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The major disadvantage of overhead projections and slides is that often you must speak from where your equipment is located. Unless you have remote-control equipment, you may have to stand behind or in the middle of the audience to run the projector. As a result, you may be talking to someone’s back. If you do not have remote-control equipment, your best solution may be to have a classmate change the projections or slides on cue. You will need to practice with this assistant to coordinate the showing of the projections with your words.
If you decide to use overheads or slides, check the equipment ahead of time and become familiar with its operation. You may need a long extension cord in order to position your equipment where you want it. Check the location of electrical outlets in advance, and be sure the cord fits. Practice using the equipment as you rehearse your speech. Be sure you have a spare light bulb for the machine. A burned-out light bulb has ruined many a presentation. Finally, don’t use too many slides or transparencies in a short speech. A presentation aid should do just that—aid your speech, not compete with or replace it.