One of my favorite saying is, “It’s OK to put all your eggs in one basket so long as you watch the basket.â€
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With those words in mind, if you’re giving a presentation that depends on a projector and slides, then make sure that you don’t show up with a broken projector. Check out the projector before you leave. And if necessary, bring a backup.
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But there is another approach to the “broken projector†problem.  Simply don’t ever deliver a presentation where a projector is essential. The best presentations make three points and tell a handful of personal stories. No projectors are needed.
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I flew to Dallas once for a program with a client and the projector was broken. My client panicked because she was supposed to supply the projector. But I stayed calm.
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“Do you have a flip chart?†I asked.
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The presentation went off without a problem. The presentation came off well because the projector was nice but not essential. I was able to deliver the presentation without slides.