6.4Toolbox
The essentials in 30 seconds
- A checklist protects memory: the same critical points come up in each presentation.
- Three key moments: before the meeting, during the screening, after the meeting.
- Shortcuts save time: F5, B, Ctrl + M and Ctrl + G become reflexes.
Fil Amel — the everyday toolbox
Amel has gathered her guidelines in a small toolbox: a pre-screening checklist, a rehearsal sheet, a list of shortcuts and a framing template. Nothing spectacular, but anything that keeps him from reinventing the wheel and uncovering a problem in front of the committee.
A toolbox only has value if it is used: better four applied benchmarks than twenty forgotten.
Why a toolbox
The same questions come up with every presentation: does the sound work? Is the PDF ready? does the timing hold? A checklist avoids depending on memory and the mood of the day.
Three moments, three lists
Before the meeting, we prepare and test. During the projection, we control with the shortcuts. After the meeting, we send PDF, capsule and model. Three different times, three different lists; mixing them makes you forget the essential.
Bringing lists to life
After each incident, Amel adds a point to the relevant checklist. The toolbox becomes the memory of the project: it improves with experience instead of aging.
Pre-screening (D-day)
- Timing calibrated and maintained
- Embedded media, sound and image tested in the room
- Embedded fonts and backup PDF on USB stick
- Presenter mode and B/W keys tested
- Battery, charger and HDMI adapter
- Remote paired and notifications muted
Essential shortcuts
- Ctrl + M: new slide
- F5: from the beginning; Shift + F5: from current
- N/P: move forward and backward, number + Enter: jump
- B/W: black or white screen, Escape: exit
- Ctrl + G: group; Ctrl + D: duplicate object
- Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y: undo and redo
Script ready to say — install routine (20 sec)
“Before each meeting, I go through the same checklist: sound, PDF, timing and Presenter mode. It takes five minutes and avoids unpleasant surprises. »
Present the checklist as an assurance, not as a constraint.
Script ready to say — explain shortcuts (15 sec)
“F5 starts the slideshow, B turns the screen black and Ctrl + M adds a slide: three gestures that make the projection fluid. »
To be used in short training with a colleague.
Copy and paste template — rehearsal sheet
DATE: _______________
EXPECTED / ACTUAL DURATION: _______________
TESTED HARDWARE: sound / video / clicker / HDMI
TITLES READ ONLY: yes / no
POINTS TO CUT: _______________
PLAN B: PDF / capsule / USB key
EXPECTED DECISION: _______________Copy and paste template — presentation plan
1. Title and promise
2. Context and tension
3. Evidence and figures
4. Proposed solution
5. Price and availability
6. Next steps
7. Call to action
APPENDICES: details, figures, sourcesShort version
Short meeting: keep the essentials and a backup PDF.
Remote
Webinar: test screen sharing and sound beforehand.
As a team
Living room: provide a loop terminal version.
Printed version
Team: Share the toolbox on OneDrive.
Key takeaways
- A checklist for each key moment.
- Shortcuts make projection smooth.
- A systematic plan B.
- Living lists, updated after each incident.
48 hour challenge — apply tomorrow
Create your pre-screening checklist and use it for the next presentation. Note what was missing and add it. 20 minutes.
- I have a pre-screening checklist.
- I have mastered the essential shortcuts.
- I am sending a PDF and a reusable template.
Frequently asked questions
Isn’t the checklist a waste of time?
It takes five minutes and often avoids missing the meeting. This is one of the best returns on investment for a presentation project.
Is there a need for a different checklist per project?
The base remains the same: sound, PDF, timing, plan B. We only add the points specific to the project and the equipment in the room.
Where to store templates and checklists?
In a shared space, next to the team's .potx model, so that everyone works on the same basis.
What element should always accompany a presentation on the big day?
Resources
A living toolbox is better than perfect documentation that has never been opened: add a point after each incident and it will become irreplaceable.