There are so many things that can go wrong when you’re giving a talk. Let’s look at just three:
1) Your tech. The number one thing that throws speakers off their game is when the microphone or PowerPoint doesn’t work.
2) The room (real or virtual) isn’t what you expected.
3) Your time is cut short.
I’ve had each of these things happen to me, multiple times, sometimes at the same speaking event. The good news is, you can assert some control in all three of these situations.
To avoid being derailed by tech issues or room surprises, always plan to arrive early. Look for the person who is quietly and competently running cables, setting up a projector, or testing a microphone, and introduce yourself to that person as soon as you can. They are your lifeline to every physical thing you’ll need in that room. Find out what they are setting up for you (or for the event in general), and then ask about anything you may need specifically. This is when you’ll find out that no one requested the lapel mic you wanted, or that the projector isn’t compatible with your laptop (even though you sent these specs ahead of time.)
If your event is virtual or hybrid, have a detailed conversation with someone who is familiar with all of the back-end of the virtual platform that will be used. What platform is it? What are its features? Have you used it before? Have they used it before? If not, can you get time on the platform to do a dress rehearsal? Will you be able to see the audience? Can they see each other? Where will the camera be, if it’s a hybrid event? Is there more than one camera? How will they handle any audience interaction? Who’s responsible for that? Think through every possible scenario and get firm answers from people who really know what’s going on.
Bring all the adapters, dongles, and back-up plans you can muster. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve come to my own rescue and that of other speakers with an adapter for their laptop, a clicker for the slides, or a spare flash drive. Print out your slides so you can refer to them if there’s no projecting capability. Think of it like an emergency kit—pack it every time you go to an engagement, even if you think there’s no way you’ll need it.
When the room is smaller, larger, wider, or just odder than you anticipated, take some time to think about where to position yourself to have the impact you want on the audience. Take the initiative to ask to reconfigure the space—bring the tables closer, ask the audience to move to the middle, move your own position so that the greatest number of people can see and hear you easily. Don’t assume that the way the room is set up is the way it has to be.
If you’re on a virtual platform, it’s okay to ask the audience to adjust their view so that you (and your slides, if you have them) are prominent, if that’s what serves you best. Don’t assume that they’ll do that on their own or even that they know how.
Know your content, and the reason you are speaking, inside and out. When the person running the event tells you there’s been a change to the agenda, and you have 15 minutes less time than you planned for, do not decide to talk faster in order to fit in all of your prepared material. Audiences will not thank you for presenting a diminished form of your talk, even if it’s not your fault.
Instead, think carefully about what your message is. What do you want these people talking and thinking about as a result of what you say? What can you intentionally leave out in order to give them a great talk, and honor their time?
Do not refer to the fact that you prepared a longer speech. The audience has the right to feel like what you’re giving them is the best possible version of what they’re about to hear. Don’t let yourself off the hook for doing a killer job by mentioning, “Oh, they tell me we’re running over already, so I’m just going to skip these slides…”
Ultimately, you are responsible for the experience your audience has. Even if you show up and the event organizer has totally dropped the ball, you can create a compelling and meaningful experience for the people who want to hear your message.
