Screen Captures
I was in the audience the other day, and we were subjected to a MEGO presentation. (MEGO = Mine Eyes Gloss Over).
Our presenter did the following, and I warn you about this, so that you can rethink your strategy if you are tempted to follow this example.
Our presenter demonstrated a website, live on the Internet, and then clicked on "View" then on "Source". This shows the audience the code on a webpage.
Here are the problems with this setting, and the solution follows:
1. Never, ever, demo live websites during a presentation. You run the risk of at least the following, and possibly much more going wrong. Firstly, you may not be able to connect to the Internet. Who knows what can go wrong - your PC card fails at the last minute, your ISP account is cancelled, or martians land on the roof of the building. If you plan to demo a live website during your presentation then don't cry to me when you are left apologizing to your audience for your stupidity. Secondly, the website may not look the same as when you prepared for your presentation. You look stupid when you point out the ingredients for your case study and your case study is no longer valid. Thirdly, the website may look very different through the projection equipment. The vibrant yellow on the website may be a dull, dark distortion when the audience sees it through the aging projector. The audience sees this as your poor preparation.
2. Believe it or not, people at the back of the room cannot read the details of a page full of 10 point font. Yes, yes, I know, some people drool at their ability to decipher HTML code from a projector screen. The rest of your audience will politely (and soon become less polite) allow their minds to visit the beach while MEGO prevails.
3. You turn to the screen and point out the code which makes headlines, sub headlines and graphics while your audience looks at your back. If your audience did not mentally visit the beach in point 2 above, they are sure checking out now.
So, what is the solution? Put in some effort and use Camtasia to capture the screens you believe will cure world hunger, and highlight the all-important html code. Then put up your slides and go to the back of the room to see if you can read it from where your audience is reading from. If not, then put the code on handouts, with larger font and highlights so that your audience can play along with you at home.
Our presenter did the following, and I warn you about this, so that you can rethink your strategy if you are tempted to follow this example.
Our presenter demonstrated a website, live on the Internet, and then clicked on "View" then on "Source". This shows the audience the code on a webpage.
Here are the problems with this setting, and the solution follows:
1. Never, ever, demo live websites during a presentation. You run the risk of at least the following, and possibly much more going wrong. Firstly, you may not be able to connect to the Internet. Who knows what can go wrong - your PC card fails at the last minute, your ISP account is cancelled, or martians land on the roof of the building. If you plan to demo a live website during your presentation then don't cry to me when you are left apologizing to your audience for your stupidity. Secondly, the website may not look the same as when you prepared for your presentation. You look stupid when you point out the ingredients for your case study and your case study is no longer valid. Thirdly, the website may look very different through the projection equipment. The vibrant yellow on the website may be a dull, dark distortion when the audience sees it through the aging projector. The audience sees this as your poor preparation.
2. Believe it or not, people at the back of the room cannot read the details of a page full of 10 point font. Yes, yes, I know, some people drool at their ability to decipher HTML code from a projector screen. The rest of your audience will politely (and soon become less polite) allow their minds to visit the beach while MEGO prevails.
3. You turn to the screen and point out the code which makes headlines, sub headlines and graphics while your audience looks at your back. If your audience did not mentally visit the beach in point 2 above, they are sure checking out now.
So, what is the solution? Put in some effort and use Camtasia to capture the screens you believe will cure world hunger, and highlight the all-important html code. Then put up your slides and go to the back of the room to see if you can read it from where your audience is reading from. If not, then put the code on handouts, with larger font and highlights so that your audience can play along with you at home.
Labels: PowerPoint Tips
posted by Wayne Botha @ 9:11 PM
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