Windows Tools, Help & Guides

So you have a big presentation to give, from your computer, and you want to make sure everything goes down well? Well I can’t guarantee a flawless event but I can give some tips I stick by when presenting from my laptop. Learn, in this guide, how to present from your laptop like a pro.

Present Like a Pro

To present like a pro, you should:

1. Use your own equipment when possible.
2. Test equipment before presenting.
3. Make sure your presentation is clear and easy to read.
4. Relax.

I’ll cover the first three steps in this guide; the fourth step should come naturally–you’ll feel more relaxed when you’re prepared and in control.

Use Your Own Equipment When Possible

Knowing and understanding your own equipment can be a big factor in how well you present. When possible, try and use your own laptop and wireless presentation device. If you have a wireless mouse, this can also be used to transition slides.

If you’re using Windows 7 (which I recommend highly for its capabilities with all modern projectors), press the WINKEY+P to switch displays and go into Projector only mode.

Test Equipment Before Presenting

Whether you’re using your equipment or someone elses, always do a “dry” run before you present. Make sure your laptop is communicating with the projector, make sure your wireless device has fresh batteries and communicates with your laptop from where you will actually stand to present, and make sure everyone can see (and hear) from all corners of the room. You’ll either need a cloning of yourself or a friend (probably easier) to stand at the far extermeities of the room to test visibility and audibility.

Make Sure Your Presentation is Clear and Easy to Read

Please follow the advice in the following illustration I put together:

There’s nothing more distracting than busy, text-packed, hard-to-read slides.

More Tips

Here are some more useful tips to help you with your presentations:

• PowerPoint Presentation Advice
• Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations
• Top 10 Slide Tips

Now relax and present like a pro!

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