M O D U L E T W O

Delivering Your Talk

L E S S O N F O U R

Using Technology

For speakers, technology can be your best friend or your worst enemy :)

Technology should be used as an enhancement and not

as a crutch

Litmus test: If you couldn't use any technology in your talk, would it still be good?

• If so, then great. But if not, then your talk itself still needs work.

Your talk needs to be able to stand on it's own.

Start by building your talk and THEN decide if adding technology makes sense

Let's start with PowerPoint/Keynote...

The pros of using slides...

• Your notes can be on the screen so it may be easier for you to know where you're going

• Can be a great enhancement for key points • Great tool for humor (funny images/videos)

The cons of using slides...

• There are 7928357987 things that could go wrong :) • If it doesn't work, you may start to panic • The room/setup may not have what you need

If you're going to use slides...

• Use slides to add/reinforce what you say not to repeat yourself

• Do NOT read off the slides • Stay focused on the audience when you show slides • Avoid using stock images (impersonal = boring = lame) • Remember that less is more • Get there early to test everything

Resource for Creating/Using Slides:

• "Resonate" and "Slide:ology" - Nancy Duarte • Pecha Kucha 20 x 20 (http://www.pechakucha.org/)

Microphones

Always test your mic ahead of time (make sure you have

fresh batteries)

Pro tips for specific mics

Wired Handheld Microphone

Wired Handheld Microphone

• Pro: generally very reliable because they're hardwired into the system

• Con: limited by cable length for where you can go • Tips:

• Make sure you have enough cable for where you want to move

• Make sure the cable won't get caught on anything

Wireless Handheld Microphone

Wireless Handheld Microphone

• Pro: allows you more freedom to move • Con: not always reliable...can be very spotty in certain

rooms/settings • Tips:

• Cheap wireless mics do not work well. • When in doubt, stick to a corded option

Wireless Lav Mic

Wireless Lav Mic

• Pro: great for speakers who want to use their hands • Con: can also be very spotty and unreliable at times • Tips:

• Test different volume levels that you speak at (you can't control how close it is to your mouth once it's set)

• Run cable through front of shirt and attach pack to your back waist

• Make mic as inconspicuous as possible

Wireless Countryman Mic

Wireless Countryman Mic

• Pro: generally nicer and more reliable than other wireless options

• Con: if not fitted properly around your ear, they can come loose and fall off

• Tips: • Move your head and arms around a lot during run-

through to make sure it is stable to your head • Run cable down back of shirt • This is my personal preference for a mic

Find your preference but choose the option that best

fits the room

What to do when mics decide they hate you...

• Don't panic. It happens. • If it doesn't bother you, it won't bother the audience. • Always have a plan B • The show must go on. Be ready to be loud.

Do I need my own mic?

Cameras

• In bigger settings, remember most of the audience will be looking at you on a screen not you on stage

• For key points, talk directly to the camera • Know where all cameras are at • Make sure crew knows if they need to zoom in/out at any

specific points of presentation

Countdown Timer/Confidence Monitor

• Confidence monitor is only necessary when using slides • Pay attention to the time you've been given • You can also ask the client to give you some indication of

10, 5, 1 minute remaining

Remote Control

• If using slides, you need a remote • Use the remote as an extension of your hand • Recommend getting your own remote

Music

• Music is a great tool for creating energy before a session starts

• Music works well in a workshop if people are in small groups discussing something

• Simplest thing to do...set the mic next to your phone/iPod

Working With A Tech Crew

Working With Event Planners With Tech

• Be easy to work with without being a pushover • Ask for what you need ahead of time (we use a basic rider) • Set yourself up for success without being a jerk