time to create your first presentation. Head over to  Google Slides  and place the cursor on the multicolored "+" icon in the bottom-right corner.

The + turns into a black pencil icon; click it.

Pro Tip: Type 

 into the address bar from any browser and hit Enter to automatically create and open a new blank document.

Even if you’re new to Google Slides, you might already have a collection of Microsoft PowerPoint files you’d like to be able to use. If that’s the case, then you have to  upload all your presentations  before you can view them. While it might not support some of the more advanced features and effects of some PowerPoint presentations, it works pretty well.

When you import a PowerPoint presentation, you can use either Google Slides or  Drive  to upload your files. Both methods let you drag and drop a file from your computer directly into the web browser for easy uploads. Your Drive houses all of your uploaded files, but---for the sake of convenience---when you go to the Slides homepage, it only shows you presentation-type files.

From the Slides homepage, click the folder icon in the top right, and then click the "Upload" tab. Now, drag and drop any files you want to upload directly into this window.

Once the file uploads, Slides opens it automatically, and it's ready for you to edit, share, or collaborate.

To open a PowerPoint presentation that you want to edit, click the filename with the "P" next to it from your Google Slides homepage.

Click to either view the PowerPoint file or edit it in Slides.

After you’ve finished editing your file, you can download and export your presentation back into a Microsoft PowerPoint format. Just go to File > Download As, and then click the "Microsoft PowerPoint" option.

If you’d rather download your presentation as a PDF, ODP, JPEG, TXT, etc., you can do that here, as well.

Related: How to Import a PowerPoint Presentation into Google Slides

Now that you have a few presentations, it’s time to make sure your  spelling and grammar are correct . Slides is equipped with a spellchecker. If you misspell something, it underlines the error with a squiggly line and prompts you to make a change.

This should be on by default, but you can make sure in Tools > Spelling > Underline Errors.

To see spelling corrections and suggestions, right-click the word with the line underneath. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Alt+X (Windows) or Command+Alt+X (Mac) to open the Spell Check and Grammar tool.

Along with a spellchecker, Google Slides comes loaded with a built-in dictionary and thesaurus. To use them, highlight a word, right-click it, and then click "Define [word]."

While this should get you started, we have  a deeper dive into Google’s spelling and grammar checker  if you want more info.

Related: How to Check Your Spelling in Google Docs

One of the best features of Google Slides is its ability to  generate a shareable link.  Anyone you share the link with can view, suggest edits to, or directly edit the presentation. This eliminates the hassle of sending a file back and forth between collaborators. Each person has her own text entry cursor to use on her computer.

To do this, click the orange "Share" button in the file you want to share. Next, choose how and with whom you want to send a link to the file. You can type email addresses or click "Get Shareable Link" in the top corner to hand out the invitation yourself.

From the drop-down menu, you can select one of these options for what other users can do:

• Off:  Sharing is disabled. If you’ve previously shared a link with others, it will no longer work and revokes any permissions they once had.
• Anyone with the link can edit:  Gives the shared users full read/write access. They still can’t delete it from your Drive, though---this is just for the contents of the file.
• Anyone with the link can comment:  Allows shared users to leave comments which is handy for team projects.
• Anyone with the link can view : Shared users can view the file, but can’t edit it in any way. This is the default action when you share a file, and it's the best option if you’re trying to share a file for download.

You can do a lot more with these shareable links, as they also work with other Drive files and on mobile. For a deeper look at how links work and how to generate them,  check out our post .

Related: How to Create Shareable Download Links for Files on Google Drive

When you share documents with others, it’s difficult to keep track of all the small changes that happen if you’re not present. For that, there’s  revision history . Google keeps track of all the changes that occur in a document and groups them into periods to reduce clutter. You can even revert a file to any of the previous versions listed in the history with a click of your mouse.

You can view a list of all recent changes by clicking File > Version History > See Version History. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+H (Command+Option+Shift+H on Mac).

Related: How to See Recent Changes to Your Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides File

You can also share a link to a specific slide in your presentation with a friend or coworker, without having to mention which one you're referencing. When someone clicks the link and the presentation loads, it jumps directly to the slide you're referencing. You do have to enable file sharing before you can link to a specific slide in your presentation, though.

Because each slide has a unique URL, all you have to do to link to one is click it in the left pane, and then copy the URL from the address bar.

Google Slides also has a character insertion tool. This allows you to insert special characters into your presentation without having to remember any Alt-codes. There are tons of symbols, characters, languages, and so much more. So, whether you want an arrow, different language scripts, or if you just want a few silly emojis to spruce up your presentation, Google Slides makes it easy to include them.

To open the character insertion tool, click "Insert," and then click "Special Characters."

From here, you can manually search for specific characters with the drop-down menus.

Use the search bar to find a specific character or emoji.

You can also use your drawing skills to search.

Related: How to Insert Symbols into Google Docs and Slides

What happens if you need to access Google Slides but don’t have an internet connection? Although Slides is a web-based product, that  doesn’t mean you can’t use it offline . Any changes you make to the file offline will update the next time you connect to the internet. First, download the extension for Chrome.

To enable a presentation for offline use, go to the Google Slides’ homepage and, in the top-left corner, click the Hamburger menu > Settings. Once here, toggle "Offline" to the On position, and then click "OK."

To save storage space on your local machine, Google only downloads and makes the most recently accessed files available offline. To manually enable a file, click the three dots icon, and then toggle "Available Offline" to On.

Related: How to Use Google Docs Offline

Google Slides is a powerful, feature-rich alternative to Microsoft Office's PowerPoint. It's also completely free to use with an internet connection and a Google Account, making it a legitimate competitor for Microsoft.

• Google Slides

11 Best Google Slides Tips and Tricks to Use It Like a Pro

A C.A. by profession and a tech enthusiast by passion, Gaurav loves tinkering with new tech and gadgets. He used to build WordPress websites but gave it all up to develop little iOS games instead. Finally, he dropped out of CA to pursue his love for tech. He has over 5 years of experience as a writer covering Android, iOS, and Windows platforms and writes how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and explainers for B2B and B2C apps and services. He currently divides his time between Guiding Tech (writer) and Tech Wiser (editor).

Google Slides makes it easy to create, manage, and collaborate on presentations anywhere. While fairly easy to use, there are still some Google Slides tips and tricks to boost your productivity. That’s why we have compiled a list of best Google Slides tricks to help you use it like a pro.

These tips will help you get more stuff done faster, make you more productive, and allow you to get more from Slides.

Let’s begin.

Note: I’ve used a dark theme extension for Google Chrome and that’s why the screenshots have a dark background.

1. How to Change Theme in Google Slides

You can change both background and themes in Google Slides. The later comes with a preconfigured set of background images, fonts, layout, and colors. Open a slide in your favorite browser and click on the Theme button in the toolbar above.

You will now notice a set of themes available to apply in the right sidebar. Scroll to choose the one you like and click on it to apply the theme.

There is no confirmation dialogue. Changes will be applied the moment you select a theme.

2. How to Change Google Slide Size

Click on the File menu and scroll a little to select Page setup.

You can now choose from the drop-down menu in the pop-up that follows.

You can set a custom value as well.

Click on Apply when done.

3. How to Print Notes in Google Slides

A lot of presenters, especially beginners, like to keep notes for each slide. Here is how to print notes for each slide. Open the slide, click on the File menu and select Print settings and preview.

Select the ‘1 slide with notes’ option here. You can choose any other option in the toolbar menu as per your needs.

When done, give the print command.

4. How to Loop Google Slides

Looping will allow you to play the entire Google Slide automatically on repeat mode. The presentation will begin playing from the first slide when the last one is done playing.

Open the Google Slide that you want to play on a loop and click on Present to begin the presentation.

Click on the gear icon at the bottom of the screen and select Loop under Auto-advance (when played) option.

You can now select the timer, which begins from 1 second and goes up to 1 minute.

5. How to Add Animation in Google Slides

You can add animations and transitions in Google Slides in no time. Just make sure not to go overboard with it. Keep it subtle.

6. How to Hide a Slide in Google Slides

You can hide or skip a slide in Google Slides so that it is not visible when giving a presentation. Right-click on the slide you want to hide/skip in the left window-pane and select Skip slide.

The slide should now have a canceled eye icon, which is not clearly visible in my case because I am using a dark mode in my browser.

7. How to Time Slides in Google Slides

The timing between each slide will be the same. You can’t time one slide after 5 seconds and the next one after 10. It can be limiting for some people, but that’s how it is for now.

Click on the File menu and select Publish to the web option.

Click on the drop-down menu below Auto-advance slides to select a timer.

There are a few other options for when you want to give a presentation, and they are all self-explanatory.

8. How to Add Music to Google Slides

There is no direct way to add music to slides in Google Slides. That’s a shame because a lot of presenters use music to showcase their work. There is a workaround to this problem , so you don’t have to worry.

9. How to Wrap Text in Google Slides

There is no way to wrap text in Google Slides. Period. That’s unacceptable because this is a basic feature that you would find on any decent word editor, including Google Docs . You can try resizing the image and moving it around, but that’s all. That sounds like too much trouble.

10. How to Change Text Color in Google Slides

That’s easy. Select the text you want to change the color of and click on the color icon denoted by A.

You can choose any color here or even select custom colors. Close the menu once done and deselect the text to see the effect.

The line below the color icon will change when you move the cursor there. You can use the same method to format the text any way you want, like bold, italic, underline, change color, and so on.

11. How to View Version History in Google Slides

Click on the File menu and select See version history under Version history. There is also an option to name the current version so you could find it quickly later.

You can now choose an older version of the presentation from the sidebar menu in the right. The versions are named by date and time by default.

As I noted earlier, you can name versions too.

Google Slides is super easy to use and comes with a lot of features. Some of these features are not so obvious. At the same time, it also lacks some basic ones like the ability to wrap text around an image. But you don’t get everything in life. Google Slides is free for life with no strings attached. That’s got to count for something.

Next up: Wondering how Google Slides stacks up against Microsoft PowerPoint? Click on the link below to learn more in our in-depth comparison between the two.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 03 February, 2022

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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• Learning Guides

How to Use Google Slides (Ultimate Tutorial Guide)

If you're just getting started with making presentations in Google Slides, then this ultimate beginner tutorial guide is for you.  Google Slides is a powerful alternative to PowerPoint . It's great for designing and sharing your presentations online. It's freely available, easy to start using, and packed with powerful tools. 

Google Slides has the benefit of being integrated into Google Drive and GSuite. So, if you're already using Gmail, Docs, Sheets and other Google software, then it will fit right into your workflow. 

There are also plenty of professional Google Slides presentations themes you can use to make a great presentation design quickly: 

How to Use Google Slides: To Make Great Presentations Quickly

Creating a presentation takes quite a bit of work. You want to use a toolset that's intuitive and allows you to design quickly. Get a better grasp of Google Slides in this tutorial series and start making your own presentations.

Learn the details of how to use google slides, from setting up your slide designs, to working with text, bullet points, adding images, other media, and more. You'll learn all the core Google Slides presentation tools, discover how to make great presentations using Google Slides, and an efficient presentation design workflow.

Jump into one of these comprehensive beginner tutorials. Or bookmark this Google Slides guide to start working through each tutorial at your own pace.

What Is Google Slides? Great (Free) Online Presentation Software

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How to Convert PowerPoint (PPT) to Google Slides Presentations on Import (+Video)

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How to Quickly Change Themes For Google Slides (Download & Import)

30+ Cool Google Slides Themes (With Aesthetic Slide Design Ideas for 2024)

How to Add Text & Bullet Points in Google Slides Presentations

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How to Add Music & Sound to Google Slides Presentations

How to Add YouTube Video to Google Slides Presentations

How to Use Google Slides Animations and Timed Transitions

How to Make a Timeline on Google Slides With Templates

20+ (Quick) Tips & Tricks to Use Google Slides Like a Professional in 2024

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Get a jump start with templates

Whether you're creating a template that your team can reuse or keeping your external branding consistent, use templates to help your presentations look sharp and professional.

Use a template from the Template Gallery

• On your computer, go to Google Docs , Sheets , Slides ,  Forms , or Sites .
• At the top right , click Template Gallery .
• Click the template you want to use.
• A copy of the template opens.

Tip: If the template you choose has "Add-on" next to it, you may have to install an add-on to use it. Learn more about add-ons .

Learn more at the Google Docs Editors Help Center

Use a template with your organization's branding

• On your computer, open a presentation in Google Slides .

• At right, click the template you want to use.

Note: The Templates option appears only if your administrator makes organization-branded slides available.

Use Theme builder to create template slides

Want to keep a consistent theme throughout your presentation? Use the Theme builder editor in Google Slides to create templates slides. You can change the background, theme, layout, and more for all your slides.

• Add your company logo or other branding to each slide.
• Keep text size and color consistent.
• Create unique layouts that you can reuse.
• Go to Slides .
• Open an existing presentation.

• (Optional) To rename your presentation, click Untitled presentation and enter a new name.

• (Optional) To choose an existing theme, on the right, select a theme.
• From the toolbar, choose options to customize the template.

Import themes from other presentations

See a presentation with a theme you like? Need consistent styles and branding across all your team's presentations? Instead of creating your slides or themes from scratch, import them using Google Slides.

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Import a theme from another presentation

Important:  Your imported theme must be from an existing Google Slides or PowerPoint presentation. You can also use your own image as the background for the entire presentation . 

• On your computer, open a presentation in Google Slides. 

• In the bottom right, click  Import theme.
• Double-click the presentation you want to use. 
• Click the theme you want. 
• Click  Import theme.

Import slides from another presentation

• Open a presentation.
• Choose a presentation from Drive or choose a presentation to upload from your computer.
• Click Select .
• Click the slides in the presentation you’d like to import. Use the Select Slides: All option to quickly select all slides.
• Check the Keep original theme box if you want to import the slides unmodified. Uncheck the box if you want the slides to fit into the look of your new presentation.
• Click Import slides .

Do more with add-ons and scripts

Use ready-made add-ons to do more with Gmail and Google Docs , Sheets , Slides , and Forms . You can also create your own scripts in any of the Docs editors with Google Apps Script .

• Add Google Analytics to your spreadsheet.
• Add a thesaurus to your document.
• Add form responses in Docs to create a poll.
• Add interactive questions to your presentation.
• Manage sales and customer relationships directly in Gmail.
• Add custom menus and windows with Google Apps Script.

Install an add-on

• On your computer, open a document , spreadsheet , or presentation .

• Point to an add-on to find a short description. To find a full description, click the add-on.
• For most add-ons, a message will appear requesting access to data that the add-on needs to work. Read the message, then click Allow .
• After the add-on installs, click Done .

Create a script

• In Docs , Sheets , Slides , or Forms , open a document, spreadsheet, presentation, or form.

• Create your script.

For help, see Overview of Google Apps Script .

Analyze presentation data with charts

If your Slides presentation has a lot of data, help your audience easily visualize it by turning your information into charts. Just create a chart in Sheets and add it to your presentation. Your chart is linked to your Sheets data, so any changes you make to your data automatically update in your presentation.

Add a chart from Google Sheets to a presentation

• On your computer, open a document or presentation in Google Docs or Google Slides .

• Click the spreadsheet with the chart you want to add, then click Select .
• If you don't want the chart linked to the spreadsheet, uncheck "Link to spreadsheet."
• Click Import .

Edit chart data from a slide

• Click a chart or table to select it.

• You can now change the original file.

