Barry Schwartz's book is great. The TED presentation is very interesting, as well. When I read his book, I was bewildered. How can limiting choice be liberating? A few weeks later, I wanted to purchase a camera. The vast sea of choices made the task unbearable. Finally, I remembered something my father always says, "Do something, even if it is wrong!" So, I did! Dr. Schwartz is on to something...

Hi Bert, I use the black slide technique all the time. It is wonderful. My remote doesn't have a blackout button, but I don't think that I am missing anything. Placing blank, black, slides in a presentation takes confidence and planning. You have to consider when you will change sides of the room as you create your slides. Another "trick" that I use is a black background with text placed high on the slide. I can walk in front of the projector with no problem using that setup. It is nice to be able to move from side to side without getting that deer in the headlights feeling. I enjoy your blog, keep up the good work. Jeff http://jeffbailey.typepad.com/soft_talker_blog