Having the latest in audio visual technology is certainly a must for successful corporations and businesses in North America. With the latest AV technology, corporations and businesses have the ability to better inform clients and staff of business endeavors and of relevant information pertaining to the industry in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Through social networking, video conferencing, and virtual office technology, audio visual technology can increase efficiency, awareness, and productivity. While the usage of these means proves to be highly beneficial, the main success comes down to the experience and training of the presenter. To often do personnel attempt to give presentations and fail due to inexperience and lack of prior technological training. More often than not, this results negatively and can severely damage the credibility of the presenter, the corporation/business, and its practices. The role of the presenter to inspire, motivate, and prove rich, informative content for all of their viewers. Making sure that presenters are not only well prepared but trained and comfortable with the situation is necessary when audio visual technology is being utilized and a business's credibility is on the line.
One of the first questions needed to be evaluated is what specific audio visual equipment is necessary for the presentation. Not only as a way of making sure the necessary equipment is on hand and functioning, but by discussing the topic with the presenter prior to the presentation, the level of knowledge can be judged. Make sure that the presenter attends at least an hour prior to launch to make sure their laptop is compatible with the AV equipment and that everything works as a fully functional unit. Finally, have everything in writing, so that it can be documented and able to be followed to ensure that AV Technicians won't make any sudden last minute changes.
It's also very important to have the presenter provide thorough background information in regards to their experience in giving presentations. The last thing you want in a corporation is to have an inexperienced, first time presenter act as a lead in a highly vital business presentation with clients, especially internationally. Ask how many presentations they have done in the past. Presenting is a speaking skill that gets better overtime as experience and comfort are increased. If they have a video of a previous presentation, view it or ask them to give a quick on-the-spot presentation on their daily activities to a few staff members including yourself. This is a great way to judge how well they deal with pressure and to view how involved they are with the audience. Also, it may be helpful to know if they have been invited back to speak when giving previous presentations. This allows you to know what other people thought of the presenter's abilities.
Finally, it is important to discuss the presentation topics prior to launch. The point is to be an expert and to have the ability to adapt and succeed in any spontaneous situation. It may be beneficial to have a mach presentation on the topics at hand, to ensure the presenter is prepared, highly knowledgeable, and flexible. By using the AV equipment in the facility, staff located throughout can view the mach presentation, ask questions, and give their constructive criticisms without even being in the same room using microphones, visual recording systems, and projector or LCD screens. Also, this allows for the presenter to know how long the presentation may last. This is beneficial because it assists the presenter by making sure they are well prepared and don't have too much or too little material readily available and so that they know at what speaking rate they should maintain.
