How do I print Google Slides with speaker notes, and why do cats always sit on your keyboard when you're working?

How do I print Google Slides with speaker notes, and why do cats always sit on your keyboard when you're working?

Printing Google Slides with speaker notes can be a crucial task for anyone preparing for a presentation, whether it’s for a business meeting, a classroom lecture, or a conference. Speaker notes are an excellent way to keep track of your talking points, reminders, and additional information that you don’t want to display on the actual slides. However, figuring out how to print these notes alongside your slides can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the process. In this article, we’ll explore multiple methods to print Google Slides with speaker notes, discuss why you might want to do so, and even touch on some common issues you might encounter.

Why Print Google Slides with Speaker Notes?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s first address the “why.” Printing your Google Slides with speaker notes can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

  1. Preparation and Practice: Having a physical copy of your slides with speaker notes allows you to rehearse your presentation more effectively. You can make annotations, highlight key points, and ensure that you’re fully prepared.

  2. Reference During the Presentation: Even if you’re presenting digitally, having a printed copy with speaker notes can serve as a backup in case of technical difficulties. It’s also useful if you prefer to have a physical reference in front of you.

  3. Sharing with Others: If you’re collaborating with a team, printing slides with speaker notes can help others understand your thought process and the flow of the presentation. This is especially useful for team presentations or when you need feedback.

  4. Accessibility: Some people find it easier to read and absorb information from a printed page rather than a screen. Printing your slides with notes can make your presentation more accessible to those who prefer physical copies.

How to Print Google Slides with Speaker Notes

Now that we’ve established why you might want to print your Google Slides with speaker notes, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it. There are a few different methods, depending on your needs and the tools you have available.

Method 1: Using the Google Slides Print Settings

  1. Open Your Presentation: Start by opening the Google Slides presentation that you want to print.

  2. Access the Print Settings: Click on “File” in the top-left corner, then select “Print settings and preview.” This will open a new window where you can customize how your slides will be printed.

  3. Choose the Layout: In the print settings window, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Layout.” Click on it and select “Notes.” This option will print each slide with its corresponding speaker notes below it.

  4. Adjust Other Settings: You can also adjust other settings, such as the number of slides per page, the orientation (portrait or landscape), and whether to include a border around the slides. Once you’re satisfied with your settings, click “Next.”

  5. Print: Finally, click the “Print” button, and your slides with speaker notes will be sent to your printer.

Method 2: Exporting to PDF First

If you prefer to have a digital copy before printing, or if you want to share the file with others, you can export your Google Slides with speaker notes to a PDF first.

  1. Open Your Presentation: As before, start by opening the Google Slides presentation.

  2. Export to PDF: Click on “File,” then hover over “Download,” and select “PDF Document (.pdf).”

  3. Choose the Layout: In the dialog box that appears, make sure to select “Notes” under the “Layout” section. This will ensure that the speaker notes are included in the PDF.

  4. Download the PDF: Click “Export,” and your presentation will be downloaded as a PDF with speaker notes included.

  5. Print the PDF: Open the downloaded PDF file and print it as you would any other document. The speaker notes will appear below each slide.

Method 3: Using Google Slides Add-ons

If you’re looking for more advanced options or additional features, you might consider using a Google Slides add-on. There are several add-ons available that can enhance your printing experience, such as allowing you to customize the layout further or even adding additional information to your printed slides.

  1. Install an Add-on: Go to the “Add-ons” menu in Google Slides and select “Get add-ons.” Search for an add-on that suits your needs, such as “Slides Toolbox” or “Awesome Table.”

  2. Configure the Add-on: Once installed, follow the add-on’s instructions to configure it for printing with speaker notes. Each add-on will have its own set of features and options, so be sure to explore what’s available.

  3. Print Using the Add-on: After configuring the add-on, you can use it to print your slides with speaker notes. The process will vary depending on the add-on you choose, but most will offer a straightforward way to include notes in your printout.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While printing Google Slides with speaker notes is generally straightforward, you might encounter a few issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

  1. Speaker Notes Not Appearing: If your speaker notes aren’t showing up in the print preview or the final printout, double-check that you’ve selected the “Notes” layout in the print settings. If you’re exporting to PDF, ensure that the “Notes” option is selected before exporting.

  2. Formatting Issues: Sometimes, the formatting of your slides and notes might not look right when printed. This can happen if your slides contain complex layouts or if the notes are too long. To fix this, try simplifying your slide layout or breaking up long notes into smaller sections.

  3. Printer Problems: If your printer isn’t working correctly, make sure it’s properly connected and that you have the latest drivers installed. You might also want to try printing a different document to see if the issue is with the printer itself.

  4. Incorrect Page Orientation: If your slides and notes are printing in the wrong orientation (e.g., landscape instead of portrait), go back to the print settings and adjust the orientation before printing.

Conclusion

Printing Google Slides with speaker notes is a valuable skill that can enhance your presentation preparation and delivery. Whether you’re using the built-in print settings, exporting to PDF, or leveraging add-ons, there are multiple ways to achieve this. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to print your slides with notes efficiently and effectively. And remember, even if your cat decides to sit on your keyboard while you’re working, you can always take a break and come back to it later!

Q: Can I print Google Slides with speaker notes on a Mac? A: Yes, the process is the same whether you’re using a Mac or a PC. Just follow the steps outlined in this article to print your slides with speaker notes.

Q: How do I print only the speaker notes without the slides? A: Unfortunately, Google Slides doesn’t offer a built-in option to print only the speaker notes. However, you can copy the notes into a Google Doc and print them from there.

Q: Can I print Google Slides with speaker notes in color? A: Yes, you can print your slides and notes in color as long as your printer supports color printing. Make sure to select the appropriate settings in the print dialog.

Q: What if my speaker notes are too long to fit on one page? A: If your speaker notes are too long, they may spill over onto additional pages. To avoid this, try to keep your notes concise or break them up into smaller sections.

Q: Can I print Google Slides with speaker notes on an iPhone or iPad? A: Yes, you can print Google Slides with speaker notes on an iPhone or iPad using the Google Slides app. Open the presentation, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, select “Print,” and choose the “Notes” layout before printing.