Presentation

Having spent all that time preparing the talk itself, there are still a few things you can do at the last minute which will help ensure a successful presentation. Or, if you are the nervous type, help fill time . . .

1. Before the day begins, or last thing the night before, run through your talk once more. Use a mirror or visualize standing in front of an audience as you practice. If you've brought a slide carousel with you (a good idea), check their arrangement. You probably won't have time to do this later. Remember to seat the locking ring properly!
2. If possible, take a tour the room you'll use for the presentation early in the day. Look for potential problems with line of sight due to furniture, dark spots due to dead overhead lights, intruding sound from ventilation - these all can be fixed with a bit of prior warning and a polite request.
3. If you need specialized equipment, make sure it is available ahead of time - don't spring that information on your host at the last minute.
4. Check again to see that your slides are oriented properly in the carousel. Lock that ring!
5. Make sure the focus switch works, and determine who will be controlling the slide advance. Do the slide advance, reverse, and focus features all work?
6. It's your show, so ask for help with the equipment if you need it; it's better to ask for help then fumble around during the presentation. Determine who will be controlling equipment for you.
7. Computer presentations introduce a whole host of potential issues - here are a few to consider:
   • Is the host software compatible with your presentation? Are the fonts, bullets, colors, etc. the same?
   • Is there a sound card in the host computer? Is the sound system operational - but not too painfully loud?
   • Back-up your presentation before you leave using an alternate medium, then bring it with you separately from the one you plan to use (e.g., packed in a different suitcase), or e-mail it to yourself as an attachment - you may be able to access it from your destination if needed.
   • Alternatively, e-mail it to your host and ask that her or she download the file and test it on the computer you'll be using - BEFORE you depart for the trip!
   • Did you include all the required files and resources for your presentation?
   • You might consider making a set of 35mm presentation slides from your electronic presentation, then bringing the stack of slides along as your fail-safe backup - this strategy may depend upon your degree of compulsiveness and/or paranoia, or how important the presentation is to you.
   • Keep in mind that failures of technology can be devestating, but that 1) the embrassment is greater on the part of the host if their equipment is at fault, and 2) the host is usually impressed if you provide an alternate solution to the problem - suggesting you are a proactive and prepared person ....
8. Irrespective of what your presentation medium might be, letting your presentation slides, disk, CD, etc. out of your sight before the presentation begins can lead to disaster.
9. If the room is large, or your voice small, use a microphone. Try it out before the audience arrives (blowing into the mike or counting '1-2-3' they have arrived is tacky, so don't do it).
10. Check to see that accessories are present; chalk, eraser, markers, and especially a pointer. If it is a laser pointer, does it have fresh batteries loaded? Keep in mind that green wavelength lasers DEVOUR batteries!
11. Avoid standing behind a lectern or desk during the presentation. Stand to one side of the projection screen or blackboard, and closer to the audience if possible.
12. Moderate movement and hand gestures are OK, but avoid pacing and flapping.
13. Don't be afraid to insist on a few minutes to yourself prior to the talk; 15 to 30 minutes is standard. If you have an itinerary, check to see that you've had time allotted for preparation. If you are running behind, see if someone is willing to meet with you after the talk, then use that time to prepare instead. Use this time to double-check your materials, and your introductory and summary statements. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by audience members coming up to chat.
14. Don't wait until the very last minute to make that run to the bathroom, and remember to check carefully your appearance - including zippers, buttons and other closures - before you reappear.

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