Update your chart to the latest data

If you make a change in your spreadsheet, you might want to make sure your chart gets updated in your presentation

• In the top right corner of the chart, table, or slide click Update .

Enhance your presentation with images

If you’re discussing complex processes in your presentation, use images to make your content easier to understand.

Add an image to a presentation

• On your computer, open a document or presentation in Google  Docs  or  Slides .
• Upload from computer : Insert an image saved on your device.
• Search the web : Search the web for an image.
• GIFs and stickers: Insert a GIF or a sticker to your slide.
• Drive : Use an image saved to your Google Drive.
• Photos : Use an image from your Google Photos library.
• By URL : Insert a link to your image or insert a .gif.
• Click Insert or Open .

Learn how to add images in Sheets.

Add transitions and animations

Transitions make moving from one slide to the next a little more interesting, by fading or sliding into the next slide. Animations make shapes, images, or text boxes dynamic—they can fade in or out, appear and disappear, or fly in and out with the click of a button.

Animate text or images

• Click the text or image you want to animate.

Add slide transitions

• On the left, click the slide you want to transition to.

Change animations and transitions

• Click the animation you want to change.
• To change the speed of the animation, drag the slider.
• To animate lists one line at a time, check the box next to "By paragraph."

Add flowcharts and diagrams

Flowcharts and diagrams make difficult concepts easy to understand. Create them right in your browser with Google Drawings , no software needed.

Create a flowchart, diagram, or other type of drawing

• On your computer, open a document.
• Click the drawing you want to insert. 
• Click  Select .

Add your drawing to a presentation

The inserted drawing is linked to the original drawing.

• To update the drawing— Click the drawing. In the top right, click Update .

Add a diagram to your presentation

Important:  You can insert a diagram in any language that uses the Latin alphabet.

• Go to the slide where you want to add the diagram.
• Choose your style, number of levels, and template.
• The diagram will get added to the slide. You can change it how you want.

Space table rows & columns evenly in Slides

In Google Slides, you can resize table rows and columns so that each one is evenly spaced.

Evenly space table rows & columns in Slides

• On your computer, open a document or presentation.
• Right-click a table.
• Click Distribute rows or Distribute columns .

Add text with your voice

Chrome Browser only, microphones required

You can type and edit by speaking in Google Docs or in Google Slides speaker notes. Anything you say turns into text.

• On the go? Speak your notes, edits, and feedback to add them to documents.
• Use voice commands to change font styles, add tables, insert links, and more.

Start voice typing in a document

• Check that your microphone works.
• Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser.
• When you're ready to speak, click the microphone.
• Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace (see below for more information on using punctuation).
• When you're done, click the microphone again.

Start voice typing in Slides speaker notes

• Open a presentation in Google Slides with a Chrome browser.

Change how text fits in placeholders and text boxes

When you’re entering text in a presentation, you can customize how text fits in placeholders and text boxes. For example, you can resize a placeholder to fit the amount of text you need. Or, size your text based on the size of a text box.

Customize how text fits in placeholders and text boxes

• Select the placeholder or text box.
• To allow text to exceed the placeholder or box, select Do not autofit .
• To resize text based on the size of the placeholder or box, select Shrink text on overflow .
• To resize the placeholder or box to fit the text, select Resize shape to fit text .

Customize default setting for new text boxes

You can change the setting for any new text boxes you create. Changing the setting will not affect any placeholders or boxes in templates.

• Check the Use custom autofit preferences box.
• Under Theme text placeholders and New text boxes , select Do not autofit , Shrink text on overflow , or Resize shape to fit text .

Update presentations on the go

Edit presentations on your mobile device with the Slides app . Whether you’re on the way to the airport or visiting a customer, it’s easy to update training modules, pitch decks, and more. Any changes you make automatically sync to all your devices, so you’re always up to date.

Use the Google Slides app

• Open the Play Store .
• In the top search bar, enter Google Slides .
• Tap Install . The Google Slides app will appear on your Home screen.

Present to remote audiences

You can use Google Meet to show a Slides presentation and share links to reference materials using the built-in chat. If you're presenting in an office meeting room, use Companion mode when presenting from your laptop to avoid echo.

Control Slides presentations in Google Meet

If you’re using Google Meet on an eligible work or school account, you can control Google Slides presentations from within a Google Meet video meeting. You can also make other people in the video meeting co-presenters.

Important : To control a Google Slides presentation from a Google Meet video meeting, you must use a computer with a Chrome browser.

• In a Chrome tab or window, open the Slides file you want to present.
• In a different Chrome window, open Google Meet and join a video meeting.
• You can either present from the Google Meet tab, or present directly from the Slides tab .
• Select the tab with the Slides presentation, then click Share .
• Important: You can only control a presentation in Google Meet when you're in slideshow mode.
• Click to the next or previous slide with the arrow buttons.
• Jump to a specific slide by clicking the slide number, and choosing from the list of slides.

Remember key points with speaker notes

Presentations can be long, detailed, and complex. Make your talking points easier to recall by using speaker notes in Slides. If you have a lot of ground to cover, use the timer feature to make sure you keep your presentation on track.

View a presentation with speaker notes

• Open a presentation in Google Slides .

• Click Presenter view .
• Click Speaker notes .

Focus your audience's attention with a built-in laser pointer

Have a lot of detailed information in your presentation? Focus your audience’s attention on specific parts of your slides by using your mouse as a laser pointer. Help your audience know where to look and when.

Use other options when you're presenting

When you present, you can choose more options from the toolbar at the bottom of the presentation window:

• Select slides to present from a list
• Open "Presenter" view
• Turn on laser pointer
• Print the presentation
• Download the presentation in PDF or PPTX format

Skip slides you don't want to show

You can skip slides you don't want to show to others when you're presenting. People you've shared the slide with will still be able to see the slide.

• At the left, right-click the slide or slides you want to skip.
• Click Skip Slide .
• Optional: To show a skipped slide, click Skip Slide  again.

Turn on closed captions

You can use automatic captions during your presentation to display your words in real time at the bottom of the screen.

Your computer microphone needs to be on and working and you need to be using Chrome. This feature is only available in U.S. English.

Learn how at the Google Docs Editors Help Center

Engage your audience with interactive Q&A sessions

Instead of giving a one-sided talk, get your audience involved by conducting a Q&A session right from Slides. Audience members can submit questions in real time and vote on them during the presentation. 

• If you can’t get through everyone’s questions, just answer the questions with the highest audience votes.
• Want to know what people are interested in before your presentation? Send your audience the presentation link first so they can submit questions before you present.
• Encourage shy people to interact by submitting questions in real time, anonymously.

You can start a live Q&A session in your Google Slides presentation and present questions at any time. Viewers can ask questions from any device.

Start your Q&A and get questions from viewers

• Open a Google Slides presentation.

• Click Presenter View .
• To start a new session, click Start new .
• To resume a recent session, click Continue recent .
• Tip : Even if you don't turn off Q&A, the Q&A view closes shortly after you end your Google Slide presentation.

When you start the session, a short URL for the presentation shows up at the top of the slides as you're presenting. Viewers can enter the URL in their browser to submit a question. You'll see questions in the Presenter view window.

Display a question to viewers

Presenters can display audience questions in a presentation:

• Under "Audience Tools," find a question to display.
• To change the question, find a different question and click Present .
• To hide the question, click Hide .

Google, Google Workspace, and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company and product names are trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.

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Slidesgo School: Google Slides Tutorials

These tips and tutorials are all you need to learn how to add bullet points, music or fonts, among other things. discover the secrets of google slides and edit our templates to get your message across., latest article.

How to create a word cloud in Google Slides

Building a word cloud to visualize data has a big impact on your presentation success. Here we tell you all about how to include them on Google Slides.

There are many ways to improve your Google Slides presentation. From choosing the right font to finding the right template, good presentations keep an audience engaged and convey a message in a clear way.Knowing how to visualize data in a slideshow is one of those actions that have a huge impact on the success of a presentation. At the end of the day, plain data fails to motivate decisions as effectively as clear insights do. This is when powerful visual tools like word clouds step in. Let us tell you all about them. 

How to Change Slides Orientation in Google Slides

A change of perspective is always good! Do you want your public to look at your slides in a new way? Changing slides orientation will do the work. In this tutorial you’re going to learn how to go from horizontal slides, to vertical ones (and vice versa!). 

How to Add or Change Fonts in Google Slides

Some experts recommend that you include just the right amount of text in your presentations. Too much, and the audience will be reluctant to read it. Too little, and the audience will just refrain from looking at the screen. Let’s say you already have the right amount of text. In order to maximize your chances of success, you need to choose a good font. Combining a nice readability with a nice visual hierarchy of all the components of your design will make an impression on everybody. They will be more than delighted at how your text looks. So, in this tutorial, you’ll learn...

How to Use the Presenter View in Google Slides

Google Slides, like PowerPoint, has different presentation modes that can come in handy when you’re presenting and you want your slideshow to look smooth. Whether you’re looking for slides only, speaker notes or the Q&A feature, in this new Google Slides tutorial, you’ll learn about these and their respective settings. Ready? Then let’s explore the presenter view! 

How to Download Google Slides Templates

When preparing a presentation, many people start panicking because they realize how much time it will take to edit each and every slide. Creating them from scratch, filling them in, looking for pictures, moving the elements...How stressful! But there is a solution that saves you a lot of time. We're sure that you've browsed the internet for templates, or basically, pre-established designs and elements, that can be downloaded for free and can be edited to your liking. Are we right? Then, we have some good news for you!

How to Add, Duplicate, Move, Delete or Hide Slides in Google Slides

When using a template to work on a presentation, you might want to create new slides, keeping the design included in the template. Or sometimes, you might prefer to duplicate an existing slide to reuse its elements, such as text boxes. In addition to this, you can perform other actions, such as deleting slides, moving or even hiding them so that they’re not visible during your presentation.In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to do all of this to turn any of our templates into your own presentation.

How to Add Superscript and Subscript in Google Slides

Let’s take the most famous formula: E=mc^2, Einstein’s relativity equation. It wouldn’t be the same if it was E=mc2, right? Okay, yes, some people write it like that because it’s very famous and it won’t be misunderstood. But technically… It can! This is where the sophistication of superscript or subscript enters the room! Do you know how to write them in equations, copyright brands or even footnotes in your presentations? Let’s figure out how.

How to Create a Venn Diagram in Google Slides

If you wish to give an awesome presentation, using diagrams is great because they make your data look nicer and help your audience understand your points.In this Slidesgo School article, we’ll teach you how to create Venn diagrams in Google Slides so you can have them in your bag of resources!

You could also be interested in

20 Google Slides Tutorials To Master Your Presentation Skills

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Learning how to work with Google Slides and master the popular presentation software  won’t be in vain. Many people know what Google Slides is and are taking good advantage of it.

Both students and teachers can use it for free , and on top of that, many business professionals can also implement it in their work free of charge, thus making it a valuable presentation software.

In this article, we will provide you with some beginner and some advanced Google Slides tutorials that you can utilize for your needs. In the end, you will know how to use all the features in Google Slides and speed up your workflow .

1. Getting started – Complete beginner tutorial

This is an amazing Google Slide tutorial that has more than 20 subtopics. You will learn how to create a Google account, start your first presentation, and do a whole lot of other things.

We usually start our articles with big video tutorials, as you can see how to achieve everything. Still, it’d be best that you have a separate tutorial for each action you need, as compressed tutorials are always straight-to-the-point and don’t add many examples.

2.  How to create a Google Slides presentation?

Creating a Google Slides presentation from scratch is an important first step in being successful with your project. It’s critical to have a Google Account first, so make sure you have one before you start.

In this beginner Google Slides tutorial, you will see how to create a new presentation, add a theme, and see how to share your Google Slides presentation with others.

3. How to add images to Google Slides?

Images are a crucial part of any design, so it’s not a coincidence that Google Slides offers not one but six ways to add them, and all of them have their benefits.

In this Google Slides tutorial, you will learn how to add images and then modify them to fit your presentations the best way possible. Another thing we liked is how you can use shapes and embed the images into them, to get a special “vibe”.

4. How to add a video to Google Slides?

Videos are a crucial element of presentations today. Why? Because they convert! Statistics show that video is the leading source of web content, with 82% attribution .

In this tutorial for Google Slides, you will learn how to embed a video, trim it, and customize it to fit your presentation agenda.

5. How to add fonts in Google Slides?

Learning how to add fonts to Google Slides is crucial for your presentation. It can give you an extra bit of creativity but could also make the difference if you want to add more branding.

In our Google Slides tutorial, you will see in which case it’s a good idea to add fonts, how to use fonts properly, and how to change and add fonts from the selection. The steps on the guide are “served” with image guidelines for easier navigation.

6. How to add charts to Google Slides?

If you want to sound more professional in your presentation, then talking the talk won’t be enough. Adding charts to your Google Slides presentation will make it more credible and useful.

In this Google Slides tutorial, you will learn how to create a chart from scratch, or import a chart from Google Sheets. You will also see how to stretch the chart and modify the data inside.

7. How to create a flyer on Google Slides?

A friend of mine (a teacher) asked me if he could do something more than a standard presentation on Google Slides. And my reply consisted of a single video – this one.

While this is an advanced Google Slides tutorial, you can clearly see how you can optimize all the resources available for something much different than a normal presentation. All you need to do is make your slides vertical and show some imagination.

8. How to insert an Animated GIF into Google Slides?

Adding GIFs to your Google Slides presentations will add a lot of value to them. More importantly, you will keep your audience’s attention for longer which is crucial

In our tutorial, we will show you why and how you should add GIFs to your Google Slides presentations. During the guide, we will also show you when it’s appropriate to use GIFs and some good places where you can find resources.

9. How to insert infographics in Google Slides?

Infographics are a great way to showcase your skills. Fortunately, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel, as there are plenty of free infographic templates out there.

In this Google Slides tutorial for teachers, you will learn how to add your infographics and customize them. It is important to align them with the theme and tone of your presentation.

10. How to print a Google Slides presentation?

Sometimes, you need to print your Google Slides presentation if it contains a lot of details that your audience should have available in front of them.

In this Google Slides tutorial, you will quickly see how to print your presentation and ensure you won’t leave your audience guessing.

11. How to add speaker notes in Google Slides?

You can’t be a good presenter without knowing how to add speaker notes . They bring a lot of value to your confidence, as you will easily remember what you’re about to say in each slide.

In the article, you will first see the reason why speaker notes are crucial for you. Then, we will move forward to the next part – adding them. The third part of the article will go through the way you display them, and last but not least – we will show you a couple of free tips on how to write your speaker notes.

12. How to add a hanging indent in Google Slides?

Learning how to add a hanging indent is crucial in academic environments. Knowledge of APA and MLA citation styles shows that you have done enough resources to know how to use someone else’s information and credit them when due.

Our article is a detailed Google Slides tutorial with plenty of images and instructions on how to move the ruler, in order to fully customize it according to the best practices in each citation standard.

13.  How to make a radial chart in Google Slides?

Data visualization is critical for the success of any presentation. People love to see images, instead of large text batches. Audiences remember data much faster if presented in a visual way.

Learning how to make a radial chart in Google Slides will help you present data in a more “digestible” way, thus conveying your message better. In the article, you will learn why people create radial charts and see a step-by-step guide with images of each step, in order to not miss a detail.

14. How to group/ungroup elements in Google Slides?

Grouping elements have been a common thing in design platforms like Illustrator and Figma but it is certainly a novelty in Google Slides.

