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