19.3. Presentation Hardware

If you’re lucky, you’ll have complete control over every aspect of your presentation—including the computer, the projector, and all the other technical bits and pieces that are required.

Often, though, you’ll be using others’ equipment; plugging your laptop into a video projector at a conference; or just showing up with your presentation on a USB thumb drive or a CD and running it on someone else’s computer. When the equipment isn’t your own, you have to be more flexible and ready to improvise. Whether you’re using your own projector or someone else’s, it’s a good idea to make a checklist and pack items that might be needed. Consider bringing extra extension cords and AC adapters, gaffer’s tape (to tape down cords), batteries (for remotes and pointers), a pocket flashlight, a USB thumb drive, an extra projector lamp, and a variety of cables and adapters to connect computers to projectors.