Working with Multimedia

1. Keep it simple

Don't try to impress everyone by showing 25 different fonts, six text colors and lots of clip art.

2. Less screen text is better

Try to limit each screen to three lines of text, using upper and lower case letters. There's no need to capitalize every word - the screen text should look the same as a printed article.

3. Type

Black type works well against a white background, but use bold colors for the header, footer and bullet points. Use red sparingly - it's difficult for the eye to adjust to that color.

4. Company identity/dates

You can put the company name on every screen if you keep it small or just use the logo. Don't date every screen.

5. No last minute changes

Don't make changes 24 hours before the presentation when you're working with sophisticated programming. You risk crashing your entire program by making edits - even small ones - the night before. Wait until next time. You'll save money and save face.

6. Know your tools

Learn the right computer settings for the digital projector. The first time you rode a bike without training wheels, you probably fell down. That was fine when you were six, but with your reputation on the line, there's no room for error. If you're using TV monitors, check the sound and color beforehand.

7. Practice

Get to the site early and scope it out. Locate the remote device for the projector. Get used to the lighting by standing on stage before the crowd enters. Practice scrolling the computer screens and remember to turn off the wireless microphone when you are finished speaking.