Here are some general rules you need to follow when using technology with a presentation:

Assume the worst.

Practice using the technology in advance. That includes the laptop, microphone, projector, speaker, microphone, laser, and anything that you are going to use in front of people.

Practice in the same environment as you will be giving your final presentation; that is, if you are presenting to 400 people in a conference hall using a big projector, then practice in that hall or one that is similar. Don’t simply practice on your laptop in a hotel room because it’s easy to do anything with your laptop in a hotel room, and this will give you a false sense of confidence.

When microphones break and computers freeze, don’t panic and don’t complain. If there is a tech person around, calmly mention that your microphone is no longer working and ask for help. If your computer freezes, calmly restart it without drawing attention to your problems.

Have a plan B. If your PowerPoint stops working, just be ready to talk to people using nothing more than your paper notes.

Test all technology either right before you speak (if possible) or during the largest break of the day (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) preceding your presentation so that you can make sure you know how everything works.

If you get lots of feedback from a microphone, just stop talking and step back. This solves most problems right away.

Never, ever try to learn any piece of technology in front of people. Every laptop keyboard and every remote control are slightly different. It’s really tough to learn anything new when you have the added tension associated with being in front of people who are all staring at you.

If you are going to use PowerPoint with video clips and use a microphone, give yourself an extra hour to rehearse in the room where you will be presenting—because there are a million things that can go wrong.

Never forget that the presentation is about the ideas you have to help, inform, inspire, and educate your audience. The presentation is not about your technology.

This article was taken from my new book “How to Give a Pretty Good Presentation” You can order a copy from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-A-Million or from your local bookstore.