Equipment Needs
Please assemble the following items before David’s arrival. Not all are required for every presentation (see details), but please do not wait for the morning of David’s presentation to look for those that are needed.
Schedule: Please provide a print out of the day’s schedule in large type.
Microphone: In most situations, I use amplification. I use my own wireless headset microphone but I still need a PA system. My microphone can be used with almost any PA system. (It is compatible with either kind of standard microphone input, 3-pin XLR and ¼-inch.) I will need an electric outlet, and possibly an extension cord.
PA system: Please provide a PA system. I have a small, portable PA system that I can use, but it may not be adequate for large spaces. If I use it, I will probably need an extension cord and power strip.
Rectangular table: I need one table, roughly 6-8 feet long, for books and props. Please no round tables.
Cart: I will probably need an AV cart for my computer and projector. If the table (above) is large enough, I may be able to use that instead, but I prefer an AV cart. The standard size for a projector cart is about 24 x 18 at the top and about 42 inches high. That works well for me.
Computer and projector: I project images from my computer to a screen with a projector. I will bring my laptop computer and a projector. However, technology can fail, so it would be very helpful if you could have a back-up laptop and projector in the presentation space. I will bring my presentation files (in PowerPoint) on a CD to use in another computer. (The computer needs to have PowerPoint already installed.) This is not the best situation for me but it will work in a pinch.
Screen and Lights: The larger the screen, the better. Permanently installed screens are usually best, but occasionally they are off-center or in a spot that gets too much light. In these cases, a portable screen may be better. A totally dark room is neither necessary nor desirable but it is essential that the audience be able to view the pictures and graphics that I project on the screen. If the screen is directly lit by artificial or natural light, please try to block the light source with drapes, shades or black paper on the windows. (Black plastic usually does not block enough light unless it is quite thick.) Sometimes the offending light fixtures can be turned off while leaving others on, but often the wiring does not allow for that. Occasionally it is possible to solve the problem by removing a few light bulbs. Please visit the presentation space and anticipate lighting difficulties in advance. Discuss them with me and I may be able to propose a solution.
Extension cords and power strip: I will need to plug both the projector and computer into a power source, so please provide an extension cord and power strip. (This is separate from my PA system which, if used, will require its own extension cord and power strip.)
Globe: I sometimes use a globe in my presentations to older elementary and secondary school groups. Don’t worry if the globe is out of date. (School globes sometimes have a layer of loose dust; please give it a quick swipe so I don’t start sneezing when I pick up the globe!)
Portable chalkboard or white board: Used only with middle or high school groups; not needed for elementary schools. Must be at least five feet long to work for me. Putting two small ones together doesn’t work. Easels with pads of paper do not work for my particular purposes.
Beverages (optional): I am grateful if you can provide water in a bottle (not a cup, which I am likely to spill). I don’t mind tap water if it tastes reasonably good, but I do appreciate a bottle. In the morning, a small container with any kind of juice is also appreciated.
David M. Schwartz
1849 Drake Drive Oakland CA 94611 (510) 339-6778
info@davidschwartz.com www.davidschwartz.com