| Standards have risen sharply in recent years | | | | looked like a star for being prepared when the |
| when it comes to making intriguing presentations. | | | | university wasn't. |
| The days of boring slides and droning speakers | | | | Third, don't overdo it. Too many graphics, too |
| are over. With the widespread use of PowerPoint | | | | much color, and too much sound can all negatively |
| and the ease of making colorful, interesting slides | | | | impact a presentation. You want the means of |
| with movement and sound effects, it is expected | | | | the presentation to enhance the subject you're |
| that you will make a fabulously engaging | | | | presenting-not overpower it. Pick one color |
| presentation whether it's in a classroom, a | | | | scheme and stick to it. Avoid the swirling graphics |
| boardroom, or at a trade show. | | | | and stick to simpler ones. Don't include a million |
| Here are some tips on how to make a terrific | | | | examples of clip art or decorative photographs. |
| slide presentation. | | | | As you create the slides, make sure the |
| First, be prepared. Make sure you have a laptop, | | | | information is presented in a clear, logical way. |
| a projector, and a projector cart ready to go. We | | | | Then look at each individual slide and ask if there |
| recommend the Fusion Laptop Projector Cart | | | | is anything that could be added to visually enhance |
| from Versatables. Many hotels, universities, and | | | | the viewer's understanding of the material. A |
| businesses have one-so don't be afraid to ask if | | | | chart? A graphic? A photo? If the answer is no, |
| they do when you're getting ready to make the | | | | don't include one. If it's yes, think long and hard |
| presentation. The Fusion Laptop Projector Cart | | | | about which graphic achieves your goal of |
| allows for easy projection and control of the | | | | enhancing understanding before adding it. The |
| laptop from one mobile unit. If they don't have | | | | problem with many presentations is that they |
| one, you may need to make other arrangements. | | | | seem amateurish because the presenter went |
| If you aren't using your own laptop, bring your | | | | overboard decorating his/her presentation with |
| presentation on a flash drive and email it to | | | | graphics that distract more than they enhance. |
| yourself as well. Just in case the flash drive | | | | Fourth, pay attention to time. If you can convey |
| doesn't work, you'll be able to access your email | | | | the same information in eight minutes instead of |
| on the laptop (most places now have Wi-Fi) and | | | | twelve, why wouldn't you? Everyone's time is |
| download it directly to the laptop you'll be working | | | | precious and attention spans are short. If you're |
| from. | | | | clear and concise about what you want to get |
| Second, bring handouts of your slides just in case. | | | | across, there may not be a need to give lots of |
| I know of a woman who went to give a power | | | | convoluted information and scenarios. Stick to one |
| point presentation and the university's projector | | | | clear example that illustrates your point and |
| wasn't working. Luckily, she handed out the | | | | applies to the people you're presenting to. |
| handouts she brought and the show went on. She | | | | |