How to Do MLA Format on Google Slides: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Do MLA Format on Google Slides: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a student or a professional who needs to create a presentation in MLA format? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of formatting your Google Slides in MLA style. Whether you are giving a class presentation, a conference talk, or a professional pitch, following the MLA guidelines will ensure that your presentation looks polished and professional.

What Is MLA Format?

MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a widely used citation style in the humanities. It provides guidelines for formatting academic papers, including citations, headings, margins, fonts, and more. MLA format helps scholars and students maintain consistency and ensure that their work is easily readable and properly credited.

Step 1: Apply One-Inch Margins

The first step in formatting your Google Slides in MLA style is to set one-inch margins on all sides of the slides. This will provide a consistent and professional look to your presentation. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open your Google Slides presentation.
  2. Click on the 'File' menu and select 'Page setup'.
  3. In the 'Page setup' dialog box, set the 'Margins' to 1 inch on all sides.
  4. Click 'Apply' to save the changes.

Step 2: Change the Font and Size

Next, you need to choose an appropriate font and size for your text. MLA format recommends using a legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial and a font size of 12 points. Follow these steps to change the font and size:

  1. Select the text you want to format.
  2. Click on the 'Format' menu and select 'Text'.
  3. In the 'Text' dialog box, choose your desired font and size.
  4. Click 'Apply' to save the changes.

Step 3: Insert a Header

MLA format requires a header on each slide that includes your last name and the page number. Here's how to insert a header in Google Slides:

  1. Click on the 'Insert' menu and select 'Header & page number'.
  2. In the 'Header & page number' dialog box, check the box next to 'Header'.
  3. Enter your last name in the header field.
  4. Click 'Apply' to save the changes.

Step 4: Change the Line Spacing

Line spacing is an important aspect of MLA format. It helps improve readability and gives your presentation a professional look. Follow these steps to change the line spacing:

  1. Select the text you want to format.
  2. Click on the 'Format' menu and select 'Line spacing'.
  3. In the 'Line spacing' dialog box, choose your desired spacing, such as '1.5' or '2'.
  4. Click 'Apply' to save the changes.

Step 5: Enter Your Details and the Title on the First Page

On the first slide of your presentation, you need to include your name, the course name, the instructor's name, and the date. You should also include a title that reflects the content of your presentation. Follow these steps to enter your details and the title:

  1. Click on the first slide of your presentation.
  2. Enter your name, the course name, the instructor's name, and the date in the appropriate places.
  3. Enter a title for your presentation that accurately reflects the content.
  4. Format the text according to the MLA guidelines.

Step 6: Add Indentations

Indentations are important in MLA format to distinguish paragraphs and block quotations. Here's how to add indentations to your Google Slides:

  1. Select the paragraph or block quotation you want to indent.
  2. Click on the 'Format' menu and select 'Paragraph styles'.
  3. In the 'Paragraph styles' dialog box, choose the appropriate indentation style, such as 'Hanging' or 'First line'.
  4. Click 'Apply' to save the changes.

Step 7: Add the Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is an essential part of MLA format. It lists all the sources you used in your presentation and provides detailed information about each source. Follow these steps to add a Works Cited page to your Google Slides:

  1. Create a new slide at the end of your presentation.
  2. Title the slide 'Works Cited'.
  3. List your sources in alphabetical order, following the MLA guidelines for citations.
  4. Format the citations according to the MLA guidelines.

How Do You Cite in Google Docs?

If you are using information from a source within your presentation, you need to provide proper citations. Here's how to cite sources in Google Docs:

  1. Select the text you want to cite.
  2. Click on the 'Format' menu and select 'Citations'.
  3. In the 'Citations' dialog box, choose the appropriate citation style, such as MLA.
  4. Enter the details of the source, such as the author's name and the title of the work.
  5. Click 'Apply' to insert the citation.

How to Use the MLA Template in Google Docs

Google Docs provides a built-in MLA template that you can use for your presentations. Here's how to access and use the MLA template:

  1. Open Google Docs and click on 'Template Gallery'.
  2. Search for 'MLA' in the template search bar.
  3. Select the MLA template that best suits your needs.
  4. Click 'Use this template' to create a new document based on the MLA template.

More Essay Writing Tips for Google Docs

Google Docs offers many features that can enhance your essay writing process. Here are some additional tips to help you make the most out of Google Docs:

  1. Try Voice Typing: Use the Voice Typing feature to dictate your essay instead of typing it manually. This can save you time and make the writing process more efficient.
  2. Speed Up Editing: Use the 'Suggesting' mode in Google Docs to allow others to review and edit your essay. This feature makes it easy to track changes and collaborate with others.
  3. Make Your Doc Available Offline: Enable offline access to your Google Docs so that you can work on your essay even when you don't have an internet connection.
  4. Use Bookmarks: Use the bookmark feature in Google Docs to quickly navigate to important sections of your essay.
  5. Consider Add-Ons: Explore the add-ons available in Google Docs to enhance your writing process. There are add-ons for grammar checking, citation generation, and more.
  6. Share or Save Your Doc in the Right Format: When sharing or submitting your essay, make sure to save it in a compatible format, such as PDF or Microsoft Word.

Summing Up

In conclusion, formatting your Google Slides in MLA style is essential to create a professional and well-organized presentation. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can ensure that your slides adhere to the MLA guidelines and impress your audience with your attention to detail and academic integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use MLA format for other types of presentations?

A: While MLA format is primarily used for academic papers, you can adapt its guidelines for other types of presentations. Just make sure to maintain consistency and readability throughout your slides.

Q: Are there any online tools or resources that can help me format my slides in MLA style?

A: Yes, there are several online tools and resources available that can help you format your slides in MLA style. Some popular options include MLA citation generators, MLA style guides, and MLA formatting templates for Google Slides.

Q: Can I use MLA format for visual presentations with minimal text?

A: Yes, you can use MLA format for visual presentations with minimal text. In such cases, focus on using MLA guidelines for headings, fonts, and visual elements to maintain consistency and professionalism.

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Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute financial, educational, health, nutritional, medical, legal, etc advice provided by a professional.