4 useful ways I use Gemini AI in Google Slides
Key things
- Gemini AI in Google Slides simplifies the process of creating presentation slides – all you have to do is provide prompts.
- You can create individual slides in a two-column format and get help with summaries, presenter notes, and brainstorming.
- For best results, experiment with different challenges and keep tweaking them until you get what you need.
Creating images can be stressful, there’s no doubt about that. Slides are important, but wouldn’t it be great if the process was a little easier? Well, with Gemini AI in Google Slides, it definitely can be!
Don’t just take my word for it – check out these cool ways they’re using Gemini AI to make their jobs easier.
Access to Gemini AI is limited to Google Slides desktop users who are part of Google Workspace Labs. To join, follow the same steps as when activating Gemini AI in Google Sheets.
1 Design your own AI images and illustrations
One of the most challenging parts of designing slides is finding or creating the perfect images and illustrations that accurately convey the image you have in mind. You would usually have to search for stock images and most likely learn how to edit them using any photo editing tools.
But with Gemini AI in Google Slides, all you need is a clear description of what you’re looking for—it’s that simple. There are two easy ways to use this feature. The first method is straightforward: click on Ask a Gemini icon next to your profile picture to open the Gemini bar.
From there, just enter a prompt and Gemini will generate the relevant images or illustrations for you.
Alternatively, you can access a more specialized image creation tool at Insert > Image > Help me create a picture. This will open it Create an image bar, where you can not only write a description, but also choose an image style that will suit your presentation. Once you provide the details, Gemini will take care of the rest.
This feature is a game changer, especially when I’m pressed for time or need unique images. No more hours browsing image libraries – Gemini provides custom images to perfectly match your images.
2 Create simple slides based on topic descriptions
Gemini only generates one frame per prompt, so you’ll likely have to repeat the process to build the entire deck. This means that you have to approach each challenge with a specific slide in mind.
As an example, I am creating a presentation for my alma mater on the importance of discipline among students. My first slide, which is usually an introduction, only shares basic information such as the title that students need to know before the actual introduction. I would have to design this first slide manually, as Gemini AI currently only (mostly, anyway) generates a basic two-column layout with bullets on one side and an image on the other.
For my next slides, though, I can leave the heavy lifting to Gemini. For example, I used Gemini to create a slide about why many students struggle with discipline by simply providing my notes and instructing the AI chatbot to design the slide based on my notes.
After inserting the image, I can edit the titles, edit the bullets or replace the image. But more often than not, I find that simple Gemini layouts are just what I need.
3 Create a summary slide or presenter notes
Now that your presentation is polished and ready to go, you might realize that it’s a bit long or you just want to make sure your audience gets all of your key points. Adding a summary slide at the end is a smart way to wrap everything up, and Gemini AI in Google Slides makes it easy to add.
When you launch the Gemini bar, you’ll see a summary of your presentation. Right below that is an option Add a summary slide.
With a single click, Gemini will generate an image that highlights your main points. Then you can insert it, tweak it and move it to the end of the deck. Note that like all images generated by Gemini, it will have a two-column layout.
In addition to summary slides, Gemini AI can help you create presentation notes. After all, your slides should be more than just text for you to read—they’re only meant to guide your discussion.
Right below the summary slide design, you will find prompts, e.g What are some key takeaways or Give the main points.
These can help you identify key talking points, allowing you to discuss relevant examples and use cases to enrich your speech.
4 Think of ideas to make your images interesting
Sometimes the hardest part of creating a presentation is figuring out how to make it super engaging. With Gemini AI, you can easily come up with ideas for slide layouts, color schemes, and even bullet and content structure.
But it’s not just about aesthetics – Gemini AI can also help you outline your presentation or suggest key points based on your topic. Simply launch the Gemini bar and ask for suggestions – your way. You can even ask him questions about the presentation and conduct research directly in Google Slides with the help of Gemini.
Just keep in mind that the AI still hallucinates, so while some ideas will be spot on, others may be way off the mark. The secret to getting the most out of AI Gemini in Google Slides is how you prompt it. Be sure to experiment with different wording and refine your challenges as you go. And if you want to brush up on your skills, be sure to check out our guide to the best AI tips and tricks.