The 10th Power of WOW: Eliminate Audio-Visual Distractions

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Annoying distractions can irritate your audience and reduce the effectiveness of your message. There are a lot of good and bad ways to enhance the message of your presentation. Try to avoid these common problems listed.

Poor advance work
Check the facility and equipment thoroughly before your audience arrives. Set up your equipment, then make sure your visuals can be seen clearly from any seat in the room. Find light switches and know in advance how they should be set while visuals are being shown.

Awkward room layout
Determine where you will stand or walk while the visuals are being viewed. Will you be in the way? Do you plan to use pointers or slide changers? If so, where will you be when using these? Don’t be your own audio-visual distraction.

Distracting equipment
Be sure you carry backup parts necessary to make your equipment work — extra light bulbs for projectors, batteries for computers, markers for boards, or grease pencils for overhead cells. Bring a long extension cord in case outlets are far away. Equipment difficulties make you look unprepared.

Overusing visuals
Visuals should support and emphasize important points; they should not be the presentation. “You” are the heart of the communication. Relying on visuals too much prevents you from connecting with your audience.

Under-using visuals
An old adage states “tell me once, tell me twice, tell me three times, then maybe I’ll believe you.” No matter what your subject, your purpose is to affect the attitude of your audience. If you underuse visuals, you miss an excellent opportunity to repeat your important points.

This was the last of our blogs on: The Power of WOW! – I hope you have enjoyed reading our weekly guide on how to enhance your presentations! Please don’t hesitate to comment on any of the blogs!

This article is written by © Keld Jensen 2011 - www.keldjensen.com