The Basic Rules of Good Presentations
There are numerous ways to apply this ancient adage. The bottom line is that the more complicated you let things get, the more trouble you can expect:
> New projector technology is wonderful, but don't break in new equipment 15 min utes before the presentation starts.
> Keep your presentation focused on the message, don't get carried away with special effects and razzle-dazzle.
> Whatever you do, don't have rented equipment scheduled to arrive 10 minutes before you speak.
> Check out everything in advance. Then check it again.
1. Rehearsing the Presentation
There's something to be said for winging it: " Forget It!" To present the most professional image, you need to know your presentation. It's OK to occasionally leave the main "script" but, wandering presentations that lack focus, or those too dependent on working from notes, or long pauses to compose your thoughts are never acceptable. Rehearsing the presentation includes more than just going over what you will be saying. Rehearsing includes the entire presentation. Use the same tools too. If you are using slides, or a projector, and have access to the room you will be presenting in, rehearse there. Using a remote mouse and laser pointer for the presentation, a microphone? Rehearse the presentation with these devices.
2. Don't memorize your presentations
Rehearsing is one thing, committing the projector presentation to memory and performing it by heart, is not the way to go. You need to present, not to recite. But use your notes very sparingly, too much time spent reading notes may convince your audience that you are unprepared.
3. Dress for success
Some say you can never overdress for a presentation. Others will disagree. Our own belief is that other factors come in to play, particularly how you handle yourself in the situation. Humor and how formal your presentation is will impact whether you are "over" presented. But everyone agrees you should never underdress. How to determine what is appropriate? Worst case: Ask people. It's all part of doing it right.
4. Pace yourself - don't go too fast, or too slow.
A general rule, every projector displayed "slide" deserves at least 10 seconds, and none rate more than 100. If you find yourself spending several minutes on one slide, consider breaking it up! (We're not suggesting this as a firm rule, but a good guideline. Obviously, some charts or graphics may take several minutes to properly present.) Then again, perhaps they could be better as multiple "slides." If you are done with a "slide" - lose it. Don't leave an image up for your audience once you move on to other points.
5. The Presentation Tools
Slides, LCD and DLP Projectors, Laptops, LCD panels, Video, Multimedia, Sound. Laser Pointers, Lapel Microphones, Overheads, Photo-quality printers, Posterprinters... There are a great many presentation tools available to you as a presenter. Determine your communication needs, the presentation environment, and select the right group of tools to get your message across.
6. Creating Support Materials
Great, you have put together the killer projector based presentation of all time. You looked good, your audience reacted positively. It couldn't have gone better, so what's wrong?
There are numerous ways to apply this ancient adage. The bottom line is that the more complicated you let things get, the more trouble you can expect:
> New projector technology is wonderful, but don't break in new equipment 15 min utes before the presentation starts.
> Keep your presentation focused on the message, don't get carried away with special effects and razzle-dazzle.
> Whatever you do, don't have rented equipment scheduled to arrive 10 minutes before you speak.
> Check out everything in advance. Then check it again.
1. Rehearsing the Presentation
There's something to be said for winging it: " Forget It!" To present the most professional image, you need to know your presentation. It's OK to occasionally leave the main "script" but, wandering presentations that lack focus, or those too dependent on working from notes, or long pauses to compose your thoughts are never acceptable. Rehearsing the presentation includes more than just going over what you will be saying. Rehearsing includes the entire presentation. Use the same tools too. If you are using slides, or a projector, and have access to the room you will be presenting in, rehearse there. Using a remote mouse and laser pointer for the presentation, a microphone? Rehearse the presentation with these devices.
2. Don't memorize your presentations
Rehearsing is one thing, committing the projector presentation to memory and performing it by heart, is not the way to go. You need to present, not to recite. But use your notes very sparingly, too much time spent reading notes may convince your audience that you are unprepared.
3. Dress for success
Some say you can never overdress for a presentation. Others will disagree. Our own belief is that other factors come in to play, particularly how you handle yourself in the situation. Humor and how formal your presentation is will impact whether you are "over" presented. But everyone agrees you should never underdress. How to determine what is appropriate? Worst case: Ask people. It's all part of doing it right.
4. Pace yourself - don't go too fast, or too slow.
A general rule, every projector displayed "slide" deserves at least 10 seconds, and none rate more than 100. If you find yourself spending several minutes on one slide, consider breaking it up! (We're not suggesting this as a firm rule, but a good guideline. Obviously, some charts or graphics may take several minutes to properly present.) Then again, perhaps they could be better as multiple "slides." If you are done with a "slide" - lose it. Don't leave an image up for your audience once you move on to other points.
5. The Presentation Tools
Slides, LCD and DLP Projectors, Laptops, LCD panels, Video, Multimedia, Sound. Laser Pointers, Lapel Microphones, Overheads, Photo-quality printers, Posterprinters... There are a great many presentation tools available to you as a presenter. Determine your communication needs, the presentation environment, and select the right group of tools to get your message across.
6. Creating Support Materials
Great, you have put together the killer projector based presentation of all time. You looked good, your audience reacted positively. It couldn't have gone better, so what's wrong?
