Technology classrooms support
Presentation tips for specific equipment

Document Camera

• Take advantage of its many uses
  One of the most versatile and often-used devices, it can greatly enhance the effectiveness of a lecture. Document cameras can display:
  • Documents
  • Books
  • Drawings
  • Transparencies
  • Slides
  • 3-D objects
    
• Create your documents with large, simple fonts
  Use the biggest fonts possible. Larger fonts are easier to read. Fonts without serifs, like Arial, are easier to read when projected.
  
• Use the Zoom feature
  Zoom in so the words are as big and well-framed as possible. Avoid unnecessary white space or unused paper.
  
• Move the paper around
  Instead of zooming out so the entire paper is visible, zoom in to the current part, then move the paper as necessary.
  
• To obtain the best focus:
  Zoom in as far as possible. Focus on the text, and then zoom back out.
  

Lighting

Use lighting to create a mood. A brighter light during class discussions allows students to see each other more easily. Dimming the lights when showing video or key pieces of information allows students to focus on the content.

Microphones

• Use the microphone if available
  Even if you talk loudly enough, or it is a small room, use it. Students can't hear you as well if you turn away from them. A mic will insure that you will always be understandable.
  
• Place the microphone correctly 
  The top of the microphone should directly face your mouth. Place the microphone about 4–6 inches below your mouth, in the center of your chest. Make sure the cloth of your shirt is not rubbing up against the microphone. Avoid wearing chains or necklaces that can hit the microphone.
  
• Use other microphones
  If you are having a guest speaker, or a panel discussion, bring in additional microphones.

Computer Presentations

• Use large fonts
  On your PowerPoint presentation, use the biggest fonts realistically possible.
  Small fonts are hard to read.
  
• Apply appropriate type styles for readability
  Type that is projected on a screen, using a slide, overhead or multimedia projector should be in sans serif type. That's because in the projection process letters lose some of their sharpness, and serif type can look muddy when projected.
  
• Use contrasting colors
  A dark background with light text is easier to read when projected. Specifically, a dark blue background with white text is the easiest to read on a computer screen and when projected.
  
• Avoid busy backgrounds
  Keep the background simple. Too much in the background makes the text hard to read.
  
• Avoid using red text
  Red text is often hard to read.
  
• AVOID ALL CAPS
  All caps looks like you're shouting and it's harder to read.
  
• Include a good combination of elements
  Use words, graphics, audio, video, animations, and graphics. A variety keeps the presentation interesting.
  
• Accessing the Internet
  Bookmark your Web sites ahead of time.

VCRs

Always use the highest quality version possible. VHS videotape does not stand the test of time very well, and does not hold up over several generations of copies. Use the newest tape or recording possible, and avoid several-generation copies (a copy of a copy of a copy...). If taping a program from television, use the fastest tape speed (SP), and use the original version, not a copy.

Some of the information was collected from
1. The booklet "15 Minute Guide To Winning Presentations" by Proxima.
2. Presentation Tips from Univ. of Wisconsin