Handbook of Public Relations 10e by Skinner Chris

Author:Skinner, Chris
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780199079322
Publisher: Oxford University Press Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Published: 2014-01-09T16:00:00+00:00

PERSPECTIVE

Planning your presentation with the latest technology

Many speakers today give their presentation using computer technologies. Quite often this will mean constructing a presentation in a software programme, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, on a laptop computer, plugging the laptop into a data projector and throwing the image onto a screen in much the same way as if one was using an older technology such as an overhead projector. However, with all technologies, attention to detail is very important.

PowerPoint presentations are so common these days that they have become somewhat mundane. This is because the programme offers a number of basic templates that allow the user to decide on the way the screen is laid out, the positioning of text, background, animations and so on. Because most presentations are put together in a hurry against the inevitable deadline, there is a tendency to use the ‘old faithful’ approach and use the first template that pops up. Invest some time into the various options and customisations that the programme offers to give your presentation a ‘different look’.

Lighter text on darker backgrounds works better on data projectors than vice versa. However, if you are using PowerPoint to make overhead projector cells, the reverse is true.

Most computers (desktop and laptop) have a ‘function key’ that allows the user to choose whether the image appears on the computer screen, or only on the large screen via the projector, or on both. Check out your machine and set it up so that you have the image on your computer screen as well, which may be helpful when you do the presentation if space is cramped or you are in a position where you cannot see the entire image on the large screen. Also, there may be a time during the presentation when you want to find another image, screen, or application on your computer and do not necessarily want your audience to see you searching through the contents of your machine.

Work out the keyboard controls for moving between images – sometimes using the mouse is awkward as it requires two actions: a ‘point’ and a ‘click’. A keyboard control requires just one tap.

Putting the presentation together and rehearsing it by running it through on your machine is only half the job. It is essential to check out the venue. Of course, in sophisticated settings such as conference venues, most of the things that follow will be in place, but never take it for granted that they are.

First, check for the obvious things. Which is the right input into the data projector? There are usually two ‘computer’ inputs and two ‘video’ inputs.

Is there an electrical power supply socket close enough to enable you to plug in your data projector? Will you need an extension cord? If possible, you should run your laptop computer on mains since laptop batteries are famous for ‘expiring’ at the critical moment. If you are going to plug both into the mains, you might need a double adapter to do so.

Does the facility have

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