Position

If you’re using visual aids, such as photos on a slide projector or a PowerPoint presentation, make sure you don’t stand directly between the audience and the screen. Make sure that you speak to the audience, don’t speak to the screen. Stand to the side of the screen and use an appropriate tool to point things out. The jury’s still out on the best tool - some say to use your hand or a stick, others say to use a laser pointer, or the mouse cursor if it’s a PowerPoint presentation. If you do use a laser pointer or mouse cursor, try to avoid unnecessary waving it in circular patterns - it can be distracting.

If you’re behind a podium or table, it’s sometimes a good idea to come out from behind it - it can look like you’re hiding.

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