Delivering a presentation on Google Slides is a fantastic way to share your ideas, but what if you need to add notes or highlight key points while presenting? Knowing how to write on Google Slides during a presentation can elevate your delivery, helping you emphasize key details or answer questions on the fly. Let’s dive into how you can do this, step by step.
Why Write During a Presentation?
When you write directly on your slides while presenting, it keeps your audience engaged and makes your points clearer. For instance, you can circle important text, underline a phrase, or jot down audience feedback right there on the slide. This dynamic interaction is particularly useful during brainstorming sessions or collaborative meetings.
Guide to Writing on Google Slides in Presentation Mode
Method 1: Use the Pen Tool in Presentation Mode
While presenting, Google Slides offers a built-in pen tool to annotate your slides. To access it, click the three-dot menu in the bottom-left corner of the presentation screen, then select “Turn on the pen” or press Shift + L. This allows you to draw or write directly on your slides during the presentation. It’s a simple and effective way to highlight or jot down notes live.
Method 2: Turn on the Laser Pointer
Another interactive tool available during presentation mode is the laser pointer. You can enable it by selecting “Turn on the laser pointer” from the same menu or pressing L. It’s great for guiding your audience’s attention without adding permanent annotations.
Method 3: Annotate Using a Stylus or Touchscreen
If you’re presenting on a touchscreen device, using a stylus can make live annotations even easier. Combine this with the built-in pen tool for a smoother experience.
Method 4: Switch to Edit Mode Temporarily
As a workaround, if the pen tool doesn’t meet all your needs, you can quickly toggle back to edit mode during the presentation. Quickly make notes or edits on your slides, then return to presentation mode.
Tips to Make the Most of Writing During a Presentation
- Plan Ahead with Premade Templates: Using premade Google Slide templates can save you a lot of time and effort. Templates designed with placeholders for annotations or live notes are especially useful when you know you’ll be adding text during your presentation.
- Keep it Minimal: Don’t overload your slides with too many live notes. Instead, highlight only the most critical points. This keeps your audience focused without overwhelming them.
- Practice Your Tools: Before presenting, get comfortable with the tools you’ll use to write or draw. Whether it’s a stylus, mouse, or annotation app, practice to ensure a smooth experience during your presentation.
Make Your Presentation More Interactive
If you’re serious about delivering a next-level presentation, you might also want to explore advanced features like adding a voiceover to Google Slides or using the Speaker Spotlight in Google Slides to engage your audience better. These tools make your presentation feel polished and professional.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to write on Google Slides in presentation mode is a valuable skill for anyone who wants to create interactive, engaging presentations. Whether you’re highlighting ideas during a brainstorming session or answering audience questions, live annotations can add an extra layer of professionalism. And don’t forget to check out premade Google Slide themes to simplify your workflow.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to delivering standout presentations every time!
