Slides

1.  Creating a Slides presentation

To create a Slides presentation, begin by selecting the drive in which you wish to save it ( your personal "My Drive" or a shared drive). Next click the plus sign and select Google Slides. If a Slides presentation was saved as a template, clicking the toggle arrow provides access to select templates.

2.  Slides Overview

Once the Slide opens the first thing to do is name the untitled presentation in the upper left.  The Slides work space is divided into several different segments.

• On the left are the current slides in the presentation

• In the middle is the main work area

• On the right is a closable listing of possible themes or transitions. This area is linked to those words in the toolbar. 

In the Files area you will not see a Save button. That is because documents are automatically updated with every change. 

The top contains the typical tools and options available (on the toolbar or in the drop downs for File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, Tools). The tools are similar to those used in other presentation programs so there is not much of a learning curve.

3. Consistency  is key

When creating a presentation having the text sizes, headings, backgrounds should all be consistent. To make universal adjustments, make the changes in the Slide Masters.

Making adjustments in the master will provide viewer of the presentation with a visual level of comfort.

Select the "Slide" option in the toolbar. In the drop down menu select "Edit master".

Make the desired adjustments. The adjustments will be reflected on each of the different slide layout types. 

4. Presentation Considerations

Concepts to consider when creating a presentation

• Design for the audience and the venue: graphics, language and content for one audience do not necessarily work for all audiences. Online presentations have different needs, think shorter duration and more visuals, than for a live presentation. Plan and design accordingly. 

• The presenter and their knowledge is the focus of the presentation: The slides are just a primer to get the discussion moving. Getting the audience to identify with the presenter is key. Even with online presentations, recording a short introduction and short segments of yourself interspersed through the presentation will enhance buy in.

• Use more slides: It emphasizes space, not clutter. The story, idea or concept is reinforced by being the focus.

• Tell a compelling narrative to engage the audience, use scenarios to set the scene: Present more than material, show your interest in the topic. Be enthusiastic and passionate, the audience will reflect this interest.

• Presentations should be short and sweet: If you have ever watched one of the TED Talks, you would be hard pressed to find one longer than 17 minutes, your presentation shouldn't be longer than that either. Q & A time can always be used for deeper exploration on materials in the presentation.

5.  Working with Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations

If the presentation is a Microsoft PowerPoint, there is the ability to "Save as a Google Slides". This is very helpful when collaborating with others  who may need online editing rights.  

To Convert a PowerPoint to a Google Slides

1. Open Drive and double-click a PowerPoint.

2. Click the button "Open with Google Slides".

3. Click File --> Save as Google Slides

6. Sharing PowerPoint presentations

PowerPoint can be stored in Google Drive but still shared as a PowerPoint. To edit the PowerPoint it will need to l be downloaded. If edit rights are given and the link shared, users of that link can only comment not truly edit. 

1. Click the vertical ellipsis in the upper right 

2.  select "Share" and the link will share the PowerPoint can now be downloaded 

Remember: files created in a program other than Google Drive retain their program information. This allows users to download and work from the originating program but in order to edit them they need to be downloaded.  

7. Cant Hear narration? The benefit to keeping PowerPoint as PowerPoint

One of the biggest reason to keep a PowerPoint as a PowerPoint is Narration and timing. 

Sound can be added to a Google Slides presentation but a sound file would need to be created and then inserted. 

Additionally, this sound will not sync like a MS PowerPoint presentation does when the timing and narration are created.

In order for viewers to hear the narration, make sure they view the presentation as a PowerPoint NOT a Google Slides presentation. Download and select PowerPoint as the filetype to open.