Well, in this Google Slides guide you will learn how to group and ungroup elements in just under a minute. However, this could save you valuable time, especially if you plan to merge different elements – like icons and images.

15. How to create a timeline in Google Slides?

Timelines are the perfect tools if you have a presentation in which you explain chronological events – for example, company annual growth between Q1-Q4, or so. Luckily, Google Slides offers you an option to insert a timeline but you can also many Google Slides templates .

This Google Slides tutorial shows you how to create a timeline chart from scratch, and then add interesting details. What we loved here is the idea of creating catchy messages.

16. How to design a concept map in Google Slides?

Concept maps are perfect when it comes to displaying relationships between different ideas. In order for your audience to understand the main topic, you can break it down in to subtopics and explain how they are related to each other.

In this video tutorial, you will see exactly how you can create a concept map in Google Slides. Of course, if you don’t want to bother creating something from scratch, you can always check out some templates.

17.  Google Slides transitions & animations: Complete guide

Transitions and animations are a significant part of Google Slides. You can add extra depth to your slides, provided that you don’t “overanimate”.

This Google Slides tutorial shows you where to access animations & transitions, and how to do them correctly. What we loved about the guide is that it shows you in real-time what is the “after effect”.

18.  Create a professional business card on Google Slides

We all know graphic design apps and we’re not going to lie – they are a better fit for business cards. But are they free? I doubt so. With Google Slides, you can create a business card free of charge.

What we love in this advanced Google Slides tutorial is how detailed each step is. For just under 15 minutes, you can create your first (or next) business card, and then print it, if you like.

19. How to make a social media post in Google Slides?

If you’re a marketing agency, you will probably laugh at the idea of using Google Slides ahead of Illustrator , CorelDRAW, Photoshop , etc. But that’s not the case with small businesses that don’t have large budgets.

Is this the case with you? Then, this Google Slides video tutorial is for you. You will see how to create social media graphics utilizing stock images and the large font selection available from Google.

20. Edit images in Google Slides: Complete tutorial

We have already shown you how to add images in Google Slides. However, there is a way to actually edit them semi-professionally.

This Google Slides tutorial will show you how to add and then process an image in Google Slides. And that’s not all – it’s done by a professional designer who will also show you how to use text and add it as part of the image!

Google Slides is an app that can do a lot of things. While you might consider it as an online presentation software, it can achieve a lot more things.

If you found this article helpful, you can also check some of our other content:

• How to Convert Your PowerPoint Presentation into Google Slides
• How to Make Google Slides Look Good And Add a Touch of Finesse?

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Nikolay Kaloyanov

Nikolay is a copywriter with vast experience in Technology, Marketing, and Design. When he isn't playing with words and crafting texts, he watches sports and asks questions. He is a funny person...until you put him on a diet.

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10 quick tips to spice up your Google Slides presentations

Presentations can be tough. We’re here to help. Gain expertise with these 10 essential Google Slides tips

PowerPoint may be the most popular presentation software out there, but not everyone can afford to pay for it. This is why many people consider Google Slides as one of the best alternatives to PowerPoint. It’s free, easy to use, and easily accessible. All you need is a Google account and Internet access, and you’re ready to roll!

So, how do you actually make the most of Google Slides and get your presentation looking top notch?

Well today we’ve reached out to our friends over at 24Slides for some Google Slides tips. As leading experts in custom presentation design, they know a thing (or ten) about how to make any slideshow more impactful, and your audience hooked.

So, here are ten quick Google Slides tips from 24Slides that will help make presentation wow your audience.

More of a Microsoft fan? Check out our pro- PowerPoint tips , or get some general presentation pointers here .

1) Insert images directly from Google Images

Google Image Search has billions of images indexed. When you use Google Slides, you don’t need to download images and then upload them again to your slide. Nope, you don’t even need to leave your browser tab to look for suitable images for your presentation.

All you have to do is click on Insert > Image. Then select ‘Search the web’ from the dropdown list. The side panel ‘Search for Google Images’ will appear on the right side of your screen (see screenshot below):

Simply type in the keyword(s) for your image and the results will appear below the search box. The last step would be for you to click on the photo(s) you want to use in your slide. And that’s it! The entire process will only take you anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes!

2) Themes for Google Slides

You can do this by clicking on any slide thumbnail on the left side panel. You’ll then see these options in the menu bar:

Click on Theme to access the Themes side panel. You will see something like this on your screen:

Note that there’s no preview button. You simply need to click on the Theme you like and the changes will be applied in real time. Also, if you want to import a theme from an existing presentation, you can click on the yellow Import Theme button. Play around with the different theme options until you find one that works best for your presentation!

3) Mask your images into different fun shapes

Your photos need not be in the usual rectangular or square shape all the time. With Google Slides, you can change your image into various shapes, arrows, callouts, or equations. Here’s how:

• Click on the image you want to mask to access the hidden photo masking options. For this example, I used this image I found on Google Images.

• Click on Mask image (it’s the small triangular button beside the Crop icon)

• Select the shape, arrow, callout or equation you want to reshape your image to. As you can see below, there are a lot of different shapes you can choose from:

• For this example, I chose the lightning shape. By clicking on the lightning shape, I effectively transformed my boring, rectangular photo into this fun and exciting shape!

Feel free to experiment and explore the many different options. Remember, you can always undo your changes on Google Slides.

4) Insert different types of Google Slides diagrams

To insert a diagram on your slides, click on Insert > Diagram. The Diagrams side panel will appear on the right side of your screen. As you can see below, you can choose from 6 different types of diagrams: Grid, Hierarchy, Timeline, Process, Relationship and Cycle diagrams.

For this example, I clicked on the box for Timeline diagram. In the screenshot below, you’ll notice that I was able to customize my Timeline diagram. I changed the number of timeline dates from 4 to 6; I was also able to change the timeline’s color to green.

Play around with the different options until you find the perfect diagram(s) for your presentation.

5) Got links?

With Google Slides, you’re not limited to adding just links to websites, you can also link to images, your files on Google Drive, and even to other slides in your presentation!

Here’s what you need to do:

• Click on the text you want to add the hyperlink to. Then either hit CTRL+K or right-click on your mouse and look for the Link option.

• To add a web link, type in or paste the web address. Then hit the Apply button.

• To link to slides in the same presentation, select from available slides like you see below:

• For even more link options, click on Find More and the Explore side panel will appear on your screen. You can then type your query in the Title box and Google will then search for relevant websites, images, and even your files saved on Google Drive.

6) Make global changes by editing the slide master

If you’re only working with a few slides, then you may not have much need for a slide master. However, once you get to double figures (say from 10 slides onwards), then you’ll see just how much of a timesaver a slide master is. You don’t need to edit each individual slide, instead you can just go directly to the slide master and all slides in your presentation will automatically be updated.

To edit your slide master, simply go to Slide > Edit Master. This is how it looks like:

Click on the elements you want to change. For example, if you want all titles and subtitles to use Monserrat font, then you can change that here. There’s a lot of things you can do with the master slide. You can add your company logo in the footer section or the header, and it will automatically appear on all your slides.

The main thing to remember is if you want something to appear on all your slides, the best way to go about this is by editing the slide master itself.

7) How to embed YouTube videos in Google Slides

One of the best ways to make your presentation come alive is by adding videos to it. To do so, click on Insert > Video and you’ll see this on your screen:

As you can see, you can search YouTube videos directly from your slides (no need to open up another tab and type YouTube ). You can also add a direct link (URL) to a video online, or you can search for videos stored in your Google Drive account.

To edit and format your video, click on the video itself so the Format options button will appear on the menu bar. Click on this button and the Format options side panel will appear on your screen.

Feel free to adjust the video playback options, size and position, and drop shadow settings.

8) How to do transitions on Google Slides

Google Slides transitions are easy to set. To add them, you’ll need to click on the slide thumbnails so you can see the hidden Transition button on the menu.

As you can see in the screenshot above, there aren’t a ton of options on Google Slides (unlike PowerPoint). It’s not necessarily a bad thing though. Most experts recommend keeping transitions to a minimum because it can distract the audience and can even cause motion sickness in some cases.

So, take your pick from the 7 transition options and focus on making your message heard loud and clear. For best results, I recommend you use the same transition effect throughout your presentation.

9) Accept questions from your audience

An interactive presentation is bound to get more attention than, say, a one-sided one. Since Google Slides is cloud-based, it’s easier to get your audience to interact and ask you questions in real time. Here’s how:

• Click on Present > Presenter View (Present with audience Q&A and view speaker notes).

• You’ll then see this pop-up on your screen. Click on Audience Tools then hit the Start new button at the bottom.

• Google Slides will now generate a link to your online presentation. Simply copy the link and send it to your audience.

• When people start sending you questions, they’ll appear in the box. You can then answer the questions one by one.

The really cool thing about this feature is you can use it whether you’re in the same room as your audience or they’re halfway across the globe!

10) Collaborate with teammates in real time

Google products stand out with their top-notch online collaboration features. Google Slides is no different. If you’re working with a team of designers and content makers, then the yellow Share button is your friend.

Once you click on Share, you’ll see this pop up on your screen:

You can either get a shareable link and send it to people via email or chat. Or you can type in people’s name and/or email addresses, then hit the blue Done button to send out your invite. Now, you’ll have an extra pair of eyes to look over your presentation and make sure it’s the best it can possibly be!

Bonus tip: use vector drawings

If you’re looking to wow with your presentation, you are probably using a lot of visuals. This means adding in a lot of JPEGs, videos perhaps even the occasional PDF. These files can be heavy, and quickly stack up, which runs the risk of your Google Slides presentation lagging and testing the patience of your audience.

But, there’s another way. If you have a designer at hand, open up Adobe Illustrator and give vector graphics a try. Creating something unique, custom and exporting as a PNG is likely to keep your slides looking stylish and functioning effectively.

Huge thanks to Guillaume Proux, co-founder of Oomnis Limited for the bonus pro tip!

Loving Google Slides Already?

Did we miss any pro-Google Slides tips? Let us know your favorite!

It’s really no wonder why Google Slides is touted as the best PowerPoint alternative by many experts in the presentation industry. It’s user-friendly, it’s highly customizable, it’s cloud-based, and it’s free.

On the other hand, if you’re pressed for time or simply want to focus on more important things, you can leave the design work to 24Slides. It costs as little as $7 per slide for a custom design and we can turnaround presentations in 24 hours.

Even better, we’re offering Airtame customers and readers a 20% discount off their first order. Simply visit  24slides.com and use the coupon code AIRTAME at checkout.

If you would like to know how to present from your mobile or computer devices to your TV screen or projector wirelessly, watch this short video:

Interested? Let’s talk.

Stay connected!

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30 Time-Saving Google Slides Tips & Tricks (Even Experts Don’t Know)

Updated on 27 th March 2021

Google Slides is a freely available presentation tool that is already used by millions of people all over the world.

It provides a fast and effortless way to create compelling presentations right from our browser (or app). Without the hassle of installing third-party applications, you can easily work on Google Slides to draft your next presentation . It can also help you collaborate with your team and work on a presentation together.

If you are already using Google Slides, then you must be aware of its numerous advantages. Though, there are a few tips and tricks that even the most committed users of G Slides are not aware of.

For instance, did you know you can edit videos on Google Slides or can even dictate a presentation note?

Read on and be familiar with all the remarkable tips and tricks of Google Slides and be a pro in no time!

1. Use Master Slides to Save Your Time

Too many times, we wish to implement a change in all the slides without visiting them individually. This is exactly where Master Slides can help us. Simply go to the View > Master option to access it.

In this way, you would be able to edit all the slides simultaneously. From changing the background to adding the company logo – simply make an edit on the Master Slide and it will automatically be reflected in the entire presentation. You can learn more about Master Slides in this stepwise video tutorial.

2. Start Dictating Your Text

If you have a working microphone on your computer, then you can easily dictate presentation text or notes as well.

Go to Tools >“Voice type speaker notes” to access this feature. This will display a Microphone icon on the screen. Simply click on it to activate the Microphone on your system and start speaking. Whatever you will narrate will automatically be added as the presentation note. Once you are done, close the icon.

This feature will help you multitask and provide real-time feedback regarding the presentation.

Note: This feature is only available in Chrome browser.

3. Integrate Google Slides with Chromecast

Google Slides also provides a quick and easy way to be integrated with Chromecast using the Google Home app. You can download Google Home on your Android device from here or on your iOS device from here .

Afterward, launch the app and connect your smartphone to the Chromecast device. In this way, you would be able to share your screen with the display. Without including any unwanted cable or wire, you can give your next presentation.

Make sure that your phone is on the Airplane Mode beforehand to avoid any unwanted pop-up or notification while your screen is getting shared with your audience.

4. Do More with Images

If you want to make your presentations more appealing, then you need to take the assistance of some visual aids. Thankfully, Google Slides has tons of features to use images.

You can easily use an image as a background for your slides. Besides that, you can also crop it or add borders to the image to make it stand out. G Slides also has a feature for image masking that can be used to put the selected image in the shape of your choice. You can watch this quick tutorial to learn these tricks.

5. Add Sound to Your Presentations

Most of the people already know how to add images to Google Slides. Though, adding an audio to your slide might be a little tricky. There is no option to “Insert” an audio the way you can insert an image or a text box. Nevertheless, the solution is pretty simple.

Just copy the YouTube link of the audio you wish to add (or the link of any streaming service like Spotify, Apple Music, and more). Later, you can paste the link on the slide and hide it if you want to. This will automatically play the sound in the background. You can learn how to do it in this video.

6. Collaborate with Other Users

This is one of the most evident benefits of Google Slides. Unlike any other desktop software, you can easily share the Google Slide you are working on with others. This can help users to collaborate together and work on a document in a better way. Simply click on the “Share” button to do it.

You can either share the Google Slide with other users via its URL or by sending them invitations. Simply provide the email id of the collaborator, set privileges, and send them an invite to do it.

7. Maintain Your Personal Dictionary

Even though Google Slides has an inbuilt spell-checker, it is far from perfect. Chances are that it might miss brand names, places, key terms, and more. Therefore, you can maintain your own dictionary and include these terms. Simply go to the Tools menu to access the Personal Dictionary feature. Here, you can add the words of your choice.

8. Create a Drop Shadow of the Text

If you want to take a step-up from the basic formatting tips of text in Google Slides, then try to add a false drop shadow effect. To do this, you need to copy and paste the same text box adjacent to each other. Now, change the color of both the texts and adjust them in the right way to form a shadow-like effect. You can view it in practice right here.

9. Publish Your Presentation to the Web

If you like to share your Google Slide with someone who doesn’t have a Google account or would like to embed the slideshow in another web page, then this would be an ideal solution. Just go to the “File” menu and click on the “Publish to the web” button.

The interface will have two options. Under the “Link” tab, you can edit how the slideshow progresses when shared with someone else. It is mostly used to share the document with others (without inviting them via their email id).

If you wish to embed the slideshow in another web page, then click on the “Embed” tab. From here, you can alter its size, progress, and more.

10. Restore Previous Versions of the Presentation

A lot of users assume that since Google Slides is all about saving the content on a real-time basis, they can’t access a previous version. Don’t worry! You can easily restore an earlier version of the document without any hassle. Just go to the File > See Revision History option. This will provide a list of all the latest revisions made to the file. Simply select the one you wish to restore to launch it.

