The environment into which a presentation is delivered can significantly affect its reception. As a presenter, you can influence this. It may require negotiation and time, but the environment should be maximised for the best reception of a presentation. Environments can be changed.
We have all sat in lecture theatres where the heat is stifling. We have all seen a stage with lighting so poor that the presenter has disappeared. We’ve been to conferences where presenters are inaudible due to microphone issues. All of these issues affect the value of the presentation and can be addressed. As a presenter, you have a degree of importance that can be utilised to improve the environment.