Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
When it comes to online presentations, Murphy is right. Here’s what happened before my online presentation for 150+ people. And a tech checklist to help you manage crises.
I started my usual login procedure 20+ minutes before the talk to make sure everything was in place. Usually, 20+ minutes is plenty. This time, it almost wasn’t.
The software didn’t start. No problem, it has happened before. Just do the usual: restart. Only this time, it didn’t help. (time is ticking). One more restart. Nothing. Turn off the laptop. Turn on the laptop. Nothing. (tick tock).
No problem, I have a plan B, a desktop computer. I quickly hook up my backup camera with the PC, turn it on, and start the software. On the second computer, it started. However, for some reason, it did not accept my credentials. (tick)
Desperation. (tock).
By this time, I had but a few minutes till the start. Had to improvise a plan C.
I took my wife’s laptop, emailed her the login link for the event, saved my presentation on a pen drive, copied it to her laptop, started the presentation, and logged in with her account. By the time I appeared on screen, it was stage time.
Not the most stress-free way to start a presentation. 😊
I used the same tool a few days before and had no issues. As it turned out after my presentation, the only way to solve it was uninstalling and reinstalling it.
Moral of the story:
Just because something worked yesterday, it doesn’t mean it will today. 😊
Now, I have an extra step in my tech check for online presentations.
The oldies:
✅ Camera, backup camera
✅ Internet connection, if possible, backup internet connection (e.g., wired connection or option to tether from a cellphone)
✅ Microphone, backup microphone (this is usually covered with the webcam’s mic and the laptop’s)
✅ Laptop battery fully charged in case there’s a power shortage
The new entry:
✅ Check well in advance (but on the same day) whether the software you use works. Leave time for problem-solving.
My message to you:
Check the tech, and have a plan B (C(D)).
If you need help with your public speaking planning, contact me here.