11. Update Your Slides on a Real-time Basis

If you want to provide up-to-date statistics to your audience while presenting, then you should definitely use this feature. You can insert a chart from Google Sheets by visiting Insert > Charts > From Sheets option. While selecting the chart, make sure the “Link to Spreadsheet” feature is enabled.

Afterward, you can arrange the chart the way you like and click on the “Update” button. This will automatically reflect the changes made on the original Sheet. Therefore, if you are representing data that is being constantly modified, then this feature will certainly be a life-saver.

Here’s a quick tutorial from G Suite to teach you the same in a stepwise manner.

12. Editing a Video

Google Slides also provides a fast and hassle-free way to edit videos in its native interface. Instead of editing a video in another tool and later adding it to your document, you can do it all in one place. Simply insert the video of your choice, right-click it, and go to the “Video Options”.

This will launch different Video Options on the right panel. From here, you can easily trim the video, mute it, and make other changes. While the tool doesn’t provide a lot of options, it can certainly save your time while drafting an interactive presentation. You can learn how to do it in this tutorial as well.

13. Link Your Slides

It is quite easy to create a hyperlink in Google Slides. Though, you can also link different slides as well. If you are working on an extensive presentation, then this can help you jump from one slide to another pretty easily.

Simply insert a link and choose to link “Slides in the presentation”. From here, you can select the slide you wish to link.

14. Make the Q&A Session a Winner

The Q&A session is often considered the most mundane part of any presentation. With this advanced tool, you can certainly change that. The Slides Q&A tool can make the session fun, interactive, and time-saving. By sharing a link with your audience, you can automate the entire process. They can simply go to the URL and submit their questions. It also allows them to ask anonymous questions as well.

Later, you can go to the Presenter view to access these questions. Your audience can even vote up or down a question as well. If you think it’s complicated, then you can learn how to implement it in this tutorial.

15. Import and Export Files

Unlike other applications, Google Slides allows a seamless way to import and export documents to and from different formats. For instance, if you already have a PowerPoint presentation and would like to edit it on Google Slides, then go to File > Import option. Select the presentation you wish to edit and launch it. Though, you should review your content as there would be a change in its overall formatting.

Similarly, you can export the document in the format of your choice as well. Go to the File > “Download As” option. From here, you can export the presentation as PPT, PDF, ODP, and other formats.

16. Use Readily Available Templates

If you wish to stand out from the crowd while drafting a visually stunning presentation, then you should take the assistance of Google Slides templates. The tool supports readily available templates that can easily be loaded. Later, you can customize these slides and come up with a final presentation in less time. SketchBubble also has a wide variety of Google Slides templates that can help you step-up your game by drafting stunning presentations.

Some More Useful Tips

17. move slides between different presentations.

This is one of the easiest things to do in Google Slides that would certainly save your resources. Too many times, we wish to copy the content of one slide and paste it on another. To do this, just open the first presentation and select a slide. Now, press Ctrl + C keys or right-click and select the “Copy” option. Later, go to the second presentation and press the Ctrl + V keys or right-click > Paste to successfully move the entire slide.

Alternatively, you can also link the copied slide. If you make any changes in the original slide, it will be reflected in the other slide with just a click. You will find an option “update” in the copied slide.

18. Explore More Fonts and Format Options

When Google Slides was initially released, it only had basic formatting options. This was all changed with the subsequent updates of the application. Now, it offers tons of formatting styles and options that you can easily explore. For instance, if you wish to access more fonts, then just go to the Fonts feature on the toolbar and click on “More Fonts”. This will launch a dedicated pop-up from where you can explore hundreds of readily available fonts.

Furthermore, you can even try several formatting options for these Google Slides design tips. Just click on the Format > Format Option on the menu bar. From here, you can set filters on the text, lock aspect ratios, add reflection, and do so much more.

19. Do More with Keyboard Shortcuts

From text formatting to editing and navigation to selection, there is almost everything you can do with keyboard shortcuts on Google Slides. With these Google Slides tricks, you can not only impress others, but would also save your time. To get to know more about it, just visit Help > Keyboard Shortcuts feature. This will display a list of all the keyboard shortcuts supported by Google Slides so that you can make the most of your time.

20. Add GIFs and Animations to Your Slides

If you want to make your presentations interesting, then consider adding more visually appealing and unique content to it. For instance, GIFs have been in the current trends and they will certainly make even a mundane topic interesting. To explore this, just go to the Insert tab on the Menu bar and choose to insert images. This will let you add GIFs from your local system, the web, or even Google Drive.

Apart from that, you can also animate any existing component (even a text box) to explore these Google Slides design tips. Just go to Insert > Animation and select an object you wish to animate to explore the available options.

21. Set Automatic Timing to Your Slideshow

Do you wish to give a presentation that people would remember for a long time? With the help of the auto-advance option of Google Slides, you can certainly do the same and impress your audience. Ideally, Google Slides will let you set a restricted duration for every slide (from one second to 30 minutes). To enable this, go to File > Publish on the Web and under the “Auto-advance Slides” option, mark a suitable transition duration.

After that, you can just publish your presentation on the web and play it whenever you want. Once the slideshow is started, every slide would be automatically advanced after the selected duration. Though, it is highly recommended to practice your timing beforehand so that you can ace your presentation.

Alternatively, you can also get this option while presenting the slides as well. Click on the “Present” button to start the slideshow and go to its settings from the bottom panel. Here, you can go to the auto-advance option and select the preferred timing.

22. Explore Other Languages

Not an English speaker? Don’t worry! Google supports almost a hundred different languages as well that you can explore on Google Slides. In this way, you can easily draft engaging presentations in the language of your choice and target your audience. Just go to the File menu > Languages and select your preferred option from here.

23. Turn Your Cursor into a Laser Pointer

Yes, you have read it right! Using this interesting Google Slides trick, you can turn your mouse cursor to a laser pointer. In this way, you can focus on certain objects on the slide without actually using a laser pointer. To do this, just click on the “Present” option at the top to start the slideshow. Now, go to the bottom panel with all the available features and click on the “Pointer” field to turn your mouse cursor into a red laser-like pointer. Later, you can click on the same button again to disable it.

24. Make the Most of Dynamic Transitions

Sometimes, it can be a tedious job to make standard presentations more interesting. Even if you are running short on time, you can take the assistance of the transition feature and explore Google Slides design tips. It will let you add all kinds of transitions to your content like fade-in, fade-out, flip, cube, dissolve, and so on. You can go to the Slide option on the main menu and visit the transitions feature to explore it.

25. Get G-Suite Add-ons

If you are looking for additional features and more Google Slides tips that are presently not available on the native interface, then explore G-Suite Add-ons. To get them, just go to the “Add-ons” tab on the Main Menu. Here, you can see a list of the existing add-ons and explore more options as well. You can also open the G-Suite Marketplace to include different kinds of add-ons to your application. For instance, you can add mathematical formulae, professional charts, animations, and so much more.

26. Convert Text into Word Art

You can highlight your text by converting it into Word Art. For this, you need to go to Insert > Word Art . Then, add the desired text and press Enter on the keyboard. The best part is, just like normal text, you can easily change the size, color, and font of the Word Art.

27. Wireless Streaming to the Big Screen

Google Slides stream support for iOS and Android is provided via AirPlay and Chromecast. For using this new feature, open your presentation in Google Slides, go near a Chromecast device, and press the cast button. It will show up your presentation on the big screen. Now you can leverage the built-in timer to track your pace, view speaker notes, and do much more using your tablet or smartphone.

Learn more about this feature here:

28. Offer a Less Intrusive Experience with the New Presenter Bar

Google Slides has replaced that long dark gray strip in the presenter toolbar with a shorter and light-colored background strip. Only four buttons have been provided in the toolbar; other options have been included in the three-dot overflow menu. Further, to prevent the presenter bar from impeding the content, the size of the trigger zone has been reduced.

29. See Your Slides in a Grid View

Now you can see all the slides of your presentation in the Grid view. This view enables you to choose the slides easily, reorder them by dragging and dropping, and cut/copy/paste them. To toggle on/off the Grid view, go to View > Grid . You can also use Ctrl+Alt+1 (Keyboard Shortcut) or the small icon at the bottom left of the page.

30. Print Your Google Slides Presentation

Once you have finished the presentation, you can print out the slides. Go to File > Print . Before printing, you can do settings related to pages, copies, color, paper size, etc.

If you don’t want to print the slides on paper and save them as a PDF file,  click the “Destination” drop down menu on the Print screen and select the “Save as PDF” option.

I’m sure that after getting to know about these amazing Google Slides tricks, you would certainly be excited to give them a try. Go ahead and implement them while working on your next presentation. If you also have a secret tip regarding Google Slides that you like to share with the rest of us, then feel free to drop a comment below.

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Ashish Arora

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15 Tips to Make an Amazing Google Slides Presentation Design!

By: Author Shrot Katewa

There are many reasons that people like to use Google Slides. It could be for a school project, work presentation or just to share information with friends and family.

Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: you want your design to look amazing! If you want an easy way to create a great-looking design for your next presentation then this blog post is for you.

In this article, we will go over 15 tips on how to make an amazing design using Google Slides. Whether it’s your first time creating a presentation on Google Slides or if you’re an experienced professional, these tips are sure to help guide you in the right direction!

So, let’s get started!

Note – if you are strapped for time , simply considering outsourcing the presentation design process to a professional! I’d recommend using Fiverr . It is completely hassle-free to set up and start using. Plus, you don’t need to pay anything to hire a professional. You only pay for the slide design! And, you can start with as little as $5 to $10 per slide!

Tips to Make an Amazing Google Slide Presentation Design!

Since this is going to be an action-packed article with a ton of suggestions, let’s just dive right in with the tips!

1. Create a Compeling Narrative Through a Story Arc

A presentation is only as good as the narrative it holds!

If your presentation doesn’t leave “ food for thought ” for your audience, they are less likely to remember your presentation, and even less likely to take any action afterward (which is mostly bad news especially if you are trying to convince your investors to give you more money!)

Presentation design goes hand-in-hand with the content that is going to be used for the presentation. Thus, start with a compelling story.

The best way to create a convincing story for your presentation is to use the “ Story Arc “.

A “ Story Arc ” or a “Narrative Arc” is something that has been successfully used by storytellers and writers for ages. The keyword here is “successfully”!

A powerful narrative can not only help your audience understand the intricacies of the subject of the presentation, but it also makes the presentation engaging and entertaining.

The best way to start working on a story arc is to either look at what is the most important aspect of your presentation and how can it be emphasized in a manner that takes the role of a protagonist?

Another way that I’ve used the story arc in my presentations successfully is to work backward. Think of what is the end outcome that you expect, and try to track things backward in order to achieve the end outcome.

No matter what approach you take, if you are able to fit a story arc in your presentation, you’d be golden!

Finally use stories from your life, or what you experienced while working on a project! I’ve seen this works really well and resonates with the audience. Here’s a quick video on tips for using storytelling in your presentation.

2. One Topic Per Slide

Now that you’ve identified the larger part of what you going to cover in your presentation – in other words, the content, you now need to lay it out on your presentation such that it can be consumed by your audience comfortably!

One of the simplest tips to design a better presentation is to make sure that you don’t cramp all the information in a single slide or 4-5 slides! Make sure that you spread out the presentation on multiple slides so that the audience can absorb all the information, but in short bursts, and then move on to the next topic!

A good rule of thumb for a good design is to try and cover just 1 topic on a slide.

I’ve seen this work plenty of times, and I personally also use this technique for my presentations. Simply divide the content of your presentations first into multiple key sections. Then, divide the sections further into key topics that should be covered within that section.

You can do this activity on a sheet of paper or just on the first slide of the presentation. Once you’re done with this activity, you’ll realize that the outline that you’ve just created also serves as the “Agenda” or the “Table of Contents” slide.

Now, all you’re left to do is fill in the information that needs to go under each topic.

You may be wondering how is this a design tip. Well, when you have just one concept present on a slide, it is not only easier for your audience to consume, but also easier to design. You’ll realize this when designing the presentation and thank me later!

Remember, there will be times when you will not have much to say about a particular topic, your slide will look empty, and you will be tempted to add another topic on the same slide. Don’t fall for that. Instead, use images that accentuate the text or the topic of the slide.

3. Start with a Template (Don’t Design from Scratch!)

This next tip might seem a bit obvious to some.

But, the reality is that quite a lot of people tend to miss out on the fact that you can use presentations that already look good, and just customize the slides for your content!

Google Slides already provides you with a number of free templates. Here’s how you can access them –

• First, visit your Google Slides dashboard page.
• Login to your Google Account (if prompted)
• Choose a template from “Start a new presentation” section
• You can also click on “Template Gallery” to view more templates.

The one template that I end up using over and over again is the file name “ Consulting Proposal “. It has got a sleek modern design, a good mix of image slides as well as different text placeholder slide layouts for you to easily edit your presentation.

But, feel free to check out other templates and see which one fits your need the best.

The point here is that if you are not great at designing a presentation, you’d perhaps be better off using a template rather than starting from scratch!

4. Use Fonts the Right Way

When it comes to designing a good presentation on Google Slides (or any application for that matter), fonts do play a key role in how your presentation looks!

Thus, it is important to make sure that you use the fonts correctly when creating your presentation.

Here’s what you need to remember when using fonts for your presentation –

• Use Just One or Two Fonts – Don’t use too many fonts in your presentation. Your presentation design will not look good. Plus, using too many fonts in a presentation shows lack of consistency and professionalism in design.
• Combine Fonts – Ideally, just use one font if you are unsure of which fonts work great together. But, you can also combine fonts to make the content of your presentation standout!

If you do want to go with a two-font option, use the Google Fonts tool to identify the font combination.

Here’s how you can find a good font combination for your presentation –

Step 1 – Visit Googe Fonts and Search for a Font

Google Fonts site provides free fonts that are compatible with most modern internet sites and web browsers. Google Fonts are considered the gold standard for sites as these look very modern and are light.

The best thing is – most of them are already available in your Google Slides presentation by default.

So, the first step is to visit the Google Fonts website . Then, search for a font, to begin with. My favorite font is Montserrat . But, you can also go with Lato, Roboto, or Source Sans Pro if you are looking for a Sans Serif Font .

If you are looking for a Serif font , I would recommend using Merriweather .

Step 2 – Choose the Font and click “Pairings”

The next step is to choose a font. You can either type one of the fonts that I mentioned in the search bar and click on it once it appears OR you can also simply choose from the list provided below.

Just make sure that you click on the font that you like to open it.

Once the font is open, click on the “Pairings” tab on the top (as shown in the image).

Step 3 – Choose a Font Pair

Now simply choose one of the font pairs provided by Google Fonts. You can also click on a font pair to see how it looks on the section on the right.

Play with the options provided and choose the font combination that you like.

Now, simply go back to your Google Slides presentation and change the fonts according to your selection.

5. Choose the Right Color Combination

Just the way fonts are an important part of your Google Slides presentation design, choosing a good color combination can make your presentation look visually appealing, consistent, and professional.

Unfortunately, a lot of struggle with choosing a good color combination. Thus, I highly advise going with a monochromatic color scheme.

A monochromatic color scheme in a presentation provides a variety of color combinations of the same color. This makes your presentation look consistent and professional.

Moreover, using a monochromatic color scheme is a perfect way option for a beginner as it requires the least amount of time and effort to set up!

Check out my other article on using a monochromatic color scheme for presentations to understand the topic in-depth.

