Google Slides is a presentation tool that is extremely powerful for creating interesting and great-looking slides.
However, let us be honest, concisely presenting an impressive article becomes tough.
We all know that a good presentation is more than just displaying information — it connects with an audience and leaves an imprint, whether you are presenting to a team, teaching a class, or pitching a big idea.
These tips guide you on transforming your Google Slides presentations from good to great!
Tips to Elevate Your Google Slides
From design tweaks to advanced features there are countless ways to elevate your slides Adding unique elements like high-quality visuals smooth animations and clear structure can make your presentation shine
And here’s a secret weapon: Text to speech solution Murf If you want to bring audio to your slides, tools like this let you add engaging voice overs that sound professional and natural, taking your presentation to the next level
Text to voice features can also be explored, they can provide an extra layer of depth to your slides particularly if you have to express intricate concepts or pitch the slides in a narrative form.
In this guide, you will learn more than 30 simple tips and tricks that you can apply to Google Slides and create slides that will catch your attention and make your content powerful. So, without further ado, let us jump into it and transform your Google Slides presentations to make them dynamic, professional, and unforgettable!!
Here are over 30 tips to make your Google Slides presentations shine:
1. Start with a Strong Theme
Choose a theme that fits your topic and makes an immediate visual impact Google Slides offers various pre-made themes but you can also find plenty of the unique ones online or create your own for the truly custom look
2. Use High-Quality Images
Visuals make a difference! Use high-resolution images that look clear and professional Websites like Unsplash or Pexels have free stock images they you can add easily to your slides
3. Limit Text on Each Slide
Avoid cluttered slides by keeping text to a minimum Aim for bullet points or short phrases instead of paragraphs Let your voice do the explaining
4. Choose Fonts Wisely
Pick fonts that are clean and easy to read Use no more than two to three fonts per presentation and try pairing a bold font with a more neutral one for contrast
5. Experiment with Font Size
Larger fonts grab attention! Keep headers big and bold and ensure body text is large enough to read from a distance
6. Utilize White Space
Give your slides room to breathe by leaving some empty space This makes your content look cleaner and easier to follow
7. Use Customizable Shapes
Shapes can add structure and make your slides more dynamic Use circles, rectangles or arrows to the highlight key points or create visual flow.
8. Include Icons for Visual Cues
Icons are great for breaking up text and adding a visual element. Google Slides offers a built-in library, but sites like Flaticon offer even more options.
9. Incorporate Data Visualization
It can make the data easier to swallow if they are presented in the form of charts, graphs, and/or tables. Google Slides also parses data visualizations from Google Sheets, allowing for easy update.
10. Animate with Purpose
When it comes to animation, do not overdo it because it can make your presentation to be full of life. Always keep to basic transition or animation that would help but not interfere with the main message.
11. Master the Slide Layouts
Google Slides provides default templates in many categories you can change. These layouts can be adjusted to apply a different appearance to the title, content, and image slides.
12. Use Contrast for Readability
Ensure that the text is well differentiated from the background for ease of reading. Known as High Contrast, often Light texts on the dark background or vice versa can be effective.
13. Create a Visual Flow
Plan your slides in a manner that provides flow and direction for a person viewing your presentation. Align some items from left to right or from top to bottom in order to control your audience..
14. Add Backgrounds Carefully
Custom backgrounds can enhance your slides, but make sure they’re not too distracting. Use subtle patterns or solid colors that complement the overall theme.
15. Highlight Key Points with Color
Use color to draw attention to important elements. Pick one or two accent colors to highlight keywords or essential points without overwhelming the slide.
16. Use Speaker Notes Effectively
Google Slides lets you add speaker notes for each slide. These notes are great for organizing talking points without cluttering your slides.
17. Experiment with Layering
Layer images, text, and shapes to add depth to your slides. Send elements to the back or bring them forward to create an engaging 3D effect.
18. Try the Grid Layout
Align content using a grid layout for a balanced look. Use guides and rulers (View > Show Ruler) to keep elements evenly spaced and aligned.
19. Add Interactive Elements
Google Slides supports interactive features like clickable links and navigation buttons. This can be great for making a slide deck feel more like a website or interactive tool.
20. Use Transparent Overlays
Adding a semi-transparent shape over an image can make text stand out without fully covering the background. Adjust transparency in the fill color menu
21. Utilize Google Slide Add-Ons
Explore add-ons like Unsplash for free images, or Icons by Noun Project for quick icon access, to enhance your slides directly in Google Slides.
22. Create a Master Slide for Consistency
Use the “Edit Master” feature to set up consistent fonts, colors, and layouts for each slide type. This helps you maintain a uniform look throughout.
23. Incorporate Your Brand Colors
If you’re presenting on behalf of a brand, integrate brand colors throughout the presentation. You can use the hex codes of your brand’s colors in the custom color settings.
24. Limit Bullet Points
Although bullet points are helpful, too many can make your slide feel cluttered. Limit each slide to 3-5 bullet points to keep it visually appealing.
25. Experiment with Infographics
Infographics are a great way to present data creatively. You can create simple infographics using shapes, lines, and icons in Google Slides.
26. Add Short Video Clips
Videos can break up the presentation and add a dynamic element. You can add videos from YouTube or upload them directly from your Google Drive.
27. Test Out Different Slide Sizes
Google Slides lets you change slide dimensions. If presenting on a wide screen, adjust your slide size to make the most of the space.
28. Check Your Slide Transition Timing
Adjust the timing of slide transitions to fit your pace Too quick can feel rushed, too slow can drag on Find the right timing for smooth, natural flow
29. Preview Your Presentation in Full Screen
Always preview your slides in full-screen mode before presenting This lets you catch any design flaws or readability issues that may not be obvious in edit mode
30. Get Feedback from Others
Sometimes, fresh eyes catch things we miss Share your presentation with a colleague or friend to the get honest feedback and make final adjustments
31. Use Google Slides Explore Tool
Google’s Explore tool suggests layout changes based on the content you’ve added. Access it by the clicking the starburst icon in the bottom right—it’s a great way to see new design ideas instantly
32. Rehearse with Speaker View
Use Speaker View to practice your presentation with notes and get comfortable with the flow of the your slides
Conclusion
From experience of hundreds of hours on my presentations trying to have the best Google Slides design possible, small details really do make the difference.
And that is why studying every trick in the book with all those sophisticated designing methods is not too important for you — you need to choose the right tools and use your imagination.
Now why not give these a try and do not hesitate to sprinkle in originality.
Each slide is a vehicle to communicate to your audience, to narrate, to make your point memorable.
I wish these tips and tricks help you to be strong and influential without losing your and your viewers interest. And here: to pushing good presentations a little closer to great!
