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Communicating Using Technology
Vol. 2 Issue 3 February 4, 2003
Published and Copyright by Dave Paradi
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For more information, articles and resources about how
to Communicate Using Technology, visit
http://www.communicateusingtechnology.com.
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1. Buying a Slide Remote
2. What not to carry on a flight
3. Useful Resource - www.medianet-ny.com
1. Buying a Slide Remote
One of the things that sets polished presenters apart is
the use of a remote control to advance slides. With the
right remote control, it can seem like the slides are
changing magically because the audience doesn't see the
remote. I have used one for years and highly recommend
it. I am about to buy a new one and thought I would
share some thoughts on what you need to consider when
buying a remote control. First is to consider what you
want it to do. Do you need to advance slides only, or
will you need it to have full mouse control as well?
The answer to this question will drive how large the
device will be - the more functions you require, the
larger it will be (and the more expensive it will be).
Second, how will the remote communicate with the
computer? The receiver for older devices connects to
the serial port and communicates using infra-red light
(like a TV remote). The newer devices have a receiver
that plugs into the USB port and communicates using
radio frequency (RF) technology. This is a better
approach because many new computers will not have serial
ports and RF technology does not require you to point
the remote at the receiver. Third, how hard are the
buttons to push? This sounds trivial but it is not.
One of our subscribers returned a remote after finding
that the buttons were too hard and awkward to push.
Make sure you try it out before you buy it. In most
cases, a computer store will not have remotes since they
are a low volume item, so you will likely have to check
with a projector dealer or search the web. BTW, the one
I am going to buy is the Remote Point Navigator from
Interlink Electronics (http://www.rpnav.com) because it
is small and does only the basic functions that I need.
2. What not to carry on a flight
As everyone knows, airport security has increased
dramatically since 9/11. As one who travels with
technology, I wanted to share my latest list of what to
pack in your suitcase and not try to take on board an
airplane. If you try to take these on board, you run
the risk of having them confiscated (this has happened
to me) or having to mail them back to yourself (had this
happen as well). The list includes: tape of any type,
computer security cables (especially if they have a lock
on them), extension cords, power bars, computer cables
(printer cables, extension cables) and web cameras.
What I am doing to make it easier to pack and use this
equipment is to use one of the small briefcase type bags
you get from a conference and put all the cables in this
zippered bag. Then put the bag on the top of your
suitcase so that you can pack your cables in at the end
of your session and head to the airport quickly. Be
aware that the list of what is allowed on a flight is
different at every airport and it changes literally
every day, so it is better to check anything that might
get confiscated. Also, it is more important than ever
to know where a computer or office supply store is
located close to your destination in case you need to
make a last minute purchase of something that has "gone
missing". Check your favorite store's web site for
locations in your destination city. Another alternative
is to courier your equipment to your destination hotel
in advance of your travel, the downside being that you
don't have access to the equipment for a few days before
your trip.
3. Useful Resource - http://www.medianet-ny.com
The next presentation web site that I want to share with
you is by Tom Mucciolo. Tom is based in New York and is
a very polished presenter and author of books on
PowerPoint and presentation skills. His site contains
numerous articles and tips on room setup, slide design
and delivery. I saw Tom present about two years ago and
he raised the bar for me in what was possible in helping
audiences understand our message using slides. After
his presentation, I went back and redesigned a section
of a workshop I was giving and reduced the number of
questions on that section by over 75%.
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Do you want more articles on how to effectively
communicate when using technology? Visit the web site
for more articles and Dave's books, booklets and CD's.
http://www.communicateusingtechnology.com
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If you have a tip you want to share, we are always
looking for good ideas to share with our readers - we
always attribute the ideas to the source. If there is
an area of communicating with technology that you need
more information on, please let us know and we will try
to include it in a future issue. Send an e-mail to
dave@communicateusingtechnology.com with your ideas.
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