How to Add Voice Over to Google Slides

Posted bysmooth slides guy

Google Slides is a popular presentation tool that allows users to create and share visually appealing presentations. However, it is often necessary to add voice overs to the slides to provide a more engaging and interactive experience for the audience. Adding voice overs to Google Slides is a simple process that can be accomplished in just a few steps.

Although Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in feature for adding voiceovers, you can use external tools to record your voice and then sync the audio with your slides. First, record your voiceover using a recording software and export the final audio file in a common format like MP3 or WAV. Then, upload your audio file to a cloud storage service and insert it into your Google Slides presentation from the “Insert” menu. Since Google Slides doesn’t have built-in syncing, you’ll need to manually time your slides with the audio. Once synced, share the presentation and audio file with others.

Man using standing microphone to add voice over to computer file

By adding voice overs to their Google Slides presentations, users can create a more dynamic and engaging experience for their audience. This feature is particularly useful for online presentations or webinars where the presenter is not physically present. With the ability to add voice overs, users can create a more personalized and interactive experience for their audience, making their presentations more effective and memorable.

Adding Voice Over to Google Slides

Google Slides is a powerful tool for creating presentations, and adding voice over to your slides can help you create an even more engaging experience for your audience. Here’s how to add voice over to your Google Slides presentation in just a few easy steps.

Inserting Audio File

To add voice over to your Google Slides presentation, you first need to record your audio and save it as an audio file. Once you have your audio file ready, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the slide where you want to add the voice over.
  2. Click on the “Insert” menu and select “Audio.”
  3. Choose “Upload from computer” and select your audio file.
  4. Click “Select” to upload the audio file to your slide.
Insert Audio Into Google Slides
Top Horizontal Menu “Insert” and “Audio” Dropdown Menu
Insert Audio Into Google Slides
Select Audio File From Various Saved Locations or From a URL

Formatting The Audio File

Google Slides provides a range of audio formatting options after you’ve inserted an audio file into a slide. However, these features might have evolved since then. Here are the formatting options that were available:

  1. Play Button Appearance: You can change the color and style of the play button that appears on the slide along with the audio.
  2. Autoplay: You can set the audio to play automatically when the slide containing the audio is displayed.
  3. Looping: You can enable the audio to play continuously in a loop until the user manually stops it.
  4. Start and End Points: You can trim the audio to play only a specific portion of it by defining the start and end points. This is helpful if you want to play only a certain section of a longer audio clip.
  5. Volume Control: Adjust the volume level of the audio to ensure it’s suitable for your presentation.
  6. Playback Controls: When viewers interact with the audio icon on the slide, a control bar appears that allows them to play, pause, and adjust the volume of the audio.
  7. Background Audio: You can make an audio file play across multiple slides, essentially creating a background soundtrack for a sequence of slides.
  8. Audio Icon Placement: You can reposition the speaker icon on the slide to prevent it from obstructing other content.
  9. Hide Icon: If you prefer not to display the speaker icon on the slide, you can choose to hide it while still retaining the audio functionality.
  10. Alternative Text: You can add alternative text to the audio element to ensure accessibility for users who rely on screen readers.
Insert Audio Into Google Slides Formatting Options

To access these formatting options in Google Slides:

  1. Insert the audio file onto a slide.
  2. Click on the inserted audio icon to select it.
  3. A toolbar should appear near the audio icon. Click on the “Format options” button (it looks like a paintbrush).
  4. A sidebar will open on the right side of the screen, offering various formatting options for the audio file.

Sharing and Presenting Your Google Slides with Voice Over

Once you have added voice over to your Google Slides, the next step is to share and present your presentation. Sharing your presentation is easy and can be done in a few simple steps.

To share your Google Slides with voice over, go to the top right corner of the screen and click on the “Share” button. From here, you can choose who you want to share the presentation with. You can share it with specific people by entering their email addresses, or you can share it with anyone who has the link. You can also choose whether you want people to be able to edit the presentation or just view it.

Once you have shared your presentation, you can present it with voice over just like you would any other Google Slides presentation. Simply click on the “Present” button in the top right corner of the screen and your presentation will begin. Your voice over will automatically play as you move through each slide.

It’s important to note that in order for your voice over to play during the presentation, the person viewing the presentation must have their computer’s audio turned on. If their audio is turned off, they will not be able to hear the voice over.

Overall, sharing and presenting your Google Slides with voice over is a simple process that can greatly enhance your presentation. By following these easy steps, you can easily share and present your presentation with voice over to anyone, anywhere.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When adding a voice over to a Google Slides presentation, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them.

No Sound or Poor Quality

If you are experiencing no sound or poor quality audio, check the following:

  • Ensure that your microphone is properly connected and the volume is turned up.
  • Check that the audio file is not corrupted or damaged.
  • Make sure that your internet connection is stable and strong enough to support audio playback.

Audio Not Syncing with Slides

If your audio is not syncing with your slides, try the following:

  • Check that your audio file is properly aligned with your slides.
  • Ensure that your audio file is not too long or too short for your slides.
  • Try refreshing your browser or restarting your computer.

Audio Cutting Out

If your audio is cutting out or stopping abruptly, try the following:

  • Check that your internet connection is stable and strong enough to support audio playback.
  • Make sure that your microphone is properly connected and the volume is turned up.
  • Try recording your audio in a quiet environment to reduce background noise.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful voice over experience in Google Slides.

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