10 Essential Items for the Presenter

Here is the checklist that we use

1. Laptop or PC
2. The latest version of powerpoint
3. Projector and replacement bulb
4. HDMI cable/DVI/VGI Adapter
5. Connector (if you are using a mac)
6. Pointer (Check if the battery is good)
7. Screen (You can also use the wall if you don't have the screen)
8. Video Adapter
9. Portable Mic
10. Head Phone
11. Mouse & Mouse Pad
12. Duct Tape
13. Rubber Doorstop
14. CD or Pen Drive
15. Small Timer / Clock / Timer App

10 Essential Items for the Presenter on the Go

·         1) Portable Projector. ...

·         2) HDMI / DVI / VGA Adapter. ...

·         3) Presentation Remote. ...

·         4) Mini Wireless Keyboard. ...

·         5) Wireless Microphone. ...

·         6) Portable Speakers. ...

·         7) Presentation Timer. ...

·         9) Smartpen.

 

10 Essential Items for the Presenter on the Go

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If you are a professional presenter, motivational speaker or someone who has to give presentations frequently, you might want to use your own presentation kit. In a previous post we pointed out various tech problems for presenters and how to avoid them, as well as a comprehensive guide to use a mobile device to give a presentation. This time we will provide you with a list of the 10 essential presentation items that you can keep in your presentation kit to avoid running into an embarrassing situation due to technical problems or the absence of critical equipment at a venue.

 

 

1) PORTABLE PROJECTOR

I was at a seminar a few days back and the only presenter that stood out among the rest was the one who had some visual aid. Speeches can be boring and keeping your audience attentive without a visual aid can be hard. This is why it is useful to make presentation slides or to use videos, diagrams or charts to explain your presentation topic. However, not every presentation venue has projectors, and sometimes you can be left with no choice but to opt for an oral presentation.

What can help you avoid missing out on that critical piece of visual aid is the use of a pocket / portable projector. Not only can a portable projector be a lifesaver in meetings and conferences but also when there might not be any projector available for presenting your content; or when the available projector might be busted.

If you’re looking for a portable projector, you might want to look into a tripod pocket projector or a model like the Magnasonic mini video projector, which works with smartphones, tablets and cameras.

 

2) HDMI / DVI / VGA ADAPTER

Projectors and computers are not always the happiest couple. Sometimes you can end up with a projector which has no HDMI input (e.g. a legacy model), which means your laptop will not be able to connect to it, as modern Windows based laptops usually don’t have a VGA port. If you’re a Mac guy, you would know how Apple took excruciatingly long to add an HDMI port. Either way, having a portable adapter with multiple ports can help you avoid a massive headache.

A few adapters you can look into include; Cable Matters DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI/VGA Adapter, which supports 4K Resolution (via HDMI), as well as has DVI and VGA ports. Another good option can be the Belinda 3in1 Mini Displayport to HDMI DVI VGA Adapter (among other models).

 

3) PRESENTATION REMOTE

This is one of the most common device many presenters carry. Not only can a presentation remote help you move freely on the stage as you manage your slides, but also provide you with additional features; such as the Satechi Bluetooth Smart Pointer Mobile Presenter, which also provides a laser pointer, remote control for multiple devices, such as a Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android smartphone (specific models).

 

Also check out these highest rated presentation remotes on Amazon.

 

4) MINI WIRELESS KEYBOARD

It’s hard to imagine typing without a keyboard of some sort. What’s perhaps even harder is to carry a large keyboard everywhere you go. This is why you might find it handy to carry a mini wireless keyboard. One of the models you might want to check out is the Rii Mini Wireless 2.4GHz Keyboard, which works with not only PCs or Macs but also Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3 and PS4, Google Android TV Box, HTPC and IPTV.

 

5) WIRELESS MICROPHONE

How often have you seen a microphone malfunction? Probably more often than you can remember. Then there are microphones that somehow aren’t loud enough due to technical issues or the negligence of event organizers. To be on the safe side, you might want to use a wireless microphone.

You can opt for something like the Nady DKW DUO Dual Wireless Headmic Microphone VHF System or something more inexpensive like the Shure PGA31 Headset Condenser Microphone.

 

 

6) PORTABLE SPEAKERS

I have seen some presenters carry portable speakers and they do tend to come in handy every now and then to play videos and other digital content if and when there is an issue with the default sound system. You can either opt for something a bit more loaded like a presentation speaker and amplification System or perhaps a cheaper option like a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker.

 

7) PRESENTATION TIMER

If you need to organize events where multiple speakers need to speak, or wish to time your own presentations perfectly, a portable timer might be a good addition to your presentation kit.

While you can use a basic timer to guide you with the time needed to finish your presentation, you can also opt for something more feature-rich, such as a presentation timer with red-yellow-green stop lights. This type of timer usually comes with additional features like a beeper, clock and connectivity for multiple timekeepers.

