The screen (of monitor in some cases) is for the audience.  The laptop on the table, or printed Power Point should be used by the presenter.  Why?  Two words:  Eye contact.  In order to connect with an audience, a presenter must maintain the highest level of eye contact possible.  That’s impossible to do if a presenters back is facing the audience because they are presenting to the screen.  Good presenters will glance down at the screen, using it as a prompt, then make eye contact with their audience.

Next time you find yourself in a presentation, watch to see if the person presenting is doing it the “right” way.  Odds are they won’t, but after reading this, you will.

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