Armed with an excellently crafted storyline, a beautifully designed slide deck, and a well-rehearsed delivery plan, you arrive at the event. You walk in with your presentation in hand only to discover the venue does not have the proper technology to allow you to present as planned. Panic sets in, and you immediately regret assuming the right technology would be available. All of your hard work and preparation is about to go down the drain.
If that scenario doesn’t get your heart racing as a presenter, nothing will! There is nothing more uncomfortable than being fully prepared to present only to be hindered by circumstances that you should’ve foreseen. That’s why the team at Ethos3 has put together a fool-proof technology guide to help you know what to ask and what to bring to your next presentation so this situation doesn’t happen to you.
What to Ask.
When it comes to presentation technology, it’s important to know what to expect ahead of time. By not asking the right questions, you risk your beautifully designed slides falling flat.
Here are a few questions to ask before the event:
Will I be presenting on a TV or a screen?
What is the aspect ratio of the TV/screen?
Do you have a computer with USB available?
Is there audio available in the space?
Is the computer a Mac or PC?
This list is not exhaustive, but the answers to these questions will ensure you are well on your way to executing your presentation like a pro.
What to Bring.
After more than a decade of presentation experience, the team at Ethos3 has determined some essentials to bring to every presentation. For under $100, you can ensure you have the essential equipment to connect to almost any system in almost any scenario.
Here are a few essentials to bring:
HDMI Cable (Amazon affiliate link) – $6.99
DVI Adapter (Amazon affiliate link) – $6.99
Presenter Remote (Amazon affiliate link) – $34.99
(Important Note: This is a middle-of-the-line remote. Cost will fluctuate based on the level of remote you choose. Interested in learning more about the best presentation remotes? Check out the Ethos3 YouTube channel.)
USB Thumb Drive (Amazon affiliate link) – $13.32
While it may seem unnecessary to bring your own cables, it could save you a lot of undue panic and stress. Coming prepared ensures that no matter what the situation holds, you are ready to handle it with ease.
Preparation is more than just developing content and designing slides. To be truly prepared means to think through every potential complication and plan accordingly. Technology is an important part of every presentation, but when the available technology doesn’t meet your presentation’s needs, it can also cause a lot of problems. So when it’s time for your next presentation, ask questions and invest in a few back-up items to have all the essentials on hand. By being completely prepared and in control of the situation, you’ll ensure that your message is enhanced and complemented by your environment rather than distorted or diminished by it.
Unsure of where to start on your next presentation? Contact the team at Ethos3 today, and let us help you achieve presentation greatness.
Disclosure: Some of the links provided are “Amazon affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, Ethos3 will receive an affiliate commission.