Then, also check out how to use the eyedropper tool in Google Slides to implement the color scheme that you end up choosing.

Make sure that you change the color at the theme level in Google Slides instead of changing it on every single slide. This will save you quite a bit of time!

6. Use the Expore Tool to Generate Slide Designs

Once you’ve decided the fonts, color scheme, and theme, and you have the content structured out, you’ve done most of the hard work!

All you are now left to do is create the slide designs. And, to help you with that, make sure that you use the “ Explore Tool ” in Google Slides.

The “Explore” feature in Google Slides generates slide designs based on the content that is already present on the slide. It is a great way to get a slide designed almost instantaneously!

The “Explore” feature in Google Slides works much as the design ideas feature in PowerPoint.

Based on the content on the slide, it will throw a few suggestions on how the content can be laid out on the slide. You can choose the design you like. If not, you can still design your own slide. But, it is definitely worth trying out first. Pretty cool, isn’t it!

I wrote a detailed article on the Explore Feature in Google Slides . Make sure you check out that article to learn where to find this tool and know how to use it!

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this feature is still an experimental tool . And, while it is getting better with time, I wouldn’t recommend using it with every single slide.

In my experience, I’ve noticed that using the “Explore” feature in Google Slides works best when you want to create a title slide, a section break slide, or just want to get a few ideas on how the slide can be designed.

7. Apply the 3 by 3 Design Rule

The 3 by 3 design rule, otherwise also known as “ the rule of thirds “, is a principle that has been borrowed from photography. But, it is every bit applicable even for slide designs and other design elements!

As per the 3 by 3 design principle, you basically need to divide the visual canvas into 3 equal-sized vertical and horizontal grids with the help of 2 vertical grid lines and 2 horizontal grid lines.

Here’s a video that explains the concept of the rule of thirds for presentations –

Using these grids helps place the content correctly in the grids such that the key message usually aligns with the way our eyes like to see them visually!

The 3 by 3 design principle may seem confusing at first, but once you’ve understood how to use it, you can literally take your presentation design skills a few notches above the rest!

Using 3X3 Grids to Properly Layout Content on your Slides

The interesting thing is, you can take the same principle to make it work with elements apart from the images that are present on your slide. And, the results are just amazing!

The picture above shows how most people design their slides (on the left). However, you can literally transform the way your slides look by applying the concept of 3×3 grids to any existing content on the slides! (as shown on the right part of the picture above)

Here’s another video that explains how this concept of 3 by 3 grids can be used to take any existing slides and make them better (if they aren’t properly organized).

8. Use Powerful Images

They say – “An image speaks a thousand words!”. This absolutely holds true when it comes to big impact presentation!

If you recollect any one of the top presentations from Steve Jobs. His presentation was almost always using powerful images with very few words on them.

Using images, as opposed to a lot of text, on your presentation has a few advantages of its own –

• Visual Appeal – Using images makes the slide visually appealing. Think about it – if there aren’t too many objects placed on the slide, the chances of making design related mistakes are also far lower!
• Emotional Connect – Using images creates a subtle emotional connect in the minds of the audience with the topic of the presentation and/or the presenter.
• Audience Focus – When you use text on a presentation, often the audience just reads the text and doens’t want to listen to the presenter. Instead, when using the images, you control the focus of the attention of your audience. Once you have their attention, making a presentation impactful is a lot easier!
• Faster Design Process – In most cases, it is faster to find an image and add it to the presentation rather than think of a way to design a slide to communicate a concept. This is especially true if you have only basic design skills.

If you watch some of the most famous TED or TEDx presentations ( know the difference between TED and TEDx presentations here ), it is quite common to see presenters using high-impact images with text. Ever wonder why is it so?

Well, one of the most important reasons is that you are able to control the attention of the audience!

Now, if you are wondering how to find images for your presentation, keep reading as I’ve got some great recommendations for add-ons later in the article!

9. Keep the Text on the Slide Readable

If using images for most slides is not the way for you, then this section is going to be quite important!

In fact, even if you do plan to use just images on your slides, there may still be a few slides where you will need to have some text. If so, make sure that the text on the slide is readable!

Make sure that you don’t use text that is too small to read.

As a general rule – the further the audience is going to be away from the screen, the larger the size of the text!

Here’s what to remember for the size of the text on the slides –

• Presentation seen on a computer screen – If the presentation that you are designing is going to be seen on a computer screen (either over an email or a zoom call), then make sure that the font size used for the presentation is not less than 16 points .
• Presentation seen on a large screen – If the presentation is going to be delivered in an auditorium, then it is recommended to use a font size no less than 30 points . For the rest of the situations, anything in between should be fine!

Also, make sure that you don’t use too much text on the same slide. Remember – you only need to cover one key topic on one slide.

It is totally okay to just use one word in the middle of the slide, and talk about that topic rather than using text from a complete word document on a slide!

If your audience will have to squint to read what is written, it just creates a bad user experience and they quickly lose interest.

Also, for the above reason, don’t include everything on the slide that you plan to say! If you do so, you may come across as a person who is just reading from the slide! Most importantly, the audience is going to end up reading the text from the slide faster than you speak, and end up losing interest in the presentation!

10. Ditch the Bullet Points (Use Infographics Instead!)

Using bullet points on a presentation is so 1990s! It’s just not the way good presentations are given anymore!

If you want your presentation design to look good, make sure that you get rid of bullet points. Instead, you can either use images, icons, or even infographics!

I’ve written an entire article on how to use infographics in Google Slides where I also talk about SmartArt and charts in Google Slides. Make sure you check out that article!

There are a ton of different ways in which you get infographics for Google Slides. I’ve talked about that also in the same article that I’ve linked above.

Likewise, you can also use icons instead of bullet points. Although adding icons to Google Slides is not an option that is available by default, there are a few ways you can work around this problem. For instance, you can use an add-on like “Flaticon” that provides free icons for Google Slides!

If you are wondering how to create a slide with bullet points and use icons or other methods, here’s a good example of an actual client slide that I redesigned –

As you can see on the image, simply using icons and structuring the text to give proper hierarchy to the information can make all the difference to the design of the slide!

In case you don’t want to use icons, you can also use numbers with circles, and use a similar design instead of just adding bullets to your presentation. If you do so, your presentation will still look good!

11. Avoid Using Just Table or a Graph

The next tip to remember is to avoid using just a table or a graph on a slide. Make sure that you also include a few points that act as key takeaways from the information that you provide.

Using just a table will present a lot of information on a single slide. This will definitely cause an information overload. And, even though your audience may be able to assess what is being presented to them, it is important to either highlight key pieces of information in the table or a graph.

Alternatively, you can also add a couple of lines of text indicating the key learnings from the data set.

Don’t get me wrong, it is important to have data sets on a presentation if you have one! But, just make sure that you also highlight key pieces of information that your audience should pay attention to.

12. Keep Animations and Transitions Subtle

Another design tip that you should keep in mind is the use of animations and transitions in Google Slides.

You want to make sure when using animations in Google Slides , you don’t add any funny movements. Think old school when using animations and transitions in your presentation.

Any additional movement or sudden transitions can distract the attention of the audience from the core topic and the messaging of the presentation.

So, make sure that you keep the use of such animations or transitions to the minimal!

13. Use Professional Google Slides Templates

If you find that the free template doesn’t have enough slide layouts for your presentation or doesn’t really fit the topic of your presentation, you may want to consider using professional templates!

There are a ton of different ways you can get templates for Google Slides. Unfortunately, most of the free options (and even most paid options) have outdated designs!

My personal favorite method for getting amazing Google Slides presentation templates is using Envato Elements .

The best part about using Envato Elements is that not only does it provide you with the best-in-class designs for your templates, but it also provides you with an option to download an unlimited number of presentations! (yes, you hear that right!)

Moreover, the pricing of Envato Elements is also really affordable! All you need to do is click on Envato Elements to visit the website, view the templates, and click on the “ Get Unlimited Downloads ” button on the top.

You will be prompted to sign up and pay a subscription. Just go for a monthly subscription and pay for one month (You can easily remove the payment method and cancel your subscription anytime).

Once you’ve logged in, simply cancel your subscription. Your subscription will be valid until the next date of renewal even if you cancel it.

Now, for the one month that you’ve paid, feel free to download all the templates that you like including templates for Google Slides, and PowerPoint!

14. Use Add-ons for Faster and Better Designs

One of the challenges with Google Slides, as opposed to some of the most reliable presentation design software, is the limited number of features it offers.

I suppose we should not really be complaining about it given that we do get a great presentation design application for free along with several additional advantages with Google Slides ! That said, you do feel the need for a few pro-features that PowerPoint has to offer.

However, one way to fix this problem is to use add-ons with Google Slides!

Using add-ons allows you to use third-party tools and bring additional functionalities to your Google Slides presentation!

Add-ons on Google Slides are easy to add. Simply go to the Google Marketplace, and search for the add-on that you would like to add. Install it, and you are done!

Check out my complete guide on using Add-ons on Google Slides where I not only talk about how to use add-ons in Google Slides, but I also provide you with my personal favorite top 5 recommendations of add-ons that you should be using in Google Slides!

15. Hire a Professional

Well, the last tip is not so much as a tool that you can use on Google Slides. But, it is a great hack to ensure that you create great presentation designs!

Simply hire a professional to do the design work for you! You may be wondering that hiring a presentation professional might be difficult. However, that is not the case.

You can easily find some really good presentation designers on Fiverr , and you can start at as little as $5 to $10 dollars per slide! I’ve personally used freelancers from the site, and although finding a good freelancer may take you 15-20 minutes, you can easily outsource your work and let the designer worry about the rest!

The best part is – you don’t have to pay a single penny to hire a professional. You only pay to get the work done!

There are a ton of other platforms to hire professionals that can design a good presentation for you. However, I have found Fiverr (especially for presentation design work) and Upwork to be the most effective.

A Few Things to Remember When Delivering the Presentation

Once you have created an amazing Google Slides presentation, you are perhaps ready to deliver the presentation. However, I’d like to also share a couple of tips that can be helpful when you plan to give the presentation!

So, here they are –

1. Use a Presentation Remote

It doesn’t matter whether you are giving a presentation in an auditorium or online through Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Using a presentation remote helps you keep your hands free and allows for free movement and hand gestures. This does help engage with your audience.

Check out my other article on using presentation clickers with Google Slides where I provide you with a few tips and recommendations on which remote you should go with.

2. Use the Q&A Tool in Google Slides

A unique feature that Google Slides provides is the Q&A tool. This is great especially if you are delivering a webinar-style presentation or if you are simply addressing a large gathering.

This tool allows your audience to send questions during the course of your presentation. Then, at the end, you can simply view the questions in the Q&A session and answer them one by one!

It is a great way to deliver an engaging presentation using Google Slides!

Credit to cookie_studio (on Freepik) for the featured image of this article (further edited).

8 Google Slides Tips You Should Know Before Your Next Presentation

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Google Slides is quickly becoming one of the best pieces of presentation software available. Far from its bare bones beginnings, its latest features offer you more chances than ever to create presentations that amaze your audience.

As the video below shows, with a little creativity and patience, Google Slides can do almost anything -- including animation!

As cool as that project is, it's not what most of us are using Google Slides for. Thankfully, recent updates give all users access to tons of great tools, meaning that creating your best presentation is easier than ever.

Whether you're collaborating on a class project , courting a client, or impressing your boss, these tips will help you create the perfect slideshow !

1. Host a Q&A Directly From Slides

Question and answer breaks are often awkward for both the presenter and their audience. Audience members may be self-conscious or uncertain about their questions, or curious about an overly-specific detail that no one else in the room cares about. Thankfully, Slides Q&A offers a great solution to these problems.

Audience members can submit questions using a specific web link, which are then visible to the presenter as well as the audience. Audience members can up vote questions that they are interested in, ensuring that the presenter answers higher priority questions first.

The Q&A feature is accessible through Presenter View . All you have to do is click Enable New under Audience Tools .

2. Insert Videos Directly Into Your Slideshow

There's a lot to be said for having video footage in your slideshows. It can keep presentations interesting , offer additional learning experiences, and give your voice a break! Google Slides now offers two different ways to insert videos: through YouTube or through your Google Drive.

To insert a video, ensure that you know its YouTube URL or that it is already uploaded to your Google Drive. Then, navigate to the Insert menu, and select Video .

A box will open with separate tabs to "search" YouTube, link directly through a YouTube URL, or navigate your Google Drive files. Simply enter the URL or select the file you want to link to your slideshow, and then press Select to insert it into your slide.

3. Autoplay Videos When You Advance Slides

One area where Google Slides fails to measure up to its competitors is in its automation customizability. Thankfully, you can now autoplay videos to begin immediately upon a transition to a new slide.

To autoplay a video, first insert the video file as shown above. Then, right-click on the video thumbnail and click Video Options... A new menu will open on the right of your screen, with a checkbox for Autoplay When Presenting . That's all it takes!

Pro-Tip: As seen in the video below, you can use this trick to create voiceovers for your slides (another key feature that's currently unavailable)!

Simply record your voiceover for each slide (using a program such as Screencastify ), and upload the video file (either through YouTube or directly from your computer), shrink the size of your video preview, and set it to automatically play when you transition to each slide.

4. Trim Videos Using Google Slides

Is the video you want to use not quite what you need? No audience member wants to sit through a 10-minute video when only 30 seconds are needed to make your point! While Google Slides isn't a replacement for full-power video editing software, you can still modify the video's length in two easy steps.

As above, once you insert your video into your slide, right-click on the preview and click Video Options. The right-hand menu will appear. Under the video preview clip, you can set the beginning and end times by directly entering your preferred times (down to the millisecond) or by clicking Use Current Time .

4. Import Slides

If you already made a presentation on PowerPoint but want to take advantage of Google Slides' features, fear not! Google Slides can import slides from other Google Slides files or from PowerPoint. To access this feature, go to File>Import Slides and then select the file(s) you wish to import.

Once Google Slides processes the file, you can select the individual slides that you wish to include in your presentation. Be aware that some fonts or positioning may change during this process! Always double check your slides before beginning your presentation.

5. Speed Up Your Design Process With Master Slides

Have you ever spent hours slowly losing your mind as you carefully change every bit of text in a presentation to the same font? It's not a fun time.

But those days are over! Google Slides allows you to manipulate all your slides simultaneously using its "Master Slide" feature. This is ideal for finalizing a font, inserting a graphic or logo into the corner of every slide, or changing your background color at the last minute.

To access your deck's master slide, head to the View menu and then press Master . Make sure you click the top slide to affect every slide in your deck, or select a specific style of slide to make smaller-scale changes. Then, edit as normal!

6. Project Slides From Android/iOS With Chromecast

If you are presenting in a venue that has Chromecast technology , you don't need to worry about hooking up any cables or ensuring your laptop is compatible with the venue's system. Using Chromecast and/or AirPlay (for iOS devices) you can do your entire presentation using only your mobile device!

Download the free Google Home app for your device ( Android / iOS ), connect to the Chromecast-connected device you would like to share your screen with, and hit Share Screen .

Then, simply navigate to your Google Slides app, and present your slides -- just be sure to have your phone in airplane mode to prevent any unwanted notifications from popping up!

7. Show the Latest Data on Google Sheets

Want to dramatize your presentation by providing up-to-the-minute data in your charts and graphs? You're in luck! If you store your chart and its data in a Google Sheets file (that's updated regularly), you can simply insert your desired chart into a slide ( Insert > Chart > From Sheets ).

