Creative Writers, Should You Take a Writing Course?

We creative writers are an odd bunch. Sometimes we can write. Sometimes we can't. Sometimes we need inspiration. Sometimes we don't. Sometimes we really feel like a writer. Other times we feel like we're only playing at writing.

For all the wannabe writers out there, you need to know that if you can sit down and write about a picnic, a family function you attended, or a dream you had – you can be a writer! You just have to channel your abilities in the right direction. The writing trade isn't that hard to learn.

· Do you need a challenge in your life? A challenge to be something more than you are? Look inside yourself and what do you see? A new self trying to get out? How would you like to evolve into that new person? There is no better way to do that than through a writing course. As you create characters and look at the world through their eyes, you will drift into a new dimension of life. In addition, every piece of research, every piece of creativity will broaden your horizons and open your mind to new challenges. Become something you aren't by honing your writing skills. Dare to see what you can be.

· Are your writing skills gathering rust? Wouldn't you like to stir the muse until you are compelled to write? Sometimes it takes a writing course to overcome the tediousness of daily life and help set a new routine. Do yourself a favor. March out the rhythm of your life to a new beat set by a writer's course.

· Or perhaps you are an advanced writer. Maybe you think you would be bored in a class, and that you might not learn anything new. If that is the case, branch out into a new field, if only for the experience of new zeal. Stretch yourself. If you have always written romance, change to writing for children, horror, sci-fi, or fantasy – there is so much to learn! The point is, don't stagnate where you are. Grow by taking a writing course.

· Do you dangle your participles like worms? Do you split your infinitives like wood? Do you even know what dangling participles and split infinitives are? If not, a refresher course is definitely in order.

Perhaps you would like to write articles to make money. *ka-ching* Or spread your wings in Short Story writing, Fantasy writing , Wordsmithing, Sci-Fi, Horror, Romance… the possibilities are endless.

Prove the naysayers wrong by taking a writing class and showing them your homework and grades. It will help you gain independence and you will earn new stability in your life. You know, sometimes you have to encourage yourself because no one else will do it. Taking a writing course is a great way to put lift into your life.

Any way you look at it, taking a writing course is a good choice, and this is the best time of year to catch writing course specials. Do it today! See below for today's specials!

Presentations and Projection Screens

The world of business and commerce has changed dramatically thanks to the innovations brought by technology. Even the simplest of tasks are accomplished more efficiently and easily now with the advancement of technology. This enables individuals to complete their tasks faster, thus saving businesses time and money, as well as increasing quality. For instance, it has become very easy to give a presentation in a way that satisfies both the audience and presenters. Prior to the advent of presentation technology, people had to create visual aids or bring examples of their products the same before making a presentation. This job has become simpler and efficient today with the use of projection screens.

Projection screens can be likened to smaller theater screens that require a projector. From a video signal, smaller images can be created that can be magnified into the projection screen. The video image is then amplified by the lens system and the bright beam of light. You can select from several models of projection screens such as CRT, LCD and other models depending on your budget and purpose of use. The projection screen images can appear from the rear or front. The wealth of options allows businesses to choose projection technology that suits both their needs and budget.

When a projection screen is used in a presentation, the things communicated by the presenter can be understood by the audience in a clear and concise manner. This is made possible through the use of visual aids in a projector. This is the main reason why projectors are increasingly being used by offices, schools and other educational institutions or wherever there is need for meetings or presentations. Better reach and clearer communication can result with the use of a projector because everyone inside the room can understand what the presenter is talking about. With the help of projection screens, the presenter can clearly show the product samples, videos, charts, potential ads, and other important notes to convey the information effectively. Even people seated at the back portion of the room can easily see and understand the things the presenter is presenting when he/she makes use of a projector.

There is no wastage of time in making the presentation because notes need not have to be written separately on a blackboard or paper. Creating the visual aids can also happen quickly through the use of projection screens as opposed to manual preparation. There are a lot of other advantages also that come with the implementation of projection screens. Going back to specific topics is easy using a projector because the presenter has to just click to that portion of the presentation which has to be recalled. Projection screens are also increasingly used by many people to watch a video or movie. Using a projector gives a feeling of watching a movie in a movie theater. This can make showing promotional or training videos simple and more exciting for the audience.

There are a few things to consider before buying projection screens. When it comes to the selection of projection screens, bigger is not always better. Choose a screen that is both affordable and appropriate for the conference room or other location it which it will be primarily used. There are many options and features to consider, so research several models. Decide on a projector that will provide a clear image, thus ensuring the success of your visual aids.

Making Presentations People Want To See

Standards have risen sharply in recent years when it comes to making intriguing presentations. The days of boring slides and droning speakers are over. With the widespread use of PowerPoint and the ease of making colorful, interesting slides with movement and sound effects, it is expected that you will make a fabulously engaging presentation whether it's in a classroom, a boardroom, or at a trade show.

Here are some tips on how to make a terrific slide presentation.

First, be prepared. Make sure you have a laptop, a projector, and a projector cart ready to go. We recommend the Fusion Laptop Projector Cart from Versatables. Many hotels, universities, and businesses have one—so don't be afraid to ask if they do when you're getting ready to make the presentation. The Fusion Laptop Projector Cart allows for easy projection and control of the laptop from one mobile unit. If they don't have one, you may need to make other arrangements. If you aren't using your own laptop, bring your presentation on a flash drive and email it to yourself as well. Just in case the flash drive doesn't work, you'll be able to access your email on the laptop (most places now have Wi-Fi) and download it directly to the laptop you'll be working from.

Second, bring handouts of your slides just in case. I know of a woman who went to give a power point presentation and the university's projector wasn't working. Luckily, she handed out the handouts she brought and the show went on. She looked like a star for being prepared when the university wasn't.

Third, don't overdo it. Too many graphics, too much color, and too much sound can all negatively impact a presentation. You want the means of the presentation to enhance the subject you're presenting—not overpower it. Pick one color scheme and stick to it. Avoid the swirling graphics and stick to simpler ones. Don't include a million examples of clip art or decorative photographs. As you create the slides, make sure the information is presented in a clear, logical way. Then look at each individual slide and ask if there is anything that could be added to visually enhance the viewer's understanding of the material. A chart? A graphic? A photo? If the answer is no, don't include one. If it's yes, think long and hard about which graphic achieves your goal of enhancing understanding before adding it. The problem with many presentations is that they seem amateurish because the presenter went overboard decorating his/her presentation with graphics that distract more than they enhance.

Fourth, pay attention to time. If you can convey the same information in eight minutes instead of twelve, why wouldn't you? Everyone's time is precious and attention spans are short. If you're clear and concise about what you want to get across, there may not be a need to give lots of convoluted information and scenarios. Stick to one clear example that illustrates your point and applies to the people you're presenting to.

A World Of Presentations Without Powerpoint

Most of the presentations made nowadays are made with the help of PowerPoint. There are also class teachers and lecturers who use PowerPoint to make the teaching and learning process more interesting. However, it is the professional who makes presentations without the use of PowerPoint, while following some of their age-old beliefs for presentations.

Presentations without PowerPoint prove to be quite boring. This is because the presentation will be monotonous, with no music background or visual aids to help in the presentation. PowerPoint presentations usually provide a change for the audience in the presentation, and also give the crowd some visual explanations to the points that are being told in the presentation. So without PowerPoint in the presentation, it is very important that the presenter use some creativity in the presentation. This is because it is only this creativity that will keep the audience interested and motivated in the presentation!

The most important thing that has to be remembered to give a successful presentation without PowerPoint is to exactly know what you are talking about. If you are well versed with the matter you intend to present, you can very well present it without the help of PowerPoint. However, make sure to make your presentation only after learning about the temperament and nature of your audience. Remember that it is of no use talking to the audience as a group of employees. Instead, make it a point to tailor your presentation to meet the intellectual of the audience you are facing.

When beginning the presentation, you have to present it while keeping the end of the presentation in mind. You have to know what the purpose of your presentation is, as without PowerPoint you might lose the interest of the audience! Make sure you see, hear and feel what exactly it is that you want people to respond to in whatever it is that you say. Make a strong start to your presentation. Without PowerPoint, it is very much important that the first words and your appearance set the right tone for the audience to listen to you throughout the presentation. One of the best ways of making a connection with the audience without the help of PowerPoint is to tell a story, or an anecdote that has universal appeal.

One of the main things that has to be done when giving a presentation is to practice on the speech as much as possible. This is the only way of looking polished while speaking. It is indeed a false notion that using PowerPoint slides in a presentation will make a person a dynamic speaker. The process of becoming a dynamic speaker lies in the hand of the speaker. Only practice can make one a successful speaker, and this is one skill that cannot be delegated to anyone else. One of the best techniques to implement for practice is called bits. Here one practices a short piece of material over and over again till perfect. It is not that you practice it for word for word, one just has to talk one’s way through the presentation! In this way, one can easily continue a presentation, even if there is a distraction while onstage.

If PowerPoint is not used in a presentation, it is important that props be used instead. This is because a prop is basically worth a thousand words. With props, people tend to anchor thoughts in their minds to these props. It is no difference if the prop is large, small, funny or serious, as long as it relates to the point that you are trying to make and that the audience sees it! Another way of making sure that the audience loves you despite the fact that you don’t use PowerPoint in your presentation is to bring solutions to the problems they have. With your research of the audience, you would already have an idea to what their problems are; it is only up to you to bring new ideas to them to try.

Remember that when you are not using PowerPoint, you are the visual aid of the presentation. People will then gain more interest in whatever it is that you say, instead of visuals or fancy slides or overheads. So basically, without PowerPoint, it is important that the speaker be more self-confident and well versed in his speech. Without this, it may be quite impossible to imagine giving a presentation without PowerPoint!