When was the last time you sat
through a terrible presentation using computer projection? When was the last
time you gave one? If you want to avoid disaster and give your career a boost
then apply these ten tips the next time you present with the computer
projector. And if you want to do a friend a favour then slide them a copy of
these tips before their next presentation.
The biggest mistake is to believe that cool graphics will make up for your lack
of presentation skills. If you can not cook - it does not matter how good the
stove is. Use these tips to develop your presentation skills and work with the
tools. The computer is only a tool. You are the presenter. When you present
with multi-media you are more than a performer. You are a producer. Be aware
and stay in control of what you and your technology are doing to the audience.
1. Stand on the left side as the audience sees you. Because we read from
left to right your audience can look at you then follow your gesture to the
screen. Their eyes are comfortably moving left to right, they read the text
then they return to you. If you stood on the right side their eyes have to make
too many movements to read the slides and watch you.
2. You are the show. Be heard and be seen. Stand away from the computer
and in the light. Use a remote mouse to get away from the computer. Too many
people hide in the dark behind the laptop. Arrange the lighting in the room so
that you are in the light while the screen is dark. You might need to unscrew
some of the ceiling lights to get it right.
3. Turn off the screen savers on your computer - any that are part of
the Windows software - plus the one that comes with the laptop. It is
embarrassing for you to be talking about important points you thought were on
the screen while they are looking at flying toasters or Bart Simpson. It is
even worse when your energy saver kicks in and shuts it all down. Remember to
adjust this as well.
4. Learn how to use the switch that toggles both screens on. Often this
is a function key. This toggle controls whether your laptop or projector - or
both are on. You want both on so you can look at the laptop while the audience
watches the same image behind you on the screen. Occasionally glance quickly at
the screen just to check. But put your laptop between you and the audience so
you can be looking at your audience while speaking.
5. Colours appear differently on the projector, the laptop, and the
desktop where you designed it. If the exact colour is important, (perhaps for a
company logo), test and adjust the colour ahead of time.
6. Keep it simple with the colours and special effects. Use no more than
six colours on a slide. Use slide transitions and builds to entertain without
detracting from your message. Effects like partial build reveals one point at a
time allowing your audience to stay right with you.
7. Motion attracts their eyes. Gesture to the screen when you want them
to look there. Use moving text to grab attention. Stand still when you want
them to look at the screen. Move when you want to capture their attention
again.
8. Test your slides for size and readability by standing six feet away
from the monitor. If you can read the monitor then your audience will likely be
able to read the screen. If they can not comfortably see and read your screen
all you did was to annoy them.
9. Arrive early and test everything. Re-read this line - again!
10. Murphy loves technology. Be prepared with backup files, an extra
power source for the laptop and projector and spare batteries for your remote
mouse. It only takes one little thing to spoil it. Be prepared to give your
presentation without the hardware.
