Technical issues are cutting into your speaking time. How do you keep your audience motivated?
Technical issues can be a speaker's worst nightmare, but staying composed and connecting with your audience can save the day. Here's how to keep them motivated:
What strategies do you use to handle technical issues during a presentation?
Technical issues are cutting into your speaking time. How do you keep your audience motivated?
Technical issues can be a speaker's worst nightmare, but staying composed and connecting with your audience can save the day. Here's how to keep them motivated:
What strategies do you use to handle technical issues during a presentation?
-
Technical issues are to be expected. In this case let us assume that projector is not working, which means slide deck cannot be used. As a professional, we are expected to be familiar with the content. Slides are meant for audience and at best an aid. 1. Make it more interactive. 2. Seek their challenges. 3. Story telling : Construct your presentation in the form of story telling - Challenge, Change and impact - in that order. What are the challenges they face, what change is being proposed and what is the impact ( results). This way we can make it interactive and overcome the technical issues.
-
Here’s how I handle such situations to keep my audience engaged: Acknowledge and Stay Calm: I briefly address the issue with honesty and a touch of humor to ease the tension, ensuring the audience feels acknowledged. Engage Creatively: I use relatable stories, ask thought-provoking questions, or involve the audience in an interactive discussion to keep the energy flowing. Leverage Non-Technical Tools: Having a backup like handouts, whiteboard explanations, or simply sharing key insights verbally ensures the message is still delivered effectively. Adapt and Focus: I pivot to the core of my message, emphasizing the key takeaways, so the audience still finds value despite the interruptions.
-
One thing I've seen in my experience is that the audience usually can notice when you encounter technical glitches so using the situation to engage with the audience brings a lasting impact. As a professional, you should always be prepared for any situation and understanding that you as a facilitator bring life to the presentations and not the other way. This should be be supplemented with a good storyline that will stimulate the brains of your audience and improve retention.
-
First, we must accept that technical issues can be inevitable in any events. Hence, a self preparedness is very important. You should be backed up with some extra resources to engage the audience. This may include colour printouts, gaming materials and some extra personal skills. With all these, you will certainly stand out as an impactful speaker, no matter what the adversity is.
-
If technical issues cut into speaking time, keeping the mood light with a bit of humour or an engaging story can help maintain the audience's interest. Turning the moment into an opportunity for interaction can also make everyone feel more connected.
-
When technical issues affect my speaking time, such as on a presentation, a vlog or a podcast, I like to make jokes, sometimes poking fun at limitations beyond my control. It has two positive effects, firstly, it relaxes me and secondly, it makes the audience laugh as well
-
Já tive problemas técnicos com o som. Abordei a situação de maneira humorada, a plateia não era muito volumosa, então alterei o layout, segui com a apresentação e pedi para os participantes solicitarem o material de apoio por e-mail. Eu particularmente gosto de utilizar pouquíssimo material de apoio, e quando utilizo disponibilizo tudo antes ou após
-
The casuistry accompanied by small notes on the subject, I think is the best tool to confront an audience in case of technical failures.
-
I believe being open and honest with the audience about what’s going on humanizes you and also sends the message that even when things go wrong it’s best to just roll with it. Things happen.. keep going. Since public speaking is also most people’s greatest fear, I think it also sends the message that these things can happen to anyone, even the professionals which might help boost their confidence the next time they have to face an audience.
-
Technical difficulties will occur… often at the most inopportune moments. Since we know that this is a possible which we can not control, we should: 1. Acknowledge the problem to your audience and keep moving 2. Always have a plan B that you can switch into with a smooth transition 3. Turn the presentation into meaningful discussion using the key points you were going to cover 4. Enjoy the process because although inconvenient, technical difficulties can push us to tap into more diverse skills
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Corporate CommunicationsHow can you open and close a speech effectively?
-
Public SpeakingHow do you manage time constraints when asked to condense or expand your speech on short notice?
-
PresentationsHow do you use analogies and examples to explain complex concepts or ideas?
-
Public SpeakingWhat is the ideal length for a speech?