Audio-Visual Component

When you are preparing for your presentation before your Senior Boards, remember that the old adage “seeing is believing” does have a ring of truth to it. When you present to your Board, you are the expert. Your job is to prepare a presentation that is articulate, informative and interesting.

Because of the past success of presentations that contain them, an audio-visual component is now a requirement for the Senior Boards. Without such visuals, oral presentations create the same interest and audience involvement as a lecture. Most students do not like sitting through lectures; neither do your judges.

To gain their interest, you might plan to use charts, posters or graphs you’ve designed as visual aids, or you might consider using slides or a video tape which shows you in some phase of your project. If your project is musical, an audio tape could be appropriate. With the use of audio- visual equipment in your presentation comes the responsibility of being properly prepared.

Below is a list of responsibilities:

1. Notify your teacher if you will need audio-visual equipment. Be specific about the type of equipment you will need.

2. If you plan to use a slide projector that is the school’s, make sure your slides are in a carousel in the proper order and that you know how to attach the carousel to the projector and, of course, how to use the slide projector. Practice makes perfect.

3. If you are using videotape, make sure it has been recorded on a speed that will play on the VHS assigned to you. Make sure your tape is advanced to the exact place where you want the viewing to begin.

4. If you are using Power Point, you MUST print out two hard copies of your presentation. If the computer in your assigned room goes down, you will need this backup for the judges to examine.

5. When the master schedule of presentations is posted, check to make sure that your request for audio-visual equipment has been met.

6. Remember the audio-visual component will enhance your presentation, but should not overshadow it. Limit videos to no more than two minutes of your oral presentation.

The success of your Senior Project rests squarely on your shoulders. Think each aspect of your Senior Project through. Planning, preparing and presenting for success require responsibility – yours.