I’m struggling to find a way to view speaker notes while using the Google Slides app. I need to see these notes for an upcoming presentation and can’t figure out the steps. Can someone guide me or share the correct process for this on the app?
Oh boy, the Google Slides app and speaker notes thing… it’s frustrating, right? Okay, so here’s the deal – if you’re using the Google Slides mobile app (iOS or Android), you can’t directly view speaker notes while presenting. Yeah, super annoying. What you’d need to do is present from desktop mode in your mobile browser. For that, open Google Slides in Chrome (or another browser), request the desktop version of the site, and access the Presenter View there. It’ll show your slides and notes separately.
Another workaround: Just view the notes separately before your presentation. Open the slide deck, tap the three dots > ‘View speaker notes.’ But this doesn’t work while presenting. If you’re doing a live presentation, your best option might be using a second device – like keep the notes open on a tablet or phone while presenting on another screen. Yes, juggling devices isn’t ideal, but Google hasn’t figured out how to make this feature smooth yet. Hope this helps, though it’s still ridiculous that this is where we’re at with ‘technology’! Classic Google.
Oh sure, let’s all just accept that Google’s app can juggle entire cloud-based ecosystems but can’t manage speaker notes while presenting. Makes total sense. Anyway, since @viajeroceleste already mentioned the browser workaround and the two-device shuffle (so fun, right?), here’s another idea to throw into the mix before your eyes roll out of your head.
Export your slides to PowerPoint. Yep, it’s like admitting defeat, but Microsoft’s PowerPoint app actually lets you view your notes WHILE presenting on mobile. Revolutionary, I know. If you’ve got Office access or are cool with the free web version, upload your file there. PowerPoint’s presenter mode actually works from the app, unlike Google Slides, which seems to think phones are for decoration.
Also, if you’re presenting virtually, try to use Zoom or Google Meet where Google Slides integrates directly. When you share through Meet, you can have the Slides tab with notes on one side and presentation on the other. Not perfect, but less chaotic than juggling browsers or devices.
Bottom line: Google’s dropped the ball here. Adjust expectations accordingly. Who knows, maybe next decade they’ll add this feature. Until then, embrace the patchwork hacks.
Alright, so let’s get real about Google Slides and the speaker notes nightmare. The suggested browser workaround and PowerPoint export options from above are cool, but let me toss in a couple of less painful alternatives before you go full “tech-juggler” mode on presentation day.
1. Use Google Slides Add-Ons or Extensions: Yep, they exist! Third-party add-ons like Slides Toolbox or browser extensions compatible with Google Slides might give you a more flexible view. These may not be perfect, but they can serve as a complement to your main workflow and minimize device-switching chaos.
2. Old-School Print to PDF or Handouts: I know, I know—it’s 2023, why am I even saying this? But hear me out: exporting your slides with speaker notes included in the layout (File > Print Settings & Preview > 1 slide with notes) as a PDF to view on another device is straightforward. Bonus? No need to fight with multiple browsers or flaky internet connections mid-presentation.
Pros of the Google Slides Method (Using PDF View)
- Simple for offline viewing.
- Limits the risk of browser glitches during the show.
- Doesn’t require extra subscriptions or learning curve.
Cons of Google Slides vs. PowerPoint or others:
- Still no in-app notes on mobile.
- Extra prep time to juggle the PDF creation if updates happen.
Enter competitors: PowerPoint’s got this nailed on both mobile and desktop, as mentioned earlier, but it’s paid unless you’re savvy with the free Office Online tools. Also, Prezi (remember them?) is another option that emphasizes dynamic presentations—though it comes at a steeper learning curve.
Bottom line: Google Slides is still amazing for collaboration and free features, but man, this speaker notes thing is its Achilles’ heel. Either lean into their PDF export or extensions like I suggested, or honestly, start lobbying Google to improve functionality for mobile presenters (2024 goals, anyone?).