Describe four of the six tips listed in this chapter for preparing for presentations.

What will be an ideal response?

Determine whether presentation equipment will be available. If you plan to use your own laptop computer, make sure it is compatible with the projection device and that the correct connecting cables will be supplied. If you will use a computer other than your own, make sure the necessary presentation software has been installed.

Check out the equipment ahead of time. If possible, schedule a trial run the day before your presentation. Connect your computer and display a few slides so you are certain that everything works.

Make sure that your audience will be able to see and hear your presentation. During your trial run, sit in the back of the room and be certain that the text on your slides is large enough to be easily read.

Arrive early. Allow at least 30 minutes to set up your equipment and connect it to the presentation device.

Know how to get technical support. If you are unfamiliar with any of the equipment, you might request the presence of a technical support person during your trial run or while you set up. Find out how you can contact a technician if you run into problems during the presentation.

Be prepared for problems. Find out what to do if the projector bulb burns out. If you're using a laptop PC with batteries, keep your power cord handy. If this presentation can make or break your career, you might consider printing copies of your most important slides so that you can distribute them to your audience in case of a power failure.