Chiz Web

Composition:

• Keep themes/background designs for PowerPoint® and similar programs simple and consistent.  I find that dark backgrounds with bright letters work best, and I almost always work with a deep blue or black background with minimal graphics around it.   All that extra stuff just gets busy and distracting. 

• Backgrounds, transitions, and other effects should also be simple and consistent.  Don't try a "Box Out" on one slide and switch to a "Wipe" on the next.  The focus is on your points, not on cool effects.  The same is true for fancy sound effects and animations:  these can be a funny aside, but don't treat them as serious presentations.

• Keep the "behind the scenes" stuff out of the audience's view.  I usually add a "full black" slide at the beginning and end of the presentation, then turn the screen/projector on or off with that slide, so the audience never sees the program working.

• Do use a title screen and presenter names.

• Graphics on slides are fine if appropriate. They can add a visual interest, especially if humorous!

• Explore the use of video and graphs/charts/photos on computer presentations.  They can be easier to manage this way (digitally) than in raw form.  Creating links to other programs or the Internet through PowerPoint® presentations is also possible!

• Font size should be large, especially for TV presentations.  I use a minimum of 36-point font, often with bold or shadow for emphasis. 

• Never write full sentences on the screen.  Think of quick and essential bullet points to emphasize your words, not a script for you to read from the screen.   Think, too, of the choice of words as a memory aid or outline of what to discuss.

• Size Rule:  The space between your screen and the audience should not exceed five times the width of the screen.   Therefore, a five foot wide screen should be okay for an audience 30 feet away.  (Another reason why TV is not ideal!)

Prep:

• Double-check the equipment!  Does it all work the way you expect it to?  In particular, here are a few bugaboos!  Come to the presentation room well ahead of time for set up.

  • Incompatible software files.  Double-check installed editions of the presentation equipment; most programs allow you to "Pack and Go" and attach enough of the program to load it on to any computer.

  • Incompatible hardware.  Missing cords or ones that don't fit the projector.  Drivers for video that aren't installed for the screen or projector, etc.  Oops.

  • Older hardware that doesn't allow for ZIP drives or other high-memory add-ons.  If you're forced to present through a floppy drive, the presentation may be slowed down significantly if there are graphics and animations.

  • Laptops and Presenter Screens.  Some older programs and computers shut their own monitors down when the projector is lit.  This compels the speaker to turn to see the screen.  Instead, use a partner (see below) or even a small mirror so that you can see what's going on behind you.

• Lighting.  Ideally you are lit, the screen is dark.  Get shades drawn, lights adjusted, etc. before the presentation.  If you must be darkened so the audience can see the screen, keep the presentation shorter, use a SmartBoard so that you can interact with it, or get different equipment that can be high light projection. 

• Spacing.  Can everyone see easily?  Adjust chairs or screens beforehand so that the audience does not have to strain or look around corners or angles (which damages the impact of the screen presentation). 

• Start It All Up.  Ideally, everything is up and running when the audience enters the room.  The fewer "nuts and bolts" you have to do while the audience is in the room, the better.  Again, use a partner.

• Shut It All Down.  Avoid the audience seeing "bluescreen" or other background software pieces.  Turn lamps and projectors off; then shut software down.

Presentation:

• Stand in the same line of sight as the screen.  Keep the focus on you, not the screen.  Don't invite them to "look away" to a slide show--you'll have a hard time getting their attention back, and you'll end up presenting slides instead of building credibility and ethos.

• Don't play with the remote.  Try taping it to the lectern so you can just subtly push the button.  If you must carry it, hold it easily and include it with your normal gestures.  Hopefully, the audience will be fairly unaware that you have it. 

• Don't read the visuals to your audience.  They're literate and can do this; reading is kind of insulting.  Paraphrase, analyze, and add to information on the screen.  You are the expect; the slides are your support.

• Don't look at the screen.  Look at the audience!  Most programs allow you to print out slides and notes for the lectern.  You don't need to see the screen at all! 

• If you have to point out parts of a screen, it's too complicated.  Try another kind of visual or break the visual down into smaller pieces with "builds," overlays, or sequential visuals so that it's easier to follow.

• Use a partner.  Arrange subtle signals to communicate if a visual isn't working, a slide is wrong, etc.  Also, you can communicate to the projector or computer operator to change the screen. 

• Don't stop to fix the visuals.  If you can fix them while speaking, fine.  Your audience will see the problem before you do; you can't hide the problem; so have a handy line of humor to use as you make the repair. 

• Stop saying "The next slide shows"!  We know what it says.  This is a presentation, not a slide show.

• Don't stop talking between slides.  It's about you.

Other Specific Notes:

• Combine Equipment.  Most projectors handle computer and video input both, for instance.  No need for extra equipment.  Run multiple applications off of the same computer.

• SmartBoards need extra time to set up.  Make the time.

• Because the SmartBoard requires you to turn around to use it, practice not blocking it with your body when you write or change slides.

• Use the technology to the very limits of your ability.  You are more credible if you are more up to date and adept!  SmartBoards allow you to write notes on the screen, make lists, etc.  You can also run multiple applications from them.  PowerPoint® allows video and audio technology and merges itself with other MS applications. 

• Have fun!