How would you handle technical difficulties that consume valuable speaking time during your presentation?

As a retired FBI Agent and Keynote Speaker, I always prepare for the worst. Technical difficulties are inevitable and whatever you think can go wrong usually does. I always anticipate that the projector might fail. Fortunately, I started my speaking career with the FBI without relying on PowerPoint, so I know my framework and script thoroughly. Always ask yourself: Can you deliver your talk without visuals? At the RSA conference last year, I was hired to speak at a noisy bar with no microphone and a disinterested (Over served) audience. I focused on a few engaged listeners and shared my story. It wasn't easy, but the show must go on. Adapt, improvise, and keep going. No matter what, always be prepared to deliver your message.

Always plan for the worst-case scenario where everything goes wrong. Nevertheless, it's critical that you prepare yourself for success by following your prep checklist. Ideally, you do this one day before and on the day. Day before: Familiarize yourself with the location, check the stage, think about voice projection, see how you can move around, do an audio check if possible, load the slides and see all that works in order. On the day: Ensure that the right audiovisual content is loaded, do breathing exercises, and keep in mind the goal of the presentation. If everything goes wrong, take the opportunity to use the situation to engage with your audience and ask them what they know about the topic and what they want to learn.

Mistakes happen every day because we're only human. Being able to improvise with relatable stories is essential for connecting with your audience. I use visualization techniques during my presentations to help convey key elements and keep the audience engaged.

Arrive at least an hour early. If you have a meeting organiser, ask them to show you the tech. - Software: presentation software is working by doing a trial run - Audio: Wireless lapel Mics have enough juice (battery power) - Audio: Position an assistant across each corner of the hall, and test the audio. 1..2..3.. Sound Check - Audio: Identify the wireless audio perimeter. Often in big stages, there is an invisible audio perimeter. If you cross it, it will cause a static noise..a shrill sound. Once identified, put a Post-it note on the ground as a marker - Check audio gain, and experiment with the increase/decrease of sensitivity Plan B. What if Audio fails? What if the system breaks down? Discuss these scenarios with the organiser.

Technology is amazing when it works, but when it does not, you must have a plan. As a public speaker, a seasoned speaker, I keep graphics, technology via audio visuals, and presentations to a minimum. The worst thing that could happen during a speaking engagement is that a projector, speaker, or screen malfunctions. In the event the equipment fails, even a microphone, a speaker MUST be able to continue. Discuss the logistics beforehand if possible. As a speaker, your message must always be the main event, not any props or presentations or images. Rely on you. When technology fails, if the power goes out, there is always the power of your voice and your message. Remember, technology has nothing on humanity. Use the power of your words.

When tech issues arise, view it as a learning moment. Focus on storytelling, ensuring your audience listens to you, not just reads slides. Confidence and practice are key. Know your slides well; they should aid, not be, your presentation. Embrace body language to engage your audience and deliver your message effectively.

Prepare and Practice Stay Prepared: 👉🏿Run Through Your Setup: Before your presentation, thoroughly test all your equipment. Ensure your laptop, projector, microphone, and any other tech tools are working correctly. Familiarize yourself with the venue’s setup if possible. 👉🏿Backup Plan: Always have a backup plan. This can include a second copy of your presentation on a USB drive, printed handouts, or a secondary device such as a tablet or another laptop. 👉🏿Practice Without Tech: Rehearse your presentation as if there were no technology available. This will help you stay on track even if the tech fails.

I take technical issues as a sign to connect with the audience more by expounding on points I’ve made through personal stories and even some banter. I also go around the room to ask the audience some questions about themselves, and what else they would like to learn.

Handling technical difficulties effectively begins with staying calm and composed. When issues arise, calmly acknowledge the problem to your audience, and show that it does not stress you. If you have a good sense of humor you should make use of that to lighten the moment. Follow this up by engaging with your audience- share a relevant story, or anecdote that's relatable and run a poll or a Q&A session. Always, have a backup plan, such as cue cards, or printed materials. This aside as a public speaking coach I always say internalise your presentation and know it inside out without being dependent on your technical aids. Practice to know your material from every angle. Stay calm and confident and your audience will stay with you.

One of the most important things to keep in mind as a public speaker is the audience will react based on how you react. From the beginning, find a way to break the ice with your audience. If they sense that they can be relaxed with you that will determine how any situations that arise during your speaking time will be received. Be ready to laugh at the situation if need be to help break the tension in the room. This requires you being relaxed and exuding that energy with your audience.

Use the opportunity... In that moment, you have their undivided attention. Capitalize on this by closing the gap and moving into the crowd. Your enthusiasm and resilience will resonate with them. Don't waste the precious opening to deliver critical information immediately following the disruption. Make the most of their heightened interest and ensure your message is impactful and memorable.

There is power in reminding people of your humanity by being honest about what is happening and remaining authentic: "Oh dang, looks like I'm winging it all, well good thing I practiced what I was going to say THIS TIME!" Using humor to lighten tense moments and engaging your audience by asking questions about your topic is the best way to win the audience back so you can get that talk back on the rails. Making mistakes or having setbacks on stage is an opportunity to make friends. Most people like to see you're human. It gives them the freedom to be human too. Having some humility in that moment and rolling with the punches is one of the best ways to build a connection, especially with strangers.

When things go wrong technically during a public speaking engagement, it can be incredibly frustrating for the presenter. But with every obstacle comes an incredible opportunity. And when things don't go right with audio-visual, it presents a unique opportunity for the presenter to be heard. Most in the audience begin to sympathize with the presenter, at if the presenter can use this to his advantage to communicate to the hearts of his hearers, he'll find that he has positioned himself to truly move an audience. Things like humor, Q&A, audience interaction, and just owning the chaos are all tools that can be used to the skilled presenters advantage to still be memorable, impactful, and even life-changing.

Interview your audience! This helps you get to know what they are taking from your presentation and what gaps you could possibly fill later on. You can ask them a range of questions, from how their day is going to what they find the most interesting in your talk so far.

Take the time to reiterate the points you have presented so far, and emphasize what parts you want your audience to remember. Make sure not to rush your speaking in order to pace yourself well.

You can only do so much on your own in resolving technical issues. Get to know the tech team beforehand so that you know who to tap without the momentum of your presentation.

Know your materials well. If you know your key points well, you should be able to adapt and adjust seamlessly. Never make the audience pay for your lost time. Just a few minutes is okay if you ask for permission to finish. I’ve seen speakers who went over more than 20 minutes even without any technical issues, that is an absolute no-no.

Technical difficulties are just a part of the reality of speaking! Don’t forget to take care of your audience, while it might be a drag for you, it also impacts them. Use that time to connect with them and engage them on the topic, understand why they are there and get them energized for what you will be presenting. It will help get you in the zone and keep you from being flustered by the disruption! It can be as simple as splitting people into groups for a quick discussion or walking around and asking them questions. This disruption is just an opportunity to highlight why you were chosen as the speaker- someone who knows your content well and also cares about the experience people are left with, no matter what happens environmentally.

Use lost time as an opportunity to offer 1:1 sessions or follow-up sessions at a company level! "I know we lost some time due to tech difficulties, but the great news is that I have so much more to share with you! Some of the content will be included in the slides shared with you in the event app, but you can reach out to [me/my team/my organization] anytime for a follow-up conversation with you and your team!"

Handling technical difficulties during a presentation requires poise, adaptability, and a proactive mindset to ensure your message remains impactful despite interruptions. Stay calm and composed; your reaction sets the tone for your audience. Communicate the issue transparently and briefly, assuring them you are addressing it. Have a backup plan ready, such as printed materials or an offline version of your presentation, to continue without reliance on technology. Use this time to engage with the audience through a Q&A session or a brief discussion about key points of your presentation. Demonstrating your ability to handle unexpected challenges gracefully preserves your credibility and reinforces your message of resilience and adaptability.