Understand the Technology

My wife recently attended a seminar on a subject of interest to both of us. When she came home, I asked her how it went. She replied: "They couldn't get the video to work."

There was a time when technology in a presentation meant chalk and a blackboard.

Then it became 35 mm slide projection, overhead projection or videos. Today it can mean almost anything. I will not attempt to list the available multi media technology, because by the time that I finish writing it, it will be superseded.

In the old days, making sure that you had erasable markers was the advice to a speaker using a whiteboard. Today the advice is even more simple: Unless you are thoroughly familiar with the equipment, don't use it. Unless there is someone on immediate call who can change a globe, avoid it.

How many seminar participants does it take to change a blown globe? 95 to give unsolicited advice and one to go get another projector.

There is no question that correct use of modern equipment can enhance a presentation. Equally there is no question that poor use of equipment can destroy a presentation. You don't want to be remembered as the person who gave the seminar where the video didn't work.

Listen to the radio news. Even in the best of stations, with high quality equipment and professional operators from time to time the wrong sound bite will be put to air. The announcer will apologise then read a script which contains the information that was lost.

As a presenter you also need to be prepared for technical failure. Know the contents of the video that you are going to show; have reproductions of slides available so that handouts can be generated on site; have an alternative or back up equipment available.