Technical difficulties
We have delivered presentations in many shapes and sizes to a variety of audiences so the experience of “technical difficulties” is something we have learnt to adapt too. We have complied some top watch outs below (mostly through hard earned lessons)
Tip 1. Check ahead. Not only should you check what connectors you need to deliver your presentation (HDMI, VGA, USB etc) but also, how long they need to be. There's nothing worse than having to deliver a presentation with your laptop dangling off a 1m HDMI cable because the screen is 6ft up in the air or the port is hidden behind a frame and your cable doesn’t reach the table.
Tip 2. Technology fails. It’s a fact, so you have a plan B. This is kind of rudimentary but if you don't plan, you know your tech is going to flat line mid presentation. Plan B's could include handouts, an on topic anecdote, group task or a flipchart. Avoid the following: shouting at your tech, walking off stage, freezing (you're a human so you don't have an excuse) or blaming someone else.
Tip 3. Perfect tone. Your voice in an exceptionally powerful tool in your presentation arsenal and like any piece of war machinery, you need to keep it well oiled. We aren't all blessed with the booming baritone of Brian Blessed, but here's some tips to ensure your voice is at its best. Drink some lemon and honey before the show. It has been proven that lemon juice clears the mouth and throat of bacteria whilst honey soothes the throat. That should help you begin your presentation strongly rather than sounding like a bear with a mouthful of bees.
Tip 4. Audio machinery. If you're using a microphone, ask someone how you sound. Microphones can add extra pressure to a presentation scenario, making even the most seasoned presenters falter. If you're using a lectern mic, make sure you find a comfortable place to stand and keep the mic at a regular distance from your mouth (not too close mind, no one wants to hear your heavy breathing). If wearing a lapel mic be conscious of your arms. If you brush the mic at all it produces a muffled sound which not only impairs the delivery of your voice in larger venues, it will also affect any recordings you or your audience are making. Oh, and THERE'S NO NEED TO SHOUT! The microphone is there to amplify your voice for you. Don’t strain yourself and ruin your voice (and the audiences ear drum) in the process.
Feel free to share some of your own experiences below and how you overcame them
Nice article Steve. I'm sure many of us have been there (in the audience, if not up on stage) when things haven't been going well. The thing I remind some of my colleagues about it is that everyone in the audience wants you to do well and for things to go smoothly. No one likes an awkward presentation. So by that very definition, everyone is on your side. There are a couple of other "gotcha's" that I've learned over the years. - Turn your phone off and if possible empty your pockets. Obvious but well worth double checking. - Bring your presentation on your computer and on a USB stick. Sometimes worth bringing a pdf version if you have movie/version issues. - If you need a pointer/clicker, bring your own. It's amazing how many venues don't provide one.