Then, right before it's time to present, simply hit the Update button in the right-hand corner of your modified chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EooLYqDefd4

8. Add Comments to Your Slides on Mobile

One of the most beneficial pieces of Google's cloud-based office suite is real-time collaboration. Now, you can contribute to the discussion from your mobile device! Simply download the Google Slides app ( iOS / Android ) and open the file. The owner of the file must enable commenting for this function to work!

If you want to make a comment, tap the + button in the upper right-hand corner of the app, then press comment . In the comments, you can tag other file contributors, create action items (and assign them to others), and mark action items as complete. Speaking from experience, there's no easier way to get a group presentation done!

Ready to Present?

Google Slides might be easy enough to use at a basic level, but some of its hidden features can take your presentations to the next level . Now that you know about them, your presentations will definitely catch the eye of every audience member!

What are your favorite tricks for making presentations on Google Slides? Let me know in the comments!

Image Credit: AllaSerebrina/ Depositphotos

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How to Create a Presentation Using Google Slides

Last Updated: November 30, 2023

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 241,610 times. Learn more...

This tutorial will show you how to make a PowerPoint-like presentation using Google Slides. Presentations can be used for school, business, and so much more.

• You can also just type in https://slides.google.com , log in if you haven't already, and will be taken to the Slides page.
• If you don't have a Google account, learn to create one now!

• For more options, hover over the arrow on the right edge of the Google Slides option, where a smaller drop-down menu will appear. From here you can select to create a presentation from a template or a blank slide.

• Be sure to add a title and subtitle by clicking where you are prompted to add text.

• You can also change a pre-existing slide's layout by clicking the layout option on the upper editing bar.

• As you add animations to each element by clicking the blue "+ Select an object to animate", they will begin to pile up. Click on each one to edit it.
• Change the transition from slide to slide by clicking the default "Slide: No transition" at the top of the sidebar. You can choose whether to apply to all slides or just one.
• Preview your animations by clicking Play at the bottom of the sidebar.
• Remove an animation by clicking the small x on its rectangle, and drag each animation up or down to change the order.

Community Q&A

wikiHow Video: How to Create a Presentation Using Google Slides

• If you have a pop-up blocker, make sure to disable it so Slides can work properly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Hover over each tool to see its keyboard shortcut and function. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Remember, these are the basic functions- Google Slides contains many more tools that you can work with as you explore the creator. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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About This Article

To create a new Google Slides presentation, open a web browser and go to Slides.Google.com. If you want to start from a template, you can choose one from the template gallery. Otherwise, click "Blank" to create a new blank presentation. Your blank presentation starts with a single simple slide with space to enter a title and subtitle. You can personalize this slide, as well as other slides you add, by editing the placeholder text, as well as choosing a slide theme from the panel to the right. To insert another slide, click the "Insert" menu and select "New Slide," or press "Control M" for a quick keyboard shortcut. You'll also find other things you can add to your slide on the Insert menu, including the option to add an image, a text box for typing, videos, shapes, charts, and other features. After adding a new slide, click the "Layout" menu to choose a slide layout—you can give each slide its own layout or reuse the same layout as much as necessary. Edit the placeholder text, and then insert objects from the Insert menu. To move an object, click the arrow in the toolbar, hover the mouse cursor around the object's border line until it turns to a 4-point arrow, and then click and drag it. Each slide you add will have a thumbnail in the left panel—click a slide's thumbnail to open that slide for editing. To see your presentation as a viewer would, click your first slide in the left panel, and then click "Present" at the top corner. Click the Escape key to go back to editing. Google Slides also has some built-in effects you can access from the "Transition" menu—here you can animate a slide's transition into the next slide, as well as animate individual objects. To apply an effect, background, theme, layout, or any other setting to more than one slide at once, select the slides in the left panel by holding down the Control key as you click each thumbnail. Your presentation will automatically save to your Google Drive as you work—type a name for the presentation in the top-left corner so you can easily find the file when you need it. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Google Slides 101: Tips and Tricks Every Teacher Needs To Know

Everything you need to become an expert in no time!

Google Slides is a favorite teaching tool for many educators, both in person and online. With a huge selection of free features and options, this powerhouse allows teachers to create dynamic, interactive presentations that really engage their students. Whether you’re new to Google Slides or are looking to up your game, these resources will help you make the most of it.

Start with the basics

If this is all new to you, watch this video to see how to create simple Google Slides. It walks you through the process one step at a time. Plus, grab a free Google Slides Cheat Sheet from Shake It Up Learning .

Share slides with your students

You aren’t limited to using slideshows to accompany in-class presentations. Share them with students to use when studying, assign them as homework or for asynchronous learning, or create interactive slides (more on that below). Assigning Google Slides to your students is easy in Google Classroom. Teaching With Jennifer Findlay shows you how it’s done.

Use themes and templates

Jeoparty! Theme from SlidesCarnival

Google Slides themes are a pre-set group of colors, fonts, backgrounds, and layouts.  You may sometimes see themes called “templates”—these two terms are interchangeable and work in the same way. Themes/templates allow you to enter your own information but save you a lot of time by taking care of the overall look and layout for you.

Doodles Theme from SlidesMania

You’ll find a variety of themes built into the program itself (watch the Google Basics video above to see how to use them). You’ll also find thousands more available for free or purchase online. Using them is generally as simple as clicking a link and then choosing “Use Template” to customize.

Add sounds to Google Slides

Adding sounds like music or narration can make your slide presentation a lot more interesting. Play bird songs in a lesson on ornithology, listen to a concerto as you discuss Mozart, or even create your own read-aloud. Narrated slides are terrific for asynchronous learning situations too. Learn how to add audio from Fluxing Well.

Don’t forget video

The nice thing about embedding a video directly in your Google Slides presentation is that you (or your students) don’t have to worry about clicking over to another window or website. Instead, you can simply set the video to play automatically (or once the Play button is clicked). You can use YouTube videos, videos from other sites, or those you’ve created yourself. (Pro tip: You can set a video to start and stop at any time you like !)

Make your Google Slides interactive

If you think a slideshow is something for students to sit and watch passively, Google Slides is here to prove you wrong. Have kids click on correct answers, type in text, and a whole lot more. This in-depth video demonstrates the entire process. Get more info from Super Sass and Science Class.

Choice boards are a popular way to make slides interactive. This video has the quick how-to.

Drag-and-drop slides are another terrific way to draw learners into a slide presentation. It’s amazing how much of a difference this makes in student engagement!

Link to internal slides and external sites

Adding links really ups the interactivity of your slides and turns them into self-directed activities in a snap. You can link kids to other pages in the slides for self-checking assessments or to external sources like websites or Google Classroom docs. This is one (easy) skill every teacher should master.

Check out Google Slides add-ons

Google Slides itself has lots of features, but you can also get lots of (often free) add-ons to make certain tasks easier. Add-ons are available to make diagrams, find better images, and display math equations … just to name a few. Ditch That Textbook has a list of 20 add-ons all teachers should try here.

Source: Maneuvering the Middle

One add-on teachers swear by is Pear Deck . It makes it easy to drop in formative assessments and evaluate student progress. The basic program is free for all users; learn how it works here .

Get in on the Bitmoji classroom trend

Those Bitmoji classrooms that are all the rage are right at home on Google Slides. Learn more about these virtual classrooms here, including how to make your own.

If you’re really ambitious, you can “animate” your Bitmoji to create a cool effect that kids will enjoy. It takes a bit of time, but as this video shows, it’s really not that hard to do.

Teach students to use Google Slides

Once students know how to use the program, there are all sorts of awesome assignments they can take on. Even elementary kids can learn how it works. Two Boys and a Dad has an awesome free project to get them started. Once they’ve got the basic skills, here are a few ideas to try.

Challenge your students to create an e-book using slides. Have them illustrate their creative writing, or try it for a different twist on a standard report. Get the quick tutorial from Shake Up Learning.

Digital interactive notebooks make it easy for you to monitor student progress, online or in-person. Plus, no more worries about kids “forgetting” to bring their notebook! Two Boys and a Dad shows you how they work. Make your own, or find ready-to-use templates on the web like this one from Student Savvy .

Looking for more ways to use Google Slides? Learn How Teachers Can Plan and Use Virtual “Stations” Online.

Plus, 30+ Virtual Learning Platforms and Tools for Teachers and Kids .

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Top 15 Amazing Google Slides Hacks, Tips & Tricks 2024

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Google making things easier!

Imagine if your professor simply read out massive pieces of information without any visual help and then compared it to the fun presentations you may have witnessed in some of your favourite classes. Which one would you prefer? The presentation, right? In this article, we will explore 15 amazing Google Slides hacks that will take your presentations to the next level. From designing visually stunning slides to leveraging advanced features and collaboration tools, these Google presentation hacks will help you create impactful and memorable presentations that captivate your audience.

Top 15 Google Slides Tips and Tricks 2023

This presentation software offered by Google is sure to leave your best friends and teachers in awe with its ability to make visually appealing presentations. Don't forget to brush up on PowerPoint presentation tips to make good presentations with another amazing creative tool! 

These Google Slides hacks are sure to elevate your presentations to new heights. Get ready to unleash your creativity and create presentations that leave a lasting impression!

Here are the top 15 Google Slides tips and tricks 2023

1. Choose the Perfect Theme

First up on our list of Google Slides hacks are themes. Themes on Google Slides are basically pre-made visual frameworks for your presentation’s slides. This can be a great tool for people who believe they are creatively inept at creating gorgeous-looking presentations. A well-chosen theme will not only make your presentation visually appealing but also create a cohesive and professional look throughout.

2. Design with Consistency

Consistency is key to creating a polished and professional presentation. Ensure that fonts, colours, and slide layouts remain consistent throughout your slides. Stick to a limited colour palette that compliments your theme, and use fonts that are easy to read. Consistency in design will help your audience focus on your content without distractions. This is one of the Google Slides hacks that will make your presentation stand out amongst your competitors. 

3. Use High-Quality Images and Graphics

Another on the list of Google Slides hacks is images and graphics. Using HD images and graphics that are relevant to your content will be key in taking your PPT to the next level! Google Slides provides access to a vast library of stock images, or you can upload your own. Ensure that images are properly sized and positioned, and use graphics and icons to illustrate key points or data.

4. Incorporate Captivating Transitions and Animations

Transitions and animations can add a touch of dynamism to your presentation and make it more engaging. Use slide transitions to smoothly transition between slides, and employ animations to bring elements on your slides to life. However, use them sparingly and purposefully, as excessive or distracting animations can take away from your message. This is one of the powerful Google Slides hacks that can do wonders for you. 

5. Master Slide Layouts

Google Slides offers a range of slide layout options to choose from, including title slides, content slides, and section breaks. This is one of the Google Slides hacks that can make a lot of impact on your presentations. Take advantage of these layout options to structure your presentation effectively. Use title slides to introduce new topics or sections, content slides to present information, and section breaks to divide your presentation into distinct parts visually. A well-organised slide layout will make your presentation flow seamlessly. It can be daunting to present to a large group. Learn How to Give a Presentation in Class as a College Student .

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6. Utilize Speaker Notes

Another one of the important Google Slides hacks is Speaker notes. If you find yourself drifting or forgetting important portions of your presentation, Speaker notes can be of great help. They usually contain additional information or reminders that are not visible to the audience. To add speaker notes in Google Slides, go to the "View" menu and select "Speaker notes." Use these notes to jot down key points, talking cues, or references to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.

7. Collaborate in Real-Time

One of the standout features of Google Slides is its real-time collaboration capabilities. No more inviting all 15 of you to sit and work on a single presentation or maybe hand the entire responsibility to one individual. Now, all of you can collaborate on the same presentation together. To collaborate in real-time, click on the "Share" button in the top-right corner, enter the email addresses of your collaborators, and assign their permissions (view, comment, or edit). This is one of the most seamless features by Google. This is one of the best Google Slides hacks that can help you make a lot of impact in your presentation. 

8. Embed Videos and Audio

Embed videos and audio directly into your Google Slides and stand out amongst the rest. This is one of the Google Slides hacks that allow you to incorporate multimedia elements such as YouTube videos or audio recordings to enhance your content. To embed a video or audio, click on the "Insert" menu, select "Video" or "Audio," and choose the source of the media. This addition can help illustrate concepts, demonstrate processes, or provide additional context to your audience.

9. Utilize Smart Guides and Alignment Tools

To ensure a polished and visually appealing presentation, take advantage of Google Slides' smart guides and alignment tools. One of the best Google Slides hacks that will help you create powerful presentations. These features help you align objects and elements on your slides precisely. When you move an object or resize it, the smart guides will automatically appear to assist you in aligning it with other objects or the slide itself. You can also use the alignment tools to align objects horizontally and vertically or distribute them evenly across the slide. 

10. Practice with Presenter View

When delivering your presentation, Google Slides offers a useful feature called Presenter View. This view allows you to see your speaker notes, the current slide, and upcoming slides while your audience sees only the slideshow. To access Presenter View, click on the "Present" button and select "Presenter View" from the options. This is one of the easiest Google Slides hacks that can make a whole lot of impact on your entire presentation. 

11. Create a Table of Contents that links to other slides

Navigating through Slides can get quite tricky, which is why having a table of contents at the start of your presentation can be quite useful. This also helps the viewers get a better feel of what they’re in for the next few minutes. And that’s exactly what makes it one of the best Google presentation hacks. This is one of the visual cool Google Slides tricks.

12. Use Shapes to customise your slide

Legos, Tetris, and Minecraft - these are all identified by their close connection to shapes. If, like Ed Sheeran, you find yourself in love with shapes, this Google Slides hack is sure to become your go-to! Of course, shapes can help you give a creative look to your presentation. But by cropping your images into different shapes, you can further personalise the appearance of your presentation. 

13. Download aesthetic slide templates from Canva

Spent hours trying to perfect your presentation’s layout, but the pieces just don’t seem to fit. Well, it’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Canva, your design superhero! Here, you’ll find enough ready-made templates to last you a lifetime. To import a Canva template, follow these steps: Click ‘Share’, followed by ‘More’. Then, select the Google Drive icon. Now, all you need to do is open the template in Google Slides, and you’re done! One can use applications like Canva to make their presentation look more aesthetically appealing. Understand the 15 Canva Tips and Tricks to Enhance Your Designing Skills .

14. Use GIFs to get animated slide backgrounds

If using moving elements helps wow your audience, why stop at animations and transitions? Chuck out basic backgrounds and make way for GIFs! These can help keep your audience engaged. However, they can also steal the spotlight. But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix! Simply lower the transparency of the GIF through the ‘Format Options’ menu, and you have yourself one of the cool Google Slides tricks.

15. Add some music to the mix!

Unfortunately, Google Slides doesn’t allow users to add background music to their slides. But we’ve got the perfect Google Slides hack to fix this! All you have to do is find the desired sound effect or song on YouTube and copy its URL. Next, insert the video into your presentation and change the format option. You can simply reduce the size of the video and hide it away in a corner so it doesn’t take up a lot of space on the slide.

With these 15 amazing Google Slides hacks, you can elevate your presentations and create impactful and memorable experiences for your audience. From choosing the perfect theme to incorporating captivating transitions and animations, each hack enhances the visual appeal and effectiveness of your slides. Since we are on the topic of the Google Suite anyway, you can explore some amazing tips and tricks on Microsoft Word to upskill your Word game. Dive into the captivating tale of Google's co-founder, Larry Page , and unlock the secrets behind his visionary journey in our spellbinding webstory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i apply these cool google slides tricks for both professional and personal use, do i need any prior experience with google slides to benefit from these google slides hacks, do i need to create google presentations from scratch, will google slides tips and tricks 2023 work just on the slides software or elsewhere, too, how long will it take to implement google slides tips and tricks 2023.

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A Beginner's Guide: Google Slides

Create a new Google Slides Presentation and Getting Started

Creating a new Google Slides deck is very similar to using Google Docs if you’ve used it before. First, you’ll have to sign into your Google account. (You will have to open a new account if you do not have one.) In order to access Google Slides, go into Google Drive and click New +. You should see Google Slides as an option beneath docs and sheets.

Google Slides Interface: Naming your blank presentation

Let’s get started on the first lesson of the beginner’s guide to Google slides! Start a new presentation file in no time! Again all these practices can be used for other services like Google Docs or Sheets. The first best practice is to name your Google Slides Presentation. In the top left of. your blank presentation, click on the text box that says “Untitled Presentation”. Enter the name of your Google Slides Presentation and press enter. As a recommendation, it may be helpful to put the date before the name or a number sequence if you are working with multiple Google Slides presentations. A standard naming convention is helpful especially if you are doing a training module, HR documentation, educational materials or multiple pitch decks. One of the most important lessons in designing many documents and decks is to keep organized and having a good naming system – it will go a long way. You can also consider naming your presentation after its version history to keep track. There are more ways to name your presentation but these are our starter tips.

Google Slides Interface: Saving your Presentation

You’ll see “Save to Drive” appear next to the name text box. A nice feature of using Google docs, slides and other services in G Suite is this auto-save feature. The document saves itself as you work, which makes sure you will never lose work! You can also click this cloud icon as a save button, so you have the option to save manually too. When you click this save button, make sure there is a checkmark on your cloud before you back out of Google Slides.

Google Slides Interface: Saving to a Folder and Creating New Folders

Google Slides Interface: Locating your Slides presentation in Google Drive

All these folders are inside Google Drive. If you’d like to locate your folders with your google slides, navigate to Google Drive. Within Drive, you can either search for the folders in the search bar or they should appear right in the list of your storage. The search bar is the easiest and probably the way you want to use it to go to file quickly.

Google Slides Interface: Renaming your Google Slides presentation

Google slides interface: starring a presentation so you can find your file easily.

A useful quick shortcut tool is you can also use the star icon to star your Google Slides presentations to make it easier to find in Google Drive. If you go to Google Drive and go under Starred, you will find your presentations there easily.

Google Slides Interface: Using or Changing a Theme / Templates

Google slides interface: add text.

Google Slides Interface: Formatting Text

Changing the font, changing the style and colour of your text, and other formatting options.

The formatting functions are similar to using Word.

Changing the Text Box’s background

You can also create a background for your selected text box by using the paint bucket tool to the left.

How to move your text box around the interface

You can also adjust the sides using the square points on the four corners and in the midpoint between the four corners. Google Slides also has smart guides to show you when things are centred or aligned relative to each other. If you see a red line appear between elements or in the centre, you know your text is aligned.

Google Slides Interface: Creating New Slides

Now that you have your title slide, you probably want more slides, like say a table of contents, a couple of content slides, and a thank you. In order to make a new slide, look to the left of the screen. Using the plus symbol, you can make a new slide by clicking on it. Depending on what theme you chose, the new slide will auto-design itself.

Google Slides Interface: Insert Images

Present your slideshow.

Once you are done designing, there are several ways to present your slideshow. The simplest way is to click Present on the top right. This will make your presentation go full-screen and you can present via your computer or screen share. In this mode, you’ll see the presenting navigation bar at the bottom left. You can navigate each slide by using the drop-down or the left/right arrows on the navbar or on your keyboard. To exit fullscreen, press ESC on your keyboard, use the exit on the navigation bar or if you see a windowed version of the presentation, hit the top window bar’s x button.

Google Slides Offline Slideshow or Convert to PowerPoint Presentation or PDF

You’re set.

Author:  Content Team

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Taking Your Google Slides Presentation to the Next Level (15 Tips)

Learn how to captivate your audience with Google Slides using 15 proven tips that make your presentations unforgettable.

Let’s recall all the meetings, conferences, seminars, webinars, and events that you have attended to date. Now, choose the one that you would like to re-attend. It’s likely the one that added value to your business, enhanced your existing knowledge, and provided you with the right solution, isn’t it? Also, consider what made you spellbound and fall in love with that particular event or conference. We are sure it was the speaker and the presentation.

Presentations are crucial to the success of any business. Whether you are a student, educator, business expert, or healthcare professional, you will need to present at some point in your career. To ease your presentation woes, Google Slides has emerged as a fantastic tool. It is one of the best alternatives to PowerPoint , and it is both easily accessible and user-friendly.

Since its inception until now, Google Slides has undergone many innovative updates. By tapping into the potential of Google Slides and leveraging its mind-blowing features to the fullest, you can create engaging and memorable presentations. In this context, we’ve provided a few hacks in this article to help you make your next Google Slides presentation top-notch.

Table of Content:

• Create Cohesiveness with the Perfect Theme
• Use High-Quality Images to Engage Your Audience
• Explore the Option to Reshape Images
• Add Links to Make Your Presentation More Informative
• Easily Make Changes to All Slides Using the Slide Master
• Easily Add Diagrams
• Add Movement with Animations and Transitions
• Add YouTube Videos to Enhance Your Content
• Use Speaker Notes to Write Key Discussion Points
• Keep Up with Presenter View
• Dictate Your Speaker Notes
• Engage with Audience Questions
• Keep the Audience Engaged with Appropriate Audio
• Collaborate in Real Time
• Put Your Google Slides Presentation on a Website

1. Create Cohesiveness with the Perfect Theme

Google Slides offers a plethora of themes that you can use to give your presentation a harmonious and unified look. With these pre-designed themes , you’re not required to expend effort or devote time to format your slides manually. You simply need to consider your audience, topic, and core message when choosing the right theme. However, if you want to create your own customized theme, Google Slides provides options for that too.

You can choose a pre-designed theme by clicking on the ‘Theme’ option in the menu bar.

Upon clicking ‘Theme ,’ you will see this option with a scroll bar. Select the theme that best fits your presentation’s content and objective, and click on it. The changes will be reflected in real-time. You can also experiment with different theme options until you find the most relevant one.

Click on the ‘ Import theme ‘ button if you want to import pre-designed Google Slides themes saved in your drive or shared folder.

2. Use High-Quality Images to Engage Your Audience

Images can communicate your message more clearly than text. However, be sure to use relevant and high-definition images, as the wrong ones might ruin your entire presentation.

With Google Slides, you have various ways to insert images. You can upload them from your computer or Google Drive.

You can also search for images directly through Google Images . To do this, click on Insert > Image > Search the Web. A panel will open on the right side of your screen. Just type the keyword for the image you want, then click on it to add it to your slide. This way, you won’t need to download and reupload images to your slide.

3. Explore the Option to Reshape Images

Tired of the same old square or rectangular images? Get creative with Google Slides by reshaping your images into various callouts, arrows, shapes, or equations.

First, select the image you want to change. Then, click the ‘ Mask image ‘ option, which you’ll find as a small triangle button on the right side of the Crop icon (as shown in the accompanying screenshot).

You’ll be presented with many reshaping options like Shapes , Arrows , Callouts, and Equations .

For instance, if you choose the Oval shape, you can transform the image into a beautiful new form.

Feel free to explore and experiment with different shapes until you find the one you like. Google Slides lets you undo your changes, so don’t hesitate to try different things.

4. Add Links to Make Your Presentation More Informative

You don’t want to overwhelm your audience by cramming too much text into your slides. So how can you make your presentation richer and more insightful?

Google Slides offers a solution: you can add links to images, websites, other slides in the presentation, or even to files on Google Slides.

To add a link, simply select the text you want to link, then right-click on it or press Ctrl + K (Mac: Cmd + K ) on your keyboard. Next, click on the ‘Link’ option.

Now, type the text you want to display, add the relevant link, and click on ‘Apply .’

5. Easily Make Changes to All Slides Using the Slide Master

Imagine you have a 15-slide presentation and want to make the same adjustments to every slide. Editing each one separately would be time-consuming, wouldn’t it?

Google Slides offers a quicker solution through the ‘ Theme Builder ‘ option found in the View menu and the ‘ Edit Theme ‘ option in the Slide menu.

You can access these options by clicking on either one of them.

Then, simply click on the elements you want to change. Whether you need to modify the font style of titles and subtitles, add your company’s logo to the header or footer, or make other adjustments, these changes will automatically apply to all the slides.

6. Easily Add Diagrams

Diagrams make it simpler for presenters to link different pieces of information and data. This helps the audience understand concepts without difficulty. Plus, diagrams are widely recognized and used in presentations.

To insert a diagram, follow these steps:

• Go to ‘ Insert ‘ and then select ‘ Diagram ‘.
• Depending on your content, choose a diagram type such as Grid , Hierarchy , Timeline , Process , Relationship , Cycle , or others.

Here, we are inserting a Hierarchy diagram.

You’ll find many design options to choose from. You can select the number of levels and colors that suit your needs, and you can also modify the text.

7. Add Movement with Animations and Transitions

Make your presentation more engaging and lively by incorporating animations and transition effects. Use these effects to enhance the visualization of processes, concepts, or stories. Be mindful to use them thoughtfully and not too much, as overuse can distract your audience.

Apply transition effects as you move from one slide to another. Animation effects can be applied to individual elements on a slide, such as images, shapes, or text.

To add an animation, go to the ‘ Insert ‘ tab and click on ‘ Animation ‘.

A panel will then open:

Applying Transition

• To add a slide transition, click the arrow under the ‘ Slide Transition ‘ option. Initially, there will be no transition selected (marked as ‘ None ‘).
• By clicking the drop-down arrow, you can select the effect you want. You can also set the speed of the transition to slow, medium, or fast. After choosing your settings, click ‘ Apply to all slides ‘.

Applying Animation

Choose an object on the slide, such as a video, text, or image, that you want to animate. Then select from the available animation options.

For example, you might want to apply animation to a video.

In Google Slides, you have two ways to animate videos: either play it when you click ‘ Play on click ‘ or have it play automatically. Select the option that fits your needs and click on ‘ Play ‘.

In this case, we’ve chosen the ‘ Play on click ‘ option.

8. Add YouTube Videos to Enhance Your Content

People often prefer visual content, so adding videos can make your content more appealing and engaging. Videos breathe life into your presentation, making it more convincing.

With Google Slides, you can easily include videos from Google Drive or YouTube. Simply click on Insert > Video , and a screen will appear.

From this screen, you can either insert videos saved on your Google Drive or paste a YouTube video URL. You even have the option to search for YouTube videos by entering relevant keywords.

Choose the video you’d like to include and click on ‘ Insert ‘.

Once the video is embedded in the slide, the Format options should automatically appear. If they don’t, just click on Format > Format options.

In this section, you have the ability to customize the video’s start and end time, size, position, and more. Options to mute the audio and alter drop shadow settings are also available.

9. Use Speaker Notes to Write Key Discussion Points

When giving a presentation, it’s often better to avoid paper notes or cue cards for reminding yourself of the important points you want to share with your audience. Instead, Google Slides offers a feature called Speaker Notes . These notes are hidden from the audience but can be seen by the presenter.

Speaker Notes can be found at the bottom of each slide. If you don’t see them, you can make them appear by going to View and clicking on ‘ Show speaker notes ‘. A checkmark symbol (✓) will appear next to this option when you click on it.

To add the text you want, simply click on the speaker notes area and type it in.

Remember, you can view these speaker notes in the Presenter View .

10. Keep Up with Presenter View

With Presenter View in Google Slides, you can see your current slide, speaker notes, and upcoming slides. What’s great about this feature is that only you, the presenter, can see this view, while the audience only sees the slideshow.

To use Presenter View, click the drop-down arrow next to the ‘ Slideshow ‘ button and choose ‘ Presenter View ‘.

When you do this, your presentation will fill the entire screen, and a new window will open where you can view speaker notes and other details. This window won’t be visible to your audience.

11. Dictate Your Speaker Notes

Using Google Slides, you have the ability to dictate the notes for your presentation if your computer is equipped with a microphone. Here’s how you can do it:

• Turn on your microphone.
• Click on the Speaker Notes , located below the slide.
• Then, navigate to Tools > Voice type speaker notes.

A microphone icon will then appear on the slide, as illustrated in a screenshot below.

Click on the microphone icon and begin speaking. Your spoken words will be automatically added to the speaker notes.

When you’re finished, click the microphone icon again to turn off voice typing. To remove the icon, click the ‘ X ‘ in the upper right corner.

12. Engage with Audience Questions

Google Slides enables interactive presentations by allowing you to take real-time questions from your audience.

Select the drop-down arrow next to the ‘ Slideshow ‘ button and pick ‘ Presenter View ‘.

Then, select ‘ Audience Tools ‘. Here, you’ll find the ‘ Audience Q&A ‘ option. Click ‘Start new ‘.

Google Slides will provide a link to your presentation. Share this with your audience.

As questions come in, they’ll show up in a designated box, ready for you to address them individually.

13. Keep the Audience Engaged with Appropriate Audio

Adding audio to your presentation can help connect with your audience and make your content more engaging. However, don’t use audio just to fill space, as it can distract the audience. Only include sound or audio if it complements the flow of the presentation and adds meaning.

Go to Insert > Audio .

A panel will open, allowing you to add audio from your Google Drive or shared files. You can also paste the URL of the specific audio you want to insert.

14. Collaborate in Real Time

ou can share your presentation with your audience and work together in real-time. It’s also possible to create a link that can be used on your website or sent through email.

Click the Share button next to the Slideshow button.

Then, select the people or groups you want to share the presentation with and click Done .

With Google Slides, you can set the access level for each person. This means you can decide if a particular person can view, edit, or comment on the presentation.

You can also choose if only specific people can access the presentation or if anyone with the link can view it.

15. Put Your Google Slides Presentation on a Website

You can place your Google Slides presentation on a website, allowing people to view it without needing to log into their Google accounts. However, they won’t be able to comment or make changes to the presentation.

Follow these steps: Go to File > Share > Publish to Web .

A panel will appear where you can set when the slideshow starts, how quickly the slides advance automatically, and adjust other settings.

Google Slides may have been late to join the presentation scene, but it quickly became a favorite for millions of people who make presentations. Its excellent features like easy sharing, unlimited history of revisions, and real-time collaboration make it a user-friendly tool for crafting engaging presentations on any subject.

If you haven’t tried out the amazing features of Google Slides yet, don’t wait any longer. Start using them to make your next presentations truly memorable for your audience.

• Presentation Design , Uncategorized

Presentation Tips for Google Slides

• By: Kelly Allison

Google Slides is quickly emerging as a standout favorite for designing and delivering presentations. Its real-time collaboration capabilities, cloud functionality, beautifully-designed templates, and general ease of use make it a worthy competitor in the presentation design space. But like any other robust software, there’s a bit of a learning curve if you want to get the most out of it.

The following tips are incredibly simple to apply and they’ll leave you with a professional-quality presentation every single time.

