54. Dark Rooms Put People to Sleep

It’s right after lunch, and now it’s time for your presentation. The blinds are drawn, and someone turns off the room lights just as you start your presentation. You are essentially standing in the dark. You will have to be an even better speaker than usual to make sure that people don’t fall asleep with lights off and a full stomach.

A decade or two ago, projectors were not very bright, so in order to be able to see the slides, the room lights had to be turned down very low. These days, projectors are much brighter and light systems are more sophisticated. You shouldn’t need to turn room lights down very low anymore.

Low Lighting Makes It Hard for People to See

If the light level is too low where the participants are sitting, they will have a hard time taking notes. If the light level is too low where you are standing, then it will be hard for people to see you. A presentation is a performance, and your audience needs to be able to see the performer (you).

If possible, arrive early and check out what your lighting options are. Hopefully you are not over-relying on slides—you and what you have to say are as important as, or more important than, the slides.