 

 

8) LAPTOP SECURITY CABLE

You might not know this but most laptops come with a slot to use a security cable to protect your computer. To protect your data from theft, and to add an extra layer of security to your device, you can use a laptop security cable. If you handle sensitive, confidential data on your laptop (e.g. corporate data), then you might want to ensure you add a laptop security cable to your presentation kit.

9) SMARTPEN

While this is not a commonly used device by most presenters, however, its utility to presenters can be immense. A smartpen can allow you to write freely using a digital pen on a piece of paper or a digital screen, as your written or drawn content is revealed on the big screen.

One of the most famous Smartpen brands is LiveScribe, which comes packed with a plethora of handy features for writing and freehand drawing, with the ability to record everything you say and hear.

 

10) MYO GESTURE CONTROL ARMBAND

MYO is a really cool gadget that lets you remotely control different devices using hand gestures like a Jedi. Not only can you control PowerPoint slides with hand gestures but your music, games, and even an actual drone!

We think the MYO Gesture Control Armband is still a bit too ambitious, hence we placed it at the bottom of the list but make no mistake, but this device is the closest thing you will ever be to Darth Vader or perhaps Luke Skywalker. Personally, I always liked Obi Wan Kenobi.

1: The presentation accessories

Many things you'll want in your kit are specific to the presentation at hand. The following items belong on your checklist, even though the tangibles will change with each presentation:

• Handouts for the audience
• A printout of your presentation and notes using large fonts (for you)
• A backup copy of the presentation on CD or thumb drive
• A map of the conference room and your layout design
• Evaluation forms
• Contact information for the site's technical support personnel

2: The equipment

Your laptop is an obvious choice, but a few other vital pieces of equipment might be easy to forget. Be sure to pack the following:

• Projector and replacement bulb
• Mouse and mouse pad
• Remote (the ones with the built-in laser pointer are nice)
• Microphone
• Headphones (if you use them)
• Appropriate cables, including a dual mini plug if you use a boom box for sound (#9)
• Video adapter (many projectors want VGA) if your laptop doesn't output VGA

Most conference facilities will supply some or all of these items, but working with your own equipment has its advantages: You'll be more at ease with your own equipment and you'll be able to quickly troubleshoot most problems. Also consider the addition of a portable screen. A blank wall works in a pinch, but it isn't the best way to present yourself, your product, or your company.

3: Electrical access

One extension cord is probably enough if you also have a power strip (carry at least one). The cord's length is up to you, but the longer the better. Just be prepared to secure it (#5) and stow the coiled up excess in a safe spot, perhaps under your table or on a podium shelf. Also carry a plug adaptor; older buildings still have two-prong outlets.

4: A battery of batteries

Carry a second battery for your laptop, even if yours is new and promises a long life. (They all do.) The day you don't have the extra is the day your battery will die and an electrical source won't be handy. Better yet, invest in a universal power supply; they're cheap and getting smaller and lighter.

You'll also want an extra set or two of batteries for every battery-powered device you use. Take inventory and have plenty of extras on hand. If your client or conference room staff agrees to supply these devices, ask if they also supply fresh batteries.

5: Duct tape

You can purchase duct tape in travel-size rolls. At the very least, you should secure electrical cords in high-traffic areas. Don't forget your own small space either. Tripping on a cord in the middle of a presentation is embarrassing and could displace equipment or even bring the presentation to a halt while you replug, reboot, and regroup.

6: Rubber doorstop

Always stash a rubber doorstop in your kit. Projectors are notorious for being uneven and wobbly. A doorstop will quickly put things right and steady.

7: Portable timer

Most monitors display the time, but it's a small indicator and not easy to see from a distance. If it's critical that you stay on track to accommodate time restrictions, use a portable timer -- something with a large display but that's otherwise discreet.

8: Security cable

Consider using a security cable to protect your laptop if you know you'll be in and out of the conference room. A cable won't stop a truly determined thief, but it'll slow one down.

9: Sound equipment

Sound files will usually feed directly into the room's sound system. If not, consider external speakers. The larger the room the more powerful the speakers should be. Nowadays, you can purchase small speakers with a lot of power without spending a lot of money. A boom box with auxiliary input might also do the trick. You'll need a cable with mini plugs on both ends; plug one end into the headphone jack on your laptop and the other into the auxiliary jack in the boom box. (Not all boom boxes have an auxiliary jack.)

10: Bottled water

This last one sounds a bit contrived: You can get water anywhere, can't you? Usually, you can. But if you can't, you'll be miserable. Put a couple of sealed bottles in your kit. If you don't have access to water, you'll have a backup, and any headache will be the result of thunderous applause and not dehydration!