During presentations occasionally things go wrong. When
things do not go as expected the key is not to panic and stay calm. How many times have you sat through a
presentation or training session and heard the line “It normally works at this
point”, or “It worked fine this morning?" These lines are not what you want to
hear as a delegate. As a delegate you
want to see the product in its best light.
There are circumstances when something might go amiss which
could have amusing connotations.
These are generally outside the presenter’s
control. This small burst in unscripted humour can be both a pause for breath
for the audience and for you as the presenter to take a valuable few seconds to
compose ready for the next important topic of the presentation.
What we will focus on are those items that are under your
control as a presenter.
Software updates
Software updates are one of the most dangerous areas for
presenters. Even more so in the current climate of tablets where automatic
updates can be enabled, PC users will be familiar with experiencing Windows
updates. These updates can have a dramatic effect if your computer connects to
a WiFi network. An update can take place, which invariably slows the computers
performance for a short while. More often than not this leads to the computer
needing a reboot. If the reboot notification
is not cancelled the computer can shut down halfway through your presentation.
For that reason try to have automatic updates switched off.
Virus software
Virus software can work in a similar way slowing down the
computer performance whilst updates are taking place. For most tasks this may
not even be noticed but start playing a video during a presentation and loading
may become an issue, let alone performance. Therefore we recommend switching
off these updates also.
Office
connectivity
Office connectivity provides a standard and expected way of
working, with shared diaries, email, interactive whiteboards and files stored
online. Presentations in offices do provide their own set of problems. Make sure during your presentation that email
is switched off. The group of delegates
or key business figures do not want to see a notification pop on the screen
stating you have an email from a friend inviting you to a drunken party that
evening, fancy dress optional. The same can be said for any active social media
sites you may be running.
Upgrades
Upgrades in software do provide many opportunities for the
presenter and trainer to fall down.
Small changes in layout when you are in full flight during a
presentation of software can lead to the thought of “Where has that icon
disappeared too”. Alternatively new icons appear in unexpected position.
Importantly as well, do not leave it to chance that old
files will automatically load. New software may prevent older file versions loading
or if they do load check that they open and that the layout is as expected.
Therefore be vigilant when upgrading software, always run through and
experience the upgraded version as much as possible ahead of a presentation.
By following these tips your presentations will run smoother and without any unwelcome intrusion.