Make Use of the Master Slides Tool Before you do anything else, get to know the Masters Slides tool. The Master Slide tool allows you to make design and layout changes that apply to your entire presentation in one place. Additionally, if you try to change something on a slide and it’s not allowing you to, chances are it’s because you’ve already defined a different layout/design in the master slide, so all you have to do is hop on that tool to change it.

Choose the Right Color If you’re creating a presentation for your brand or someone else’s, you might want to design it with the brand’s colors in mind. Rather than eyeball it and hope it’s a good enough match, use this technique to ensure it’s perfect every time. Simply select the object or text you want to match, then click the paint bucket icon, select “custom,” and enter the hex value of your brand’s color.

Find Your Voice A lot of us find it easier to speak our thoughts and ideas aloud rather than write them down. If that sounds like you, then you’ll love Google Slides’ easy voiceover option that allows you to narrate speaker notes with your voice. Just click on “Speaker Notes” then select Tools > Voice type speaker notes. When the microphone comes up on the lefthand side, click on it to begin speaking and you’ll see your words pop up on screen in real-time. You can also easily add punctuation by saying “comma,” “period,” etc.

Collaborate With Others One of the best features of Google Slides is just how easy it is to collaborate with others on your presentation. The only thing you need to do is click the “Share” button in the upper-righthand corner and select how you want to share it—either by email or via a link. You can also click the tool button and choose whether the people you share it with can make comments, edit your presentation, or simply view it.

Beat Spellcheck If you’re using a brand name or other words that aren’t recognized in Google’s dictionary, it can be pretty annoying to have G Slides always trying to correct it for you. Fortunately, you can bypass this problem by entering the words into your Personal Dictionary. Simply select the Tools menu and click “Personal Dictionary.” From there, you can enter as many specialized words and terms as you’d like and Google Slides will no longer peg them as wrong.

Embed Your Presentation Need to embed your presentation on your website or share it with a non-Google user? Well, Google Slides makes it super easy. Head to the File menu and click “Publish to the web.” From there, you’ll see a couple options. Under the “Link” tab you can tinker with how the slideshow advances for those you’re sharing it with. And if you want to embed it to a website, click the “Embed” tab and edit the presentation progress, size, and dimensions as you see fit.

Update Your Slide Charts in Real-Time Are you presenting charts that are subject to change based on new data? Then make use of this awesome feature. First, enter all of your data into Google Sheets. Then, create your chart by selecting the Insert menu and clicking “Charts” then “From Sheets.” Look to ensure the “Link to Spreadsheet” box is checked. After that, whenever you update the data in Google Sheets, your chart in Google Slides will automatically update with the new data simply by clicking “Update.”

Ready to elevate your presentation skills to the next level? Then check out our new Presentation Mentor online course at presentationmentor.com

Kelly Allison

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Essential Google Slides Tips

Google Slides is cloud-based presentation software that has gained a lot of popularity among business professionals. However, earlier, it was being used by millions of people worldwide, mainly for academic purposes.

Google Slides allows us to make compelling presentations quickly and easily right from our browser or application. You can effortlessly draft your next presentation using  Google Slide Templates without having to install third-party programs. It can also assist you in collaborating with your teammates and collaborating on a PowerPoint presentation.

Despite the fact that a large number of employees have signed up to Google Slides, few appear to be taking advantage of its extensive feature set. Continue reading to know about some of the tips and tactics that even the most devoted users are unaware of. Then, look into the strategies below to overcome mediocrity and become great at using Google Slides, and if you fell like you need a refresher on Google Slides features, check our guide .

1. Use the Master Slides Tool for modifications:

If you don’t have enough spare time, you should try to use the master slides tool to change a group of slides at once rather than doing them individually. This tool is particularly useful if you want to change your entire PowerPoint presentation to reflect a specific theme or style, as it saves you the time and effort of altering each slide separately.

2. Merge Other Formats together:

It’s not necessary that all of your colleagues would switch to Google Slides because you are making use of it. So no worries, if you’re using PowerPoint to create a business presentation with someone else. Fortunately, you can read and edit your PowerPoint documents in Google Slides very easily without having to convert them to a Google file. To get started with it, all you need to do is open Google Slides in your Chrome browser and install the Chrome extension of “Office Editing” for Sheets , Docs , and Slides.

3. Take advantage of image masking:

You can modify the form of an attached image in Google Slides as it provides a variety of image masking options that can be utilized very easily. This option is especially very beneficial if boxy, sharp photos don’t compliment your presentation’s entire theme.

4. Add a drop shadow to the text:

The aesthetics are important if you want your presentation to stand out among others. To make this happen, you can consider inserting a drop shadow. This is one approach to bring attention to important text. By doing so, a tiny shadow is created, duplicating the content. You have the full authority to adjust the color of the text or reduce the opacity of an image as per your preference. Once you are done modifying, you can drop it right onto the original one. Content headers, in particular, benefit greatly from this.

5. Bookmark Key Text:

Having a Large presentation would necessitate a lot of scrolling to locate in particular exactly what you are searching for. So don’t squander all of that time. Rather, it would be great if you utilized the program’s bookmarking feature in your presentation. With the help of it you can quickly zoom to different spots or passages within your PowerPoint presentation.

6. Undo changes:

No issues if you have made any recent big modifications but unfortunately, that do not get along with your vibe, you are always free to go back to a prior version. Google Slides keeps a comprehensive revision history that allows you to examine all past document changes and enables you to go back to the original if in need. Moreover, it also keeps a record of who has made the changes so that you can view what changes are made and by whom. 

7. Do a dictation for each slide:

Do you get tired of inputting text boxes repeatedly? If yes, then Google Slides is your way to go since it has a “Voice Typing” feature that can be used to dictate the text into new presentation slides. In addition, the functionality even recognizes punctuation commands, ensuring that each slide is exactly as you want it to be. It is giving you the best quality work.  

8. Incorporate Into Your Website:

You can very easily integrate your company presentation onto your web page if you think your target audience would be interested. However, remember that each website’s method is a little different. You would need to research before you attempt to do it. In case you are using WordPress, you can find thorough instructions for embedding your Google Slides presentation in here .

9. Project Using Chromecast or AirPlay:

Going fully wireless to give a presentation will turn heads and will make your life much easier. However, you must ensure that you know how to project directly through your mobile onto a compatible television if you have access to your Google Drive. Moreover, you should also be able to use Chromecast to project your Google Slides presentation if you have an Android smartphone. This will give your audience a good impression of you making your grounds good.

10. Establish a Shared Folder:

Last but not the least, you can easily upload company stock pictures to your Google Drive if you have to share your piece of information with multiple team members. Shared access would help to prepare your Google Slides presentations well on behalf of your organization. All you need to do is, create a new folder on Google Drive and share it with your colleagues if you want to have access to the photographs. Your entire staff can then quickly drag and drop company logos and stock photos into presentations without bothering anyone.

Conclusion:

We hope that this article might have added to your knowledge. These are just a few pointers that can get you started easily. However, Google Slides offers dozens of other unique features that can help you leverage your presentation. So research a little and give it a try yourself; you’ll see the difference.

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Five Imaginative Ways to Use Google Slides

Google Slides is fantastic for presentations, but there are so many more ways you can use it. The application is so versatile that it can be used creatively to transform the classroom into an interactive and engaging place.

Here are a few imaginative ways to use Google Slides with your students.

Group Brainstorming

Instead of using a whiteboard, you can create a shared slide deck where students can brainstorm ideas together. Brainstorming is an excellent way to access student’s prior knowledge and can have great impact on student achievement. Students can use shapes to create sticky notes and could use shapes, lines, and connectors to create mind maps to capture their thoughts.

Choice Boards

You can offer students a choice when completing classroom activities by creating a choice board in Google Slides. Allowing  students to choose  how they want to demonstrate their learning can increase student buy-in and recall because students are more interested in their learning. In addition, it’s a great way to differentiate in the classroom. Slidesmania has a ton of choice board templates to help you get started. If you want to learn more about using choice board in your classroom, check out this online course .

Virtual Field Trips

Take your students on virtual field trips without leaving the classroom. Use Google Slides to compile a series of images, videos, and informational text about various locations. Hyperlink to 360-degree videos or interactive websites for a more immersive experience. Students can explore different locations or historical sites without leaving the classroom. Google Slides also has a field trip template in the template gallery so students can convey what they learned on their virtual field trip.

Google Slides also has a flashcards template in the template gallery. To access the template, go to your Google Drive and click on New > Google Slides > From a template. From there, you can select the flashcards template. Flashcards are an excellent tool for introducing new vocabulary words or academic concepts in a visual and interactive way. The images and words on the cards help students make connections and commit the information to memory.

Digital Escape Rooms

You can create engaging and interactive escape room activities by embedding puzzles, riddles, or clues within Google Slides. Students can work together to solve the challenges and “escape” the room. This will promote problem-solving skills and critical thinking. To get started, check out these step-b y -step directions by Learnexus.

Google Slides is such a versatile tool. By thinking beyond traditional presentations, teachers can leverage this powerful tool to enhance student engagement, promote active learning, and foster a dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Diana Benner

Diana specializes in leadership development and all things Google. She has served as an instructional technologist, instructional designer, and online learning specialist, supporting districts all over Texas and in state government. Diana earned a Masters of Education in Educational Technology from Texas State University- San Marcos. She also holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in Spanish and the other in Political Science, from Texas State.

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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .  

Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.

In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!

These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters. 

No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.

When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:

1. Clear structure

No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.

Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion: 

2. Engaging opening

Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.

3. Relevant content

Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.

4. Effective visual aids

Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.

With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.

5. Clear and concise communication

Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message. 

6. Engaging delivery

Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!

7. Interaction and audience engagement

Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.

Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.

8. Effective storytelling

Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.

A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.

9. Well-timed pacing

Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.

10. Strong conclusion

Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.

In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations . 

Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software . 

Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.

1. Understand the audience and their needs

Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.

Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong. 

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.

Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.

5. Practice, practice and practice

Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.

With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!

In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively . 

Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!

From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.

1. Confidence and positive body language

Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence. 

2. Eye contact with the audience

Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload. 

Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.

6. Utilize humor strategically

Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.

Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.

1. How to start a presentation?

To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.

2. How to end a presentation?

For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.

In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started. 

Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs. 

Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:

Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account. 

Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).

Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations. 

Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!

By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to work on a group presentation

How to work on a group presentation

Working in a group can be a great way to tackle complicated tasks or share unique knowledge. When it comes to illustrating your team’s results to an audience, it can be tricky to navigate how to pace your presentation and who gets to speak, among other factors. Check out these tips for how to start a presentation speech, how to conclude a group presentation, and everything in between.

How to do a group presentation

Some people thrive working in groups , while others prefer to tackle projects by themselves. Balancing all these differing personalities is one of the key skills to ensuring that your presentation goes smoothly:

Tell your story with captivating presentations

Powerpoint empowers you to develop well-designed content across all your devices

Designate roles and presenting order to team strengths

The clearest way to do set presentation roles, and the order of these roles, is to set them early in the process and based upon the strengths of your group members. Designate roles based on certain skillsets and to keep from duplicating efforts. For example, having one or two people work exclusively on designing your PowerPoint presentation can streamline the process. Depending on how long your presentation is, you can assign everyone on your team three to five slides to discuss.

The importance of practicing

In addition, it helps to rehearse your presentation multiple times to iron out any kinks and build confidence. Practice your presentation together as a group so everyone can be prepared in front of your audience. Here, communication is key, scheduling regular meetings and clearly delegating tasks ensure everyone is on the same page.

How to start a group presentation speech

Just like the rest of your presentation, it helps to have just one person speak at a time. Assign the role of introducer to someone on your team. You can also choose to designate someone as the narrator who can both start the presentation, introduce team members, and finish in the conclusion.

Ensure that they clearly state the purpose of your presentation and provide an overview of what you’ll cover. You can also start with a compelling hook or an intriguing question to grab the audience’s attention. Introduce each member of your group and their roles and expertise to establish credibility and cohesion.

How to conclude a group presentation

At the end of your presentation, it helps to summarize the key points of your presentation and reiterate your main message so that your audience can retain as much information as possible. End with a strong closing statement or call to action to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Thank them for their time and invite further discussion or questions.

Mastering the art of group presentations requires effective collaboration, enough time for preparation, and a confident delivery. Play to your group’s strengths, give everyone plenty of time to speak, and value everyone’s contributions equally. Check out more tips for how to create an effective presentation , how to make group projects go smoother , or how to connect with virtual audiences .

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A Google strategy manager says these are the 5 things you should do to stand out in the workplace

• A Google strategy manager says the best contributors at work are those who are team players. 
• Herng Lee said people gravitate toward those who go out of their way to help others.
• These are the five things Lee recommends you should do to become more of a team player. 

Herng Lee has seen a lot of top performers in his nearly nine years working on Google's strategy team.

But the employees who really stand out are those who are team players, the Google manager said in his weekly newsletter for high-performing tech professionals. Lee said mastering that part of the job is the hard part.

Lee said in his post that these kinds of workers "create a wide halo around them," and he considers them the "the gold standard." Not only are they good at their job, but they actively make others better.

The Googler told BI that by lifting your coworkers, you create a stronger team that can solve more complex problems. It also strengthens your own position because when people see the kind of value you create in the workplace, they'll gravitate toward you, Lee added.

So what does being a team player entail? Lee said these are the five things you can do consistently to be more like one.

Don't gatekeep knowledge

Lee said you should make sure knowledge doesn't live and die with you , and you don't have to do it in a loud way. Rather, it should be a reflex.

Lee said he once had a colleague who was great at his job, but he was the only one with access to his reasoning and sources. As a result, no one felt comfortable applying his work to other places, he said.

"So while his work was great, it did not qualify as institutional knowledge," Lee said in the post. "No one could really update, replicate, or polish his analysis."

Lee said good work involves documenting your framework, sharing with others how you achieved results, and creating replicable playbooks so others can build on your work.

Focus on "why," and not just "what"

Lee said some of his best mentors at Google didn't officially coach him, but offered the same value by consistently sharing the "why."

They did so by providing context, thinking out loud, and setting guiding principles while allowing space for him to figure out his own approach.

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Doing all these things may take time and effort, and could mean sacrificing a bit of efficiency in the moment. But in the end, Lee said it helps others and gives you more value as a team member.

Don't play nice

Lee said many of us have been conditioned to play nice at work , and that can result in people holding back insight or providing overly harsh criticism.

Instead, you should treat feedback as a way to help others, Lee said.

To do so, you should provide constructive feedback early and act as a sounding board for others. Lee said you should voice unpopular opinions and respectfully challenge leaders when you feel passionately about a topic.

Lee said early in his career, he preferred getting feedback from nice people because of the "psychological safety and confidence boost" it gave him. Now, he turns to people who offer genuine feedback. He said it's sometimes uncomfortable — but much more useful.

Connect the dots for others

Lee said you should offer insight to coworkers even when they don't know they're looking for it. That means actively thinking about what other teams are working on, instead of solely focusing on your own tasks, Lee said.

For example, if someone's working on a project that you're not a part of, you should offer up useful information and resources or connect them with people who might know more about the topic they're working on.

Save others time

Everyone is busy, so people consider themselves lucky when someone sacrifices their own efficiency to save time for others, Lee said.

These can be little things that are part of your daily routine, Lee said, like writing clear emails so people don't spend time trying to figure out what you meant or keeping track of your meetings effectively.

You should try to save others time even in cases when you don't receive credit for it, Lee said.

Check out Lee's full post here .

Are you a Googler with advice to others? We want to hear from you. Email the reporter from a non-work email at [email protected].

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