• Have something to say.
• Say it clearly.
• Say it like you mean it.
• No amount of technology can help you with the first rule.

• Smile.
• Stand comfortably.
• Use a remote mouse and move around the stage.
• Never turn your back to the audience.
• Never lean on the podium or the equipment.
• Maintain audience attention.
• Project your voice.
• Never compete with your media. Let sound clips finish before you speak.

• Rehearse enough to become comfortable with the material, but not so much that you kill your own enthusiasm and spontaneity. As a general
  rule, run through the entire presentation no less than three times, but no more than six.
• Become comfortable with not only the subject matter, but the transitions, sounds and video sequences.
• Practice setting up and taking down the system.
• Test the presentation on a live, but friendly, audience.

• Standard desktop color monitors (14 to 17 inches) are suitable for viewing by up to six people, but they are cumbersome to transport.
• Large format presentation monitors (up to 45 inches) can handle audiences of 25 or more, but they are not portable in any sense.

• Excellent for audiences of 50 or more.
• Often installed in presentation facilities or auditoriums.
• Can be rented at most presentation venues.
• Transportable, will fit in an airplane overhead compartment or under the seat.
• Typically weigh 11 to 20 pounds.
• Mostly Polysilicon LCD technology.
• Advantages - brightness, image size.
• Disadvantages - weight, cost , size.

• Suitable for audiences of 2 to 100.
• Typically weigh 3 to 10 pounds.
• Can be rented at most presentation venues.
• Transportable, will fit in an airplane overhead compartment or under the seat.
• DLP and LCD technology.
• Brightness and image quality could vary widely between models.
• Advantages - compact, lightweight, simple to use, reliable, cost effective.
• Disadvantages - small size limits brightness.

• Never add sound or visual effects without good reason.
• Never fuss with equipment settings during a presentation.
• Keep equipment out of audience sight-lines.
• Do not let the projector block the view of you or the screen.
• Shield computer backs and messy wires with drapes.
• Get comfortable with the technology through practice.

• Do not overuse Boldface, italics or ALL CAPS.
• Headlines should be in the range of 35 to 45 points.
• In general, do not use a font size smaller than 18 points.
• Sans serif fonts, such as Helvetica, are easier to read when projected.

• Use only quality clip art, and use it sparingly.
• Check all graphics on the projection system, especially gradient effects.
• Use the chart style that is appropriate for the data.

• Establish a color scheme at the beginning and stick with it.
• Limit the number of colors on a single screen image.
• Use color cues to imply relationships.

• Invest in quality music clips.
• Do not use copyrighted music without the proper license.
• Use good quality speakers and keep volume levels consistent.
• Estimate 10 to 30 watts of audio power per channel for a boardroom presentation.
• For large audiences, consider a public address system with 100 watts or more.

• Ensure your projector can play back the digital video.
• If you plan to use video from a VCR or a laser disk player, be certain your projector can handle analog video input.
• Start with a high quality video source, if possible.
• Frame the subject tightly to compensate for small on-screen images.
• Experiment with different frame sizes and frame rates (the number of frames per second) to get the best image playback.
• Set objects in motion that you wish to dominate the screen.
• Leave no image on the screen for longer than 60 seconds.
• Combine scene cutting and on-screen action to create the desired pacing and rhythm.

• Address audience priorities by targeting their specific needs.
• Set the pace according to the needs of the audience.
• Bridge the gap between the topic and audience background.
• Integrate information from multiple sources.
• Randomly navigate to any point in the presentation.
• Drill down to deeper and deeper levels of interest.

• Obtain in advance, a diagram of room dimensions, seating capacity and layout.
• Determine what type of screen you will be using.
• Ensure the screen is the right size for the room.
• Carry a multi-outlet strip with at least a 6 foot cord, carry an extra projector bulb.
• Position yourself at the right or left edge of the screen.

• Test your equipment in the actual environment.
• Have someone monitor the temperature - people, lights and projection equipment can quickly raise the room temperature.
• Have someone monitor the door against unwanted intrusion at important moments in the presentation. Post a sign outside.
• Do not start until everyone is seated.
• Have someone else quiet the audience and introduce you.

• Visual acuity (the eye's ability to clearly discern characters or images) is diminished as illumination drops and contrast is reduced.
• Uniform illumination maximizes visual acuity.
• Reduce ambient light as much as possible, leave enough for note taking.
• Make sure no spotlights hit the screen.
• Be certain your projector has a minimum of 700 lumens.

• Avoid outside noise interference by making sure there are no construction sounds, ringing telephones or spill-over noise from events in the next room.
• If you are plugging your system into the room's audio system, make sure the correct cables are available and that the two systems are compatible.

• Have backup disks available.
• Provide a backup computer system in case your computer crashes. Or, have an alternative presentation system and materials such as 35 mm slides and projector, videotape and VCR or overhead transparencies and overhead projector