The purpose of displays is to help introduce a theme or subject, to help set the tone of a presentation, or to give ideas or information. A display is a good way to introduce a talk, discussion, or demonstration. It provides an interesting and informative pre-opening activity for a presentation.

Place the display where people will pass by it to get to where they are going, not in an out of the way place.

If possible, use more than just a table surface. Use the walls and ceilings also.

Make it stimulating and challenging. Create an atmosphere with signs, streamers, and color. Use giveaways. Use attention getting devices such as pulling a string, a flashing light, peepholes, etc. to get the audience involved.

Make the material self-explanatory by labeling parts with cards containing clear, simple directions.

Cover the main points; omit details that may clutter or crowd the display.

Make the display as real as possible. Remember, displays are static and cannot talk. You must supply a voice.

Arrange literature in a logical order, with a continuity that tells a story.

Encourage people to look through the literature. Avoid "Do Not Touch" signs.

Don't just lay a lot of books flat on a table. Use pegboards, book trees, easels. Use wire coathangers to make a book holder.

Feature the literature which relates to a particular session or presentation

Keep it simple and attractive.

Make sure the projected image is large enough to be easily read.

Test all the colors your computer displays on the datashow. Many colors easily seen on the computer screen are impossible to see on the projected datashow image.

Check your lighting at the same time of day as your presentation will be made. Because datashow projections are dimmer than normal overheads, bright sunshine through a window can drastically alter the visibility of a datashow projection.

If you will need to use overheads in addition to your datashow, use two projectors. One for the datashow and one for the overheads. This is needed because the database show image is about one inch above the projection screen while the overhead rests on the screen. The different distance means each visual requires different focusing.

Use a pen on the datashow as a pointer just like you do for normal overhead use.

Plan ahead whenever possible. Just because you will "create" this notepad during the meeting does not mean you have to wait till the meeting to "design" it.

Use bold capital lettering for major points. Indent and use lower case lettering for sub-points.

Leave a couple of blank lines between major point groups.

Try to arrange your writing tablet so your audience can see the pad as you write. This way you will not need to be constantly moving the tablet. When a right handed presenter s sitting side by side with the audience, try to arrange the tablet and your audience on the right. When sitting across the table, turn your tablet so the audience can read as you write.

Check your lighting at the same time of day as your presentation will be made. Bright sunshine alters room lighting and can limit visibility.

Know how to work the VCR and TV, manual and remote controls.

Arrive early and check the VCR-TV setup. Play a portion of your tape to ensure the tracking is correctly set.

Do not turn the volume up until the tape is playing.

Use enough intro. music to give you plenty of opportunity to set the volume level.