Demo Tips

Tips on Doing a Demo

So you've agreed to demonstrate something for a group meeting, or maybe you're just thinking about it. Below are some tips learned from experience to make it a little easier.

Video

We use an LCD projection panel that belongs to the San Diego Computer Society. Before shutting down your computer to bring it to the meeting, please set the video to these settings:

    Resolution: 640 by 480
    Colors: 256
    Refresh rate: 72Hz or less

While it is not necessary to bring a monitor, it's still a good idea to bring one, preferrably a 14 inch model. Having a monitor lets you face the audience while talking, which is more comfortable for the presenter. Also, the light from the monitor will help you see your keyboard.

If your normal resolution is substantially higher than 640 by 480, it's a good idea to finish by running the app(s) needed for the demo & moving them to the upper left corner of the screen, then closing them. Otherwise when you start the app(s) they tend to go to the screen coordinates where they were last time, which may be past the right edge of a 640 by 480 display. (Speaking from experience...)

Things to bring

Having these items is not mandatory, but they make things smoother.

Screwdrivers for your PC & cables - typically Phillips & straight-blade
An extension cord
A spare power cord for your PC & monitor
A marker, in case you want to write something on an easel pad

Last updated on 7/30/98.