Anyone who has been around the block have seen speakers stumble at the podium when AV trouble happens. There are a lot of moving parts, and sometimes even competing forces, all suggesting that the potential for trouble will always be with us, no matter how much we progress technologically.

So, instead of turning and running off the stage, we make the following suggestions to help you shine in the most difficult situations.

1. Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel frustrated, but try to remain calm. Your audience is likely understanding, and getting visibly upset might make the situation more uncomfortable.

2. Communicate with the Audience: Briefly inform the audience about the technical issue. You can make a light comment to acknowledge the situation, which can help ease tension and show that you’re aware of the problem.

3. Have a Backup Plan: Always have a backup plan for your presentation. This could involve having a printed copy of your slides, using a different device, or having key points written down. Be prepared to continue without relying on the AV if needed.

4. Work with AV Support: If there’s technical support available, communicate with them quickly to resolve the issue. They might be able to fix it promptly, or they may suggest an alternative solution.

5. Engage the Audience: Use the opportunity to engage with your audience directly. Ask questions, share anecdotes, or encourage a brief discussion. This can help maintain the connection even if the slides or visuals aren’t available.

6. Adapt and Simplify: If the AV issue persists, consider adapting your presentation on the spot. Simplify your message, focus on key points, and use verbal communication to convey your message effectively.

7. Learn from the Experience: After the presentation, take some time to reflect on what happened. Consider what could be done differently in the future to prevent or better handle similar situations.

Remember, technical issues happen to everyone at some point. It’s how you handle them that can leave a lasting impression on your audience. Experience shows us that audiences are generally very sympathetic to a speaker in these situations so we urge you to find confidence in knowing everyone has your back.