Using Overhead Transparencies
Using Overhead Transparencies by Lenny Laskowski
© 1997 LJL Seminars http://www.ljlseminars.com
While the current trend in the training industry is heading toward the use of the LCD Projector technology, the overhead projector is still the most popular presentation device used today. Most facilities have an overhead projector in every training room or conference room. Although it is the most widely used, it is also the biggest abused. Some presenters continue to misuse the overhead projector even though they have used them for years. I have provided below some basic guidelines and tips when using an overhead projector. Although some of these tips seem like common sense, many presentations fail because these basic tips are not consistently applied. Here are some tips and rules to be aware of: 1. Practice giving your presentation using your visual aids to check out how well they project. This is a good time to also check for spelling errors. Have a friend sit and watch your presentation and make notes on any problems or needed improvements with your visual aids. Practice using your overhead transparencies so you will be comfortable with handling them correctly. 2. Stand off to one side of the overhead projector while you face the audience - Too many people stand between the overhead projector and the screen causing a shadow of the presenter's body. Standing to one side will allow the audience to see you as the presenter and will prevent you from blocking their view of your visual aid. 3. Do not face the "projected" image on the screen - Face your audience and not the screen. Many presenters face the screen and end up talking to the screen.
4. Cover the transparency when you are done using it-with an opaque piece of cardboard (I usually mount a solid sheet of paper on one of my transparency frames). You may also turn off the projector completely, but beware, this can cause the projector bulb to burn out sooner. 5. Bring a spare bulb!-Nothing is more
© 1997 LJL Seminars http://www.ljlseminars.com
While the current trend in the training industry is heading toward the use of the LCD Projector technology, the overhead projector is still the most popular presentation device used today. Most facilities have an overhead projector in every training room or conference room. Although it is the most widely used, it is also the biggest abused. Some presenters continue to misuse the overhead projector even though they have used them for years. I have provided below some basic guidelines and tips when using an overhead projector. Although some of these tips seem like common sense, many presentations fail because these basic tips are not consistently applied. Here are some tips and rules to be aware of: 1. Practice giving your presentation using your visual aids to check out how well they project. This is a good time to also check for spelling errors. Have a friend sit and watch your presentation and make notes on any problems or needed improvements with your visual aids. Practice using your overhead transparencies so you will be comfortable with handling them correctly. 2. Stand off to one side of the overhead projector while you face the audience - Too many people stand between the overhead projector and the screen causing a shadow of the presenter's body. Standing to one side will allow the audience to see you as the presenter and will prevent you from blocking their view of your visual aid. 3. Do not face the "projected" image on the screen - Face your audience and not the screen. Many presenters face the screen and end up talking to the screen.
4. Cover the transparency when you are done using it-with an opaque piece of cardboard (I usually mount a solid sheet of paper on one of my transparency frames). You may also turn off the projector completely, but beware, this can cause the projector bulb to burn out sooner. 5. Bring a spare bulb!-Nothing is more