Expecting the unexpected is the first step.
‘Stuff’ Happens!
And when it happens during your presentation, the effect could be the audience won’t GET IT!.
Having your audience GET IT! is the goal of all communication; written, spoken or visual.
First: Have a list: ‘What to Double-Check and What Could Go Wrong’
Next: Work you way thru the list, fixing what needs to be fixed and having plans for ‘what could happen’.
Here’s The List.
Sound system;
microphone(s), yours and audience participation one(s)
microphone feedback
extra battery if required
speakers
amplifier
Lighting
lighting on you
audience lighting and
ability to lower and turn off
Distracting noise from
outside; parking lot, street, air (could be need an airport)
other meetings and adjoining rooms
hallway
kitchen
server wait station
backstage
Visual
props
must be easily accessed and easy to put away after used
powerpoint presentations
computer and backup plan
mouse and transmitter (if wireless)
test the settings on the computer to see that the projection screen gives the resolution needed before the presentation.
projector and backup plan (spare bulb)
projection screen; fixed or powered
remote control (hopefully with a ‘blank’ button)
backup plan if powerpoint can’t be delivered
if you’ve customized your slideshow, double check that you bring the correct one and not one customized for another presentation
power strip (have your own, just in case)
electrical adapters
extension cord (have your own, just in case)
Room where presentation will be
temperature and ability to adjust easily
location of rest rooms (further away requires a longer break)
doors that access the room (sometimes there may be doors that directly exit the building)
seating; classroom, semi-circle or ?
pillars and/or other things (audio visual stands) that could block audience seeing you and vice-versa
backdrop; what is behind you and could it be a distraction
windows
can they be closed and curtains drawn over them to keep light out
Personal
water for yourself (room temperature – suggestion: bring your own bottle)
place to put change, keys and other items you might carry
location of rest room for last minute mirror check
copy of your presentation
name tag for yourself
name tags for attendees (if the meeting planner didn’t take care of this)
business cards
copy of introduction emcee will be using to introduce you
all the speakers don’t show, and your speech is moved up in time
a speaker goes over their allotted time and you must cut the time of your talk
the demographics of the audience were’t quite what you thought they would be
parts of your presentation may now be inappropriate
know who is speaking before you and what their talk will be about
know who is speaking after you and what their talk will be about
if you’re going to have handouts (advised only if used as a workbook) be sure you have enough copies
Other
who to call for immediate help if something goes wrong and how to get ahold of them
possible attendees who should be recognized from the platform
possible attendees who might be hostile to your message
plan to deal with this
servers and wait staff people
what if: a meal is being cleared, dessert and coffee served, etc.
if the emcee doesn’t ask everyone to put their cell phones and pagers on ‘STUN’ – you do it!
better to ask them to turn them OFF. Looking at emails and text messages is distracting to others
Use The List!
Do this and Your speech will be: absolutely; positively; there’s no doubt in my mind; no ifs, ands, or buts about it; Your speech will be – No Sweat!
About the Author: Fred E. Miller coaches, speaks and writes about Public Speaking and Presentation Skills. 314-517-8772 Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com https://nosweatpublicspeaking.com
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