December 9th, 2011
How Do You Respond When Equipment Fails During Your Presentation?
Comments Off, Laptop Product, by admin.Equipment will fail. Your laptop will suddenly display the “Blue Screen of Death.” The bulb in you projector will suddenly “pop!” Your presentation will suddenly “freeze.” It’s one thing when these unfortunate events occur while you are in your office or perhaps in your hotel room. But, where do you turn when this happens when you are presenting to your client? When you are in the middle of an exercise class? When you are talking with hundreds of people inside a meeting room?
And, believe me, this can take place. It has happened to me. Twice, I have had my laptop “die” during a six-hour training a category in Advanced Excel tips. The lesson which i learned: Always use a portable fan that sits underneath my laptop. The fan connects to a USB port so you don’t have for a power cube, and you can buy a model that folds up and fits neatly into your travel bag. Laptops mess up a lot of heat – particularly when they are used for longer periods. So, a transportable fan is definitely an “essential” part of my equipment setup.
Projectors also get hot as well as their bulbs will either suddenly “pop” or simply quietly “die” on you. Should i be using my projector, I have a spare bulb with me; but I NEVER attempt to change it mid-presentation – the projector is much too hot for that! Frequently, I will be using my client’s projector on-site and I don’t expect them to possess a spare bulb on hand. So, whether it’s my own projector or my client’s, I ensure that I know how to access the “sleep button” and I search for opportunities to put the projector to sleep during a lengthy presentation. Just like your audience needs an intermittent break, so too does your projector.
Before Time passes any further, let me share my philosophy about equipment and technology: “It isn’t a question of IF; it is a question of Whenever your equipment fails.” It will sooner or later.
Where do you turn when your equipment fails? How can you respond in cases like this? How can you recover and manage to keep your audience’s attention and engagement? How can you maintain your composure? How can you continue to project a professional presence?
First, remember that you – the presenter – that has the data and information that the audience wants to hear. You, and the topic that you are presenting would be the reasons that individuals are in the area. Your PowerPoint and your equipment are tools to assist you for making your presentation. Do not allow equipment failures to distract you against your message. Do not let equipment failures to distance you against your audience.
My preference would be to continue my presentation when the equipment fails. I do not attempt to fix the gear while my audience is sitting in their seats. I will require a short break at a natural reason for the presentation. If I can do the repair quickly, I do so during the break. If not, Time passes with my plan b. You must have a backup plan. You must be prepared with several options for continuing your preparation. Expect, and plan for, the inevitable equipment failure. This is a listing of the things which i put into my backup planning package. I always travel with:
A backup copy of my presentation on the USB hard disk.
A “Package for CD” copy of my presentation around the USB drive – including all hyperlinks, photos and media files – in case the equipment that I need to borrow or use does not have the same version of PowerPoint which i used to create my presentation.
A clean copy of my handout – and any related documents – that can be quickly copied and distributed if the original copies are lost or if we require extras.
A “3 into 2″ prong adapter in case I need to plug my equipment into a 2 prong, ungrounded wall jack.
A 12 foot extension cord with at least six “plug-ins” in case I have to adjust the placement of my projector and laptop.
A USB expansion adapter that can extend at least 3 inches and it has a minimum of 4 ports.
My own handheld “clicker” to advance the slides. These connect to a USB port.
A digital clock that’s large enough and bright enough for me to see the amount of time in a variety of lighting conditions. I do not want my audience to see me looking at my watch during my presentation.
Extra batteries its my equipment – including my laptop.
The portable fan for my laptop which i known in the following paragraphs.
Prepare your presentation. Get ready. Prepare your recovery from an untimely equipment failure. Your audience will support you and respect your professionalism when you continue your presentation despite an equipment failure. Project your professional presence.