Having done a number of presentations, I have accumulated a list of items to go over before each presentation to make sure I am full prepared:
- Bring my laptop that has my PowerPoint presentation, mouse, powercord
- Bring a microphone to record the session or if it will be webcast. A cheap solution is Logitech Labtec Desktop Microphone 600. A better, but more expensive solution is the Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone
- Bring a page-up clicker such as RF Wireless Laser Pointer with Page up Down PowerPoint Presentation Function (Black). Saves having to press a key on your laptop to advance the slides, especially when your laptop if not close to where you are standing to present
- Bring a USB memory stick that has a backup of my PowerPoint presentation. Just in case your laptop fails and you have to borrow another laptop
- Install ZoomIt on my laptop. So you can zoom in during a demo for those in the back of the room
- Print notes pages with slide thumbnails. In the very unlikely scenario you have no power or no functioning laptop
- Bring an air card if you need internet access in case the location does not have working WiFi
- Turn off the power/screen saver on your laptop so your presentation is not interrupted
- Use white background/black text on your slides
- Wear a watch or display a clock on your laptop (or use the clock/timer in Presenter View) to keep track if you are going to fast or slow
- In PowerPoint, turn off auto advance of slide (see Set Time Duration For Moving To Next Slide [PowerPoint 2010])
- In PowerPoint, make sure to review: On the Slide Show tab, in the Monitors group, ensure that the monitor on which you want the audience to see your presentation, appears in the Show On list
- Make sure to review how to view PowerPoint notes while in Slide Show mode: View your speaker notes privately, while delivering a presentation on multiple monitors.
- You may want to make a few setting changes on your laptop to improve recording: Go to Sound -> Recording -> Properties -> Levels -> FrontMic (100) and Microphone Boost (+20). Also check the boxes for Noise Suppression and Acoustic Echo Cancellation
- Bring business cards
More info:
How to Write a Conference Abstract
What Makes a Good Conference Session or Keynote?
Plagiarism Week: Pilfered Presentations
How to Deliver a Killer Technical Presentation
How to Rehearse a Presentation
How I Made the #SQLPASS Top 10 Sessions
Gaining Speaker Experience Credentials
Speaker Lessons Learned – Free Advice That’s Paid For
How to Prep for a Presentation
The Presenter’s Bill of Rights
Become a Presenter, Change Your Life
