How to Deliver a Great Presentation When Technology Fails

We use technology to add sound and color to our a public presentations. Every now and again though, technology fails us, usually at the worst possible moment. A technical meltdown does not necessarily signal an unhappy end to your presentation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make handouts in advance that mirror the material in your slides.

2. Arrive in your meeting place with plenty of time to spare so you can set up your computer and projector.

3. Summon technical assistance, if it's available, if the show does not go on after two attempts.

4. Stay cool and calm. You can bet many of your listeners have been in your shoes.

5. Step away from the equipment when your audience begins to arrive. Greet them. Chat them up. Win them over.

6. Pass around paper copies of your presentation. Apologize briefly for the technical glitches, make light of the situation and move on with your incredibly successful program.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid putting together a presentation that needs technology to be a success.
• You audience is most interested in content. If you know your stuff and show it, they won't remember the technical difficulties.