In this unit you will learn how to show a presentation in different ways to suit the audience and the venue. The two main approaches are:
Looped on‑screen carousel – the slides run automatically in a continuous loop.
Presenter‑controlled display – the presenter advances slides manually, often using a remote or keyboard.
1. Reasons for Different Display Methods
Choosing the right display method helps to:
Maintain audience engagement.
Fit the technical environment (e.g., conference hall, kiosk).
Allow the presenter to control timing and interaction.
Provide a hands‑free solution for unattended displays.
2. Setting Up a Looped Carousel
A looped carousel is ideal for trade‑show booths, reception areas, or any situation where the presentation must run continuously without user input.
Open the presentation file in the chosen software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, LibreOffice Impress).
Access the Slide Show or Presentation settings.
Enable Loop continuously until ‘Esc’ (or similar wording).
Set the slide advance to Automatically after a specific time (e.g., 10 seconds).
Save the presentation and test the loop on the target device.
3. Setting Up Presenter‑Controlled Display
This mode gives the presenter full control over slide progression.
Choose a Presenter \cdot iew if the software supports it – it shows notes, a timer, and a preview of the next slide on the presenter’s screen.
Connect a remote control, Bluetooth presenter, or use keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Page Down, Space).
Disable any automatic timing to prevent slides from changing unintentionally.
Test the remote or keyboard to ensure reliable operation before the actual presentation.
4. Comparison of Display Options
Display Type
Typical Purpose
Key Settings
Looped Carousel
Kiosk, trade‑show, waiting‑room
Automatic slide advance, loop until ‘Esc’, no presenter view
Presenter‑Controlled
Classroom, meeting, conference
Manual advance, presenter view enabled, remote/keyboard control
Hybrid (Auto‑advance with manual override)
Workshops where timing is fixed but presenter may need to pause
Automatic timing with “pause on click” option, remote for manual advance
5. Practical Checklist Before Displaying
Verify the correct display mode is selected.
Check that the projector or screen resolution matches the slide size.
Test any remote control or Bluetooth presenter.
Run a short trial to confirm looping or manual advance works as intended.
Ensure the computer’s power settings will not cause it to sleep during the presentation.
6. Common Problems & Solutions
Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
Slides skip or freeze in carousel
Insufficient computer performance or high‑resolution media
Reduce image size, close other applications, or use a lower resolution display mode.
Remote control not responding
Battery dead or Bluetooth not paired
Replace batteries, re‑pair the device, or test with a wired clicker.
Presenter view shows on audience screen
Display settings set to duplicate rather than extend
Change Windows “Display” settings to “Extend” and select the correct monitor for presenter view.
7. Summary
Being able to choose and configure the appropriate display method for a presentation is essential for effective communication. Use a looped carousel for unattended displays and presenter‑controlled mode for interactive sessions. Always test the setup in the actual environment and keep a checklist handy to avoid technical issues.
Suggested diagram: Flowchart showing decision process between “Looped Carousel” and “Presenter‑Controlled” based on audience and venue.