Google has announced a big update to its web-based Google Slides with the introduction of a new Q&A feature that will allow the audience to ask questions during the presentation. The update also includes more presentation options for iOS, like the ability to present directly to a Hangout call. Google Slides also now includes a laser pointer tool for those of you who like presenting from your computer.

We look at how you can set up a Q&A session and how you can present to Chromecast, AirPlay, and Hangouts using your computer, iOS or Android device.

How to conduct a live Q&A session during your presentation

The new Q&A feature allows presenters to start a live Q&A session during a session while people can submit questions from any device.

Start a Q&A session on your computer, iOS or Android device

Using your computer, open your presentation > click the down arrow (next to Present) > Presenter View > Audience tools. Click Start new for a new Q&A session or Continue recent to resume where you left off. To stop accepting more questions, click the Off switch in the Q&A window.

Using your iOS or Android device, tap Show Q&A. Tap Start new for a new Q&A session or Continue recent to resume a Q&A session. To stop accepting more questions, tap the switch in the top right.   

Display your audience’s question on your computer, Android or iOS device

Using your computer, find a specific question to display under Audience Tools > click Present. Follow the same process to display a different question or click Hide to stop displaying the question.

Using your iOS or Android device, tap Show Q&A > tap a question you want to display. Tap the checkmark next to the question to stop it displaying.

Review your Q&A history

Only available on your computer, open the specific presentation > click Tools > Q&A history.

How to ask questions, and vote on them, during a presentation

To ask a question, follow the link at the top of the presentation > click/tap Ask a question > type your question (check the box Ask anonymously if you want your question to remain anonymous) > Submit.

You can also vote for the questions you would like answered. Follow the Q&A link on the slide > find the question you want answered, or not, and vote with the thumbs up or thumbs down icon.  

Watch a Q&A session in action in the video below.

How to present your slides on computer, iOS, Android, and Chromecast

Present your slides using a computer or Chromecast

Open your presentation > click Present in the top right >change slides with the arrow keys and click Esc to exit full-screen.

Alternatively, you can use Chromecast to present your slides on your TV. Install the Google Cast extension in Chrome > ensure your computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device > click the down arrow (found next to Present) > select Chromecast from the options.

Use a laser pointer during your presentation

Google’s latest update to Slides includes a new laser pointer, available when presenting from a computer. In the toolbar (at the bottom of the presentation window), you will find the new feature Turn on laser pointer. Other options in the toolbar include Select slides to present from a list, Open Presenter view, Print the presentation, and Download the presentation in PDF or PPTX format.

Present your slides using an iOS or Android device on Chromecast, AirPlay and Hangouts

Open your presentation > tap Present (play button) > Present on this device. To exit full-screen tap the top of the device’s screen > tap the Back arrow icon.  

Use Chromecast or AirPlay to present your slides on your TV

Using Chromecast, ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. In the Slides app, open your presentation > tap Cast. Use your iOS or Android device to change slides by swiping left or right; use the volume buttons on your Android device to control the volume; tap Speaker notes to show or hide your notes. To stop casting tap the X icon.

If you have an iOS device you can use AirPlay to present. Open your presentation in the Slides app > swipe up from the bottom of your device’s screen > tap AirPlay > tap the specific receiver > tap switch next to Mirroring > tap Present. You can control your presentation with your iOS device in the same way as Chromecast. To stop presenting tap the X icon.

Present in a video call with Google Hangouts

Open your presentation in the Slides app > tap Present (If you are presenting in a new video call > tap Present to a new video call. Alternatively, if you are presenting during a specific meeting on your calendar > tap the meeting’s title. To start your presentation, tap Present. Tap Send invite to invite additional people. To stop presenting tap the X icon. To present in Hangouts your iOS device must be running iOS 9 or later.

Source: Google [1, 2]

Image credit: Google