Preparing and Testing Technology

Summary

This script offers guidance on preparing and testing technology for successful presentations, both in-person and online. It emphasizes checking equipment, ensuring compatibility, and accessing content through multiple methods. Key tips include positioning the camera at eye level, optimizing lighting, maintaining a clean background, and using external microphones for better sound quality. For in-person presentations, it suggests familiarizing oneself with available tech and room conditions. For online settings, it stresses creating a professional environment free from distractions, ensuring that both video and audio are clear.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Check and test your technology beforehand to minimize technical issues during presentations.
• 🖥️ Be familiar with the available equipment in the room, such as projectors and computers, especially for in-person presentations.
• 🔌 Prepare multiple methods of accessing your presentation, like emailing it, using a USB, or storing it on Google Drive or OneDrive.
• 💻 Ensure compatibility between your presentation software and the technology you'll be using (e.g., avoid using Apple's Keynote on a PC).
• 💡 Check the lighting in the presentation room, ensuring that the audience can clearly see your visual aids.
• 🎥 For online presentations, position your camera at eye level for a more professional and engaging appearance.
• 🌞 Use natural or artificial lighting from the front or an angle to avoid being poorly lit during online presentations.
• 🏠 Ensure your background is clean, uncluttered, and professional to avoid distractions during online presentations.
• 🎙️ Test your microphone in advance, and consider using an external mic for better sound quality during online presentations.
• 🔊 Check video conferencing software settings to ensure your external microphone is selected over the computer’s internal microphone.

Q & A

What are the four main tech aspects to consider for in-person presentations?

The four main tech aspects to consider for in-person presentations are: 1) Check the tech, 2) Accessing your content, 3) Compatibility, and 4) Check the lighting.

Why is it important to check the technology in advance before an in-person presentation?

Checking the technology in advance helps minimize potential issues during the presentation, ensuring that the equipment works as expected and reducing the likelihood of disruptions.

How can you ensure your presentation is accessible if technology is unfamiliar or different?

You can ensure accessibility by checking the space in advance, bringing your own laptop if possible, testing compatibility with the available equipment, and preparing multiple access methods such as using a USB drive, Google Drive, or emailing the file.

What should you consider when accessing your presentation content?

You should consider how you will access your presentation, whether through emailing it to yourself, using a USB drive, cloud storage services like Google Drive or OneDrive, or having a copy on your personal computer.

What are good software options to ensure compatibility during presentations?

Browser-based tools like Google Slides, Canva, Kahoot, Mentimeter, and Prezi are good options because they do not rely on installed software and are compatible across different devices.

Why is lighting important in both in-person and online presentations?

Lighting affects visibility and can make it difficult for the audience to see your visuals or read the screen in in-person presentations. In online presentations, proper lighting helps you appear clear and professional to your audience.

What are the key considerations for setting up a camera for online presentations?

Key considerations include positioning the camera at eye level, ensuring stability to prevent shifting or falling, and making eye contact by looking at the camera rather than the screen or keyboard.

What can you do to improve lighting during online presentations?

You can use natural light from a window, avoiding sitting directly in front of it, or use lamps and other light sources to illuminate your face from an angle. Bouncing light off a wall can also create a flattering effect.

How can you minimize distractions in the background during online presentations?

You can minimize distractions by choosing a clean, solid background, closing doors behind you, and using video conferencing software to apply a digital background if necessary. Ensure that the background is appropriate and not distracting.

What steps should you take to ensure your microphone works effectively for online presentations?

To ensure effective microphone use, consider using an external microphone, positioning it near but not too close to your mouth, testing the sound quality with another person or using the software’s audio test, and confirming that the correct microphone is selected in your video conferencing software.