Tip 201: Load your slides onto the venues computer

When you arrive at the venue make it a priority to put your presentation onto the computer that will be running it.

Some events will require you to have submitted your presentation file several weeks in advance of the event. The file should then be already available for you to use on the day.

If you have brought your presentation files on a USB memory stick, floppy disk or CDROM, it is advisable to transfer your files from your media device onto the computer where it will be used rather than running the presentation from the media itself.

This eliminates the risk of any last-minute connectivity problems between your media and the computer. Further, computers are unable to read large files from media devices quickly, and so your presentation may run slowly with unpredictable pauses if you attempt to run a large presentation from a media device. Again, this problem is eliminated if you transfer your presentation onto the computer itself.

Alternatively you may be able to connect your own laptop computer to the venue’s projector and run your presentation from your own laptop. If you are planning to do this, do make sure that the connecting cable is compatible and functioning and that you laptop battery is charged up.

The sooner you do this, the more time you and the event organisers have to correct any compatibility problems. You do not want to be in the situation where you are at the lectern to deliver your talk and are unable to access your presentation files due to a connectivity problem.

"Wow! This guide and handbook made a huge difference to my delegates at my online workshop. They loved everything we did. Thanks to Dr Mandar Marathe's book I developed my presentation skills quickly whilst enjoying all the new concepts and ideas this book offers in a very easy to read and practical manner.
 
All professional speakers, trainers and sales people should get a copy of this book!"
- Ash Ali, Online Marketing Expert & Founder of Sandalstore.co.uk

Table of contents
(Click to view sample pages from the book)

Introduction
About the author
How to use this book
Who needs this book?
Chapter 1: Planning for your presentation
Chapter 2: Preparing the delivery
Chapter 3: Preparing effective PowerPoint® slides
Chapter 4: Preparing a handout
Chapter 5: Rehearsals
Chapter 6: Just before the presentation
Chapter 7: Last-minute tips for confidence
Chapter 8: Delivering the presentation
Chapter 9: 'Any questions?'
Chapter 10: After the presentation
Chapter 11: Final Thoughts

About the author

Dr Mandar Marathe graduated from Southampton University with an honours degree in Biomedical Sciences in 1998 and a Bachelor of Medicine degree in 1999. He holds advanced qualifications in Emergency Medicine and in Toxicology.

He juggles a career as a doctor working in Accident & Emergency, while raising three children with his wife, writing books, and endlessly surfing the internet looking for the next "big thing".

With almost two decades of public speaking experience in both academic and professional arenas, he is today an enthusiastic and popular educator who is well qualified to share his ideas about what makes a successful speaker and a powerful presentation.

Dr Mandar Marathe is the course director for the FCEM Course.