27th January 2016

Conference Presenting – Rule 3 – Carry Spares

You may possibly agree with me that at some events certain things can go wrong. Either the AV system has completely failed, somebody may have suffered a myorcardial infarction in the front row, or the main speaker is running 25 minutes late.

These are clearly very serious things for a presenter or event host to contend with. But, they can and do happen!

What I’ve learnt is to prepare for the worse. Now, I don’t mean that the conference location is going to be attacked by an unruly mob. Neither do I expect any of the items above to occur. But over the years, I’ve learnt to prepare accordingly.

Ninety-nine percent of the time nothing of any consequence happens but I think it’s wise to add these to your check list. These apply to MC’s , speakers and presenters.

1. Always carry a spare(s) of items you may need. e.g. ear-pieces, handkerchiefs, shirt and tie.

2. Check with other speakers the day before (if your introducing them) that they are properly prepared.

3. As 2 but with the event organiser!

One of the best conference organisers around is James Sale (extreme left)