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10
Power Tips for Presentations with Computer
Projection |
by:
George
Torok |
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. If you present using Hebrew,
(read right to left), stand on the right
side of the screen. If you present using
old Chinese, (top to bottom), climb on top
of the screen, (just kidding).
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.
Bonus TIP: People buy you - not your technology.
You are always selling yourself - don't
get lost in the technology.
About the Author
© George Torok is licensed to present
Power PresentationsT by Peter Urs Bender,
author of the best seller 'Secrets of
Power Presentations'. Torok is co-author
of 'Secrets of Power Marketing' and host
of the radio show Business in Motion.
He delivers seminars across North America
on thinking and communication skills.
He can be reached at (905) 335-1997 or
George@Torok.com For more tips visit www.Torok.com
and http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com |
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