Good lighting is the key to a good presentation. The audience should see as much of the presenter’s face as possible. The goal is to create an UNEQUAL distribution of light, with most of the light on the presenter, some light over the audience for note-taking, and no light on the screen (other than from the projected image, of course).
In smaller venues, such as a conference room, incandescent lighting works best. Those “recessed” lights usually have a dimmer control. Avoid fluorescent lights whenever possible because those are the least flattering and least controlled, and they cast an equal amount of light around the room. When the light is equal, the audience might be distracted by wall hangings, furniture pieces, and worst of all, a clock! But, by creating an unequal distribution of light, you keep the audience’s eyes focused on you and minimize other distractions around the room.
For larger venues, portable or moveable lights can be used, but must be arranged in advance. You only need two lights to “cross-light” the presenter effectively. Two lights are needed because a single light from one side creates shadows on your face on the opposite side. But cross lighting allows light to reach you from each direction and eliminates any shadows, regardless of whether you stand in the rest or power position.
