If you are one of the presenters, check the online program for your time and room information. There may be some minor changes to the program. Let us know if you have any schedule conflicts.
Presentation Room. Check the online program for the room information and check the location on the MU Floor Map.
Presentation Time. Check the online program for the start and end time for your presentation. It includes the time for set up, presentation, questions, and tear down. (Consider communicating with other presenters in your session to share a laptop.) Please do not start your presentation until the designated time (even if the previous presenter is not there) because some people will be coming specifically to see your presentation at the designated time. As a professional courtesy to other presenters and audience, do not exceed the time allotted to you. There will be no session chairs or time keepers.
Presentation Technology. Each room is equipped with a video projector or monitor with a VGA and HDMI cables. (Except for Gold Room, which only has a VGA cable.) Please bring your own laptop and any necessary adapters. US power outlet takes type A and B plugs (two parallel pins and rated at 120V, 60Hz). There is no technology available for Roundtable sessions, but feel free to use your laptop, tablet, or other media to enhance your presentation.
Internet Access. Guest WiFi is available throughout campus. If you are planning to use the Internet during your presentation, please have a backup plan (e.g., screen shots, downloaded video, etc.). Eduroam is also available.
Adapters and Cables. A limited number of adapters and cables are available at the MU Information Desk at the South end of the 2nd floor hallway. Please check out from/return to the MU staff, using your own ID.
Printing and Copying Facility. PrintAnywhere service is available in the Memorial Union, Computer Commons, and Hayden Library; guests need to purchase a pre-paid card at the Sun Devil Bookstore. Photo-copy machines are located in the Hayden Library across from the Memorial Union.
Pro Tip. Here are some tips from Paul for professional presentation:
Before the presentation:
- If you plan to speak for 20 minutes, prepare a 15 minute presentation. The actual presentation usually takes longer than the practice run.
- Do not expect live Internet connection to work. Instead, use screen shots or downloaded videos.
- Test the equipment well before your presentation. You can do so before the first session in the morning, during refreshment and lunch breaks, or after the last session of the day.
- Arrive early (without disrupting the ongoing presentation) and have all the equipment and adapters in hand and connected so the only remaining step is to connect to the HDMI/VGA cables. Store everything else in one bag.
- Ensure your laptop/tablet has sufficient battery power, and sleep/hybernation mode is turned off.
During the presentation:
- If you have handouts, ask SSLW Assistants or the audience to help distribute them while you set up the equipment.
- Show the title page (with the title of your presentation, your name, institutional affiliation, and contact information, and maybe a short link or QR code for handouts) on the screen at the beginning and end of your presentation.
- If you use a presentation software, be sure to enter the presentation mode, and do not exit the presentation mode at the end of the presentation. Show the title page or use a black screen. (For PowerPoint, just hit “B” for blank.)
- If you want to temporarily turn off the screen, enter the presentation mode on PowerPoint, and hit B for black screen. No matter what happens, do not turn off the projector (it may take some time to restart) or cover the lens with a piece of paper (fire hazard).
- Don’t try to say everything you know. Just focus on a few key points, each with one or two best examples or illustrations. You can elaborate during the Q&A session.
- Don’t waste time on a predictable outline (introduction, method, results, discussion) or extensive lit review (unless your presentation is a review/synthesis).
- Also don’t waste time by flashing the bibliography on the screen (unless you can give people the time to at least take a picture). Instead, prepare a handout, provide a short URL/QR code on the last screen with a link to your bibliography, or offer to provide it upon request.
At the end of the presentation:
- If you run out of time, stop the presentation immediately and let the next presenter start setting up. There is no excuse for poor planning.
- If people want to ask questions afterwards, ask them to wait outside the room, gather your personal equipment, and leave the room to continue the conversation.
Microphone use:
- For handheld microphones: Hold the microphone slightly below your mouth (not directly in front of the mouth), pointing at the mouth at an angle (to avoid popping sounds).
- For pin microphones: Clip it in the middle of your body just under your neck. If you have to hold the microphone, position it slightly below your mouth. Do not cover the holes.
- For all microphones: Listen to your own voice and adjust the volume by changing the distance from your mouth. Do not stand directly in front of or under a speaker (to avoid the feedback loop). If the feedback loop starts, hide the microphone from the speaker while stepping aside.