I'm about to make an important presentation which will be attended by my boss. What should I do to make sure it goes well? Marcus

Rehearse in front of your team and colleagues to smooth out any rough edges. You may also use certain fung shui techniques that could help you make a favourable impression.

An element of fung shui that is sometimes overlooked is timing. For instance, a person who chooses an auspicious time to give a presentation or sign a contract will undoubtedly fare better than an equally industrious and talented individual who chooses a day that is considered unlucky. The Tong Seng, or Chinese almanac, lists the favourable days and times for specific activities such as putting up a business, signing a contract or starting a renovation. Consult a fung shui master about the most promising dates. If you do not have a say on the presentation date, you may be able to at least choose an auspicious hour.

Ensure that you do the presentation with your back to a wall rather than the door or window. You will be more confident if nothing moves behind you during the presentation.

You should also identify which of the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth and metal) is right for you and use the colour represented by this element during your presentation. For instance, if metal is your best element, wear white or silver. If earth is your favourable element, wear yellow, beige or brown.

Finally, do not forget that fung shui is only part of the overall picture. It should not be a crutch or a gimmick. Just use the traditional knowledge in a modern context to give you an advantage.