Focus the projector before your presentation, but don't use a slide from your presentation if the audience is present. Prepare a "test" overhead at least as detailed as the most detailed overhead in your presentation
Use a sheet of paper UNDER you overhead to progressively disclose your information one point at a time
Leave the projector off until you are ready to display your first slide and turn it back off as soon as you are finished. Don't leave a white screen or an old slide displaying to distract your audience
If you use a wall as the display site, try to minimize the tilt in the display lens (so the top and bottom of your slide can both be in focus)
If you can use a screen as the display site, tilt the screen to match the tilt in the display lens
Use a pen left lying on the slide as a pointer, do not turn and point to the projected image
You may use a roll of clear acetate film and transparency pens to create a visual during the presentation. There are major advantages of this technique over a flip chart. Most people can write faster and more legibly on the transparency than a flip chart. Also, the presenter does not need to turn away from the audience.
Overhead cells can be prepared by hand, copy machine, or computer
If you use cardboard frames to hold your overheads, use the margins for notes
Back to Tuesday Toasters TIPS Index