that is 6 times the width of the screen. This rule
fits the screen to the audience and not to the pro-
jector. To make the image conform to the screen
size, the proper lens must be selected. This rule
works the same for all screens including rear
projection. For satisfactory viewing, a row of
seats should be no wider than its distance from
the screen.
PERMANENT SCREENS.There are
several types of built-in screens. Some are
portable screens that have been mounted on a
wallthe screen can be pulled down when
needed and retracted when not in use. Another
type is a wall-mounted surface which is covered
by draw curtains or sliding panels when it is not
being used. A third type is one that is actually
mounted on a sliding panel which can be rolled
into a wall recess. Some screens are stored in
ceiling recesses and are raised and lowered elec-
trically.
When a presentation facility is not available,
an appropriate portable screen that will fit the
size of the room and the audience should be
selected. When the chaplain or RP supervisor
gives an assignment to assist with an audiovisual
presentation, the RP should list the location,
date, time of the presentation, and the type of
AV equipment needed. With this information at
hand, the RP should be able to rig the facility
and assist in the conduct of the presentation with
little difficulty.
When the audiovisual equipment and acces-
sories that will be needed have been determined,
the next step is their acquisition and testing. Pro-
cedures for mounting the components, as well as
the testing and adjustment procedures for
special equipment should be found in the
manufacturers instruction manual.
Having mounted all of the components, the
RP should now be ready to set up the projector
where it will be used. Presentation rooms with
projection booths greatly simplify the problems
of selecting and setting up equipment.
FINAL PREPARATION
Attention to detail in the final minutes
before a briefing will determine how well a
presentation will go. Plenty of time to set up and
check the operation of the equipment before the
presentation should be allowed.
The RP should setup the projectors and con-
duct an operational check. When a presentation
consists of slide trays or transparencies, they
should be arranged in their proper order of
presentation. When operating any type of pro-
jector, the cooling fan should be running when
the projector lamp is on. Operating a projector
lamp without the cooling fan can cause serious
damage to the projector.
The projector must be aligned with the
screen. A sample transparency can be placed on
the projector and the image adjusted vertically
and horizontally to the screen; then the image
can be focused. The cooling fan should always
be left on for a few minutes after the projection
lamp has been turned off to allow the unit to
cool down.
Appropriate background music to entertain
early arrivals is often desirable. The volume
should be loud enough to be heard easily but not
so loud that it interferes with normal conversa-
tion. The music should be gradually faded out as
the presentation begins.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Although not listed as part of the official
duties of an RP, it is customary to assist the
presenter in other areas of the presentation when
requested. The RP may be called upon to
distribute agenda or literature to the people in
attendance or asked to take attendance. These
are very minor tasks but they help to make the
presentation go smoothly. Cooperation between
the RP and the presenter is necessary if a suc-
cessful presentation is to be achieved.
So far in this chapter, the importance, the
planning, and the use of presentations for pur-
poses of instructing, informing, persuading, and
entertaining have been discussed. The use of
audiovisual materials/equipment in these
presentations, and the operation and routine
maintenance of this equipment have been
addressed. In order to make this job easier for
the RP, and to serve as a ready reference in the
operation and maintenance of audiovisual
equipment, the final section of this chapter will
be devoted to descriptions of the operation and
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