You're facing technical issues during a critical presentation. How do you navigate through them successfully?

Be in control. Ask for time to resolve the technical issue which suddenly cropped up. If need be, give a short break if this is taking longer than expected.

Firstly, it is important to stay calm and as composed as possible when facing technical issues during your presentation as having a clearer mind will allow you to assess potential solutions. It can also allow you to convey your resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected, technical challenges.

Every time technical issues arise during a presentation, it's important to remember that your audience is genuinely interested in your content. Any issue that appears is simply a bump in the road. Approach it with a mindset of solving the problem and continuing. Don't focus all your attention on the problem itself. Instead, handle it smoothly and with a smile 😊. Fix the issue and move on, ensuring your audience remains engaged and your presentation stays on track.

Some of the best moments of connection I’ve had with my audience are through an anticipated “breaks”. This might look like a technology malfunction. If you have an IT team working on the issue, use the extra time as an opportunity to chat with your audience. Is it the beginning of your presentation? Ask some relevant questions that help you conduct an informal preliminary needs assessment and get information about where your audience is in the given topic. Is it in the middle of your presentation? Use this time to debrief what you’ve discussed so far. You can ask your audience what their top takeaways have been so far – or to partner up and chat for five minutes about how they might implement some of the ideas you’ve shared.

HUMANS CRAVE ATTENTION 🥳😎 when on stage don't try to restrict yourself in one way communication ,that's a radio broadcast 📻 instead ACKNOWLEDGE & ENGAGE✨ your audience with you so they feel like a part of the story as its not merely being told to them ; rather told for them 🪄some way to achieve it are - ask questions - make them laugh - greet them - ask them to do any activity like (wave , stand up) - show how you are like them giving personal refrences - have idea exercises and thought experiments - use visual aids to not only tell but show them (ppt , images ,videos ) - use sounds to your advantage (voice modulation and dramatic effects) "MAKE THEM FEEL 🥹 "

Once you are using technology, assume that something can go wrong and therefore plan accordingly. The key here is to thoroughly prepare your material so even if there is a power cut you are able to present, even in total darkness. . If your projector goes, use the opportunity to engage directly with your audience, getting closer physically and having a conversation vs. delivering a speech. If your microphone goes, project your voice, get closer and make eye contact with your audience - it helps. Remember, you were invited to speak because of your expertise, not your slide deck - let your expertise shine and you will do well.

As the popular adage, Murphy's Law says: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Some points of attention on your Plan B: 1. MANUALLY DISPLAY CONTENT. Getting printed copies ready is best. Or use flip charts to explain your content (if smaller audience size). 2. KEEP AUDIENCE ENGAGED. Have some pop quizzes or trivia challenge questions ready while waiting for the technical issue to be fixed. It's very easy to lose your audience's attention during this period. Leverage these moments. 3. KEEP YOUR PRESENTATION STYLE INTERESTING. Don't be stationary on the stage. Come down to the floor & stay close to the audience. Maximise your body language & non-verbal cues. 4. SIMPLY CONTENT BY TELLING STORIES. Summarise your messages via storytelling.

MAKE ME CARE 🤩 ensure that you give something of value to your audience that makes them feel for the topic and not just look at it as another boring presentation full of facts and tiny details that they will forget ✨ rather keep your MESSAGE SIMPLI AND STRAIGHTR FORWARD🪴 - Avoid going into tiny details and using technical jargon - keep only relevant facts and data - pictures and visuals are best aids - highlight key point and more action verbs - you can also follow the rule of 6 words per slide 🪄ensure your presentation follows a narrative structure where you give your audience a promise and then deliver upon it 🎓and to keep them engaged don't give them 4 rather give them 2 2 and allow them to make the connections

If you are uncertain that you could use humor. I have good news for you. Humor, like public speaking, is a skill that can be developed. Confidence is speaking comes from experience. Your typical keynote speaker may get 1 talk per week - 52 hours per year.   Stand-up comedians can clock up 600 hrs in a year - a much quicker path to mastery.  In order to handle any criticisms they may face during presentations, and to build their speaking confidence, many executives speak at open mics at comedy clubs to develop their confidence and their sense of humor. If they can handle a heckler at a comedy club, they can handle Mitch from Accounting.

When technical issues pop up, smile and say, "Looks like even the technology needs a coffee break!" Keep it light and let the audience know it's all part of the experience. This approach works for any age group and keeps the mood positive.

Navigating technical issues during a presentation? No problem! First, stay calm and crack a light-hearted joke to ease the tension—"Looks like even tech needs a coffee break!" Quickly assess the issue and communicate briefly with the audience. Engage the audience with questions or interactive discussions while troubleshooting. As someone who frequently facilitates training, I find having a co-facilitator is golden—they can continue engaging the group while I fix the issue. Demonstrating adaptability and humor ensures your message gets through smoothly. Remember, every glitch is just a plot twist in your presentation adventure!