Blanking the audience screen during a Google Slides talk can create a pause without ending the slideshow. It is useful when you want attention on a discussion rather than the current visual. This presentation control is not a privacy feature and does not revoke access to the shared deck.
Use the blank-screen shortcut
During a computer slideshow, press B for a blank black slide or W for a blank white slide. Google’s presenting guidance lists both shortcuts. Confirm that the slideshow window has focus before using them.
Return deliberately
Google’s guidance says pressing any key returns from the blank screen. Rehearse that action so you know what happens before continuing your explanation. Check the current slide afterward rather than assuming an unrelated keyboard action has also moved to the next part of the deck.
Use a brief spoken transition to explain the pause when appropriate. A sudden blank screen can otherwise look like a display failure to remote viewers.
Verify the audience route
Test the blanking behavior on the physical display and through any meeting share. A blank slideshow does not necessarily hide a presenter window, another application, or the editor if a different surface is being shared. If you need to protect private information while editing, use the appropriate sharing controls instead of relying on a blank slide. Confirm the visible result before the live session, and keep confidential material out of the audience file rather than assuming that a temporary presentation state makes it inaccessible.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.