Presenter's Guide

This guide is for the first time-user of distance education via video, or a presenter using our Facility or services.

EOU Video Services Facility, located in La Grande, Oregon, is a full service video production facility. Our primary delivery method is IP video. We also deliver programming via DVD and  videotape, and Charter Communication's cable TV Channel 3 in La Grande and Island City.

This guide presents  information on the facility, copyright concerns, the available presentation media, clothing, and other tools for use in your presentation.  

THE FACILITY

The EOU Video Services Facility has two studios. The larger Classroom seats 42 and has fixed classroom style seating. The smaller Seminar room seats up to 24. Each room has remotely controlled cameras, document cameras, and 27" video monitors for viewing overheads, videos, computer presentations, and remote sites.

The document cameras serve as overhead projectors. Props, books, displays, or any physical item can be displayed easily in the local classroom and distant sites.

Some guidelines for using the overheads include:

• Type should be large, at least 36 point. Smaller type may not be visible to distant sites or videotape viewers.
• The presenter controls focus and zoom on the overhead cameras. We suggest you allow sufficient time before your presentation to become familiar with these controls.
• For technical reasons, light blue paper is preferable to white paper for overheads. Clear overheads used on regular overhead projectors create reflections and glare.

• Always wear the mic. Holding it will cause you to be too loud or too soft.
• Let the technician adjust the volume of your mic. Don't move the mic unless the technician requests this.
• Do not twist or play with the mic cables as this can damage them.
• Never tap or blow into the mic. This can damage it.
• Don't shout into the mic. Digital audio distorts very badly with high audio levels. This is counter-intuitive to those experienced with analog audio.
• If you leave the presentation area, remember to switch off the mic. Unless you are sure, always assume that everyone can hear what you are saying or doing.
• Remember to switch on your mic when presenting.

CLOTHES

Basically, you can wear what you usually would for a presentation, with a few exceptions:

• Fine patterns, such as herringbone or thin stripes, will produce a rainbow or moire effect.
• Extremes colors, such as black, white, bright red, or patterns of saturated complimentary colors should be avoided.
• For women, scarves or necklaces will interfere with the placement of the lapel microphone. Simple cut dresses, without waistbands, collars, or lapels can also cause problems when trying to place the microphone.

AVAILABLE MEDIA

In addition to the overhead camera, the facilities can accomodate a variety of audio and video media, including VHS tapes, CDs, audio tapes, DVDs, Power Point presentations, web pages, and more. Each classroom has a networked computer available for the presenter.

It is important to notify, or have your producer notify, The EOU Video Srevices Staff if you wish to use any of these media.  Also, plan for more time before your presentation to learn how to effectively incorporate these media into your presentation.

COPYRIGHT ISSUES

ON-CAMERA PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES

• Don't be afraid to ask the technician for something on the air.
• Moving less is usually better. Rapid or continuous movement can be difficult for the cameras and people at distant sites to follow.
• Allow the camera time to adjust to changes. For example, if you set a prop down to display via camera, allow the camera time to pan, tilt, and focus.
• If presenting as part of a team, sit very close to your partner. What seems abnormally close in person looks very good on camera.
• There is a delay in audio in IP video systems. It can take a second or two after you finish a sentence for the other sites to hear all of what you just said. This delay feels unnatural and it can take some time to feel comfortable with it. Asking for a response too early frequently interferes with ("steps on") the reply from the other site, and requires people to stop and repeat themselves.

Y ou may also ask your producer or Facility staff about a practice session and/or critique.

Overall, we recommend you show up 15-30 minutes prior to your presentation. Allow more time to incorporate other materials and media. The facilities are not difficult to use, but it is better to take enough time to get oriented before you present.

If you have any questions or would like to visit the facility, feel free to contact the EOU Video Services Facility. We want to help make your presentation or conference the best that it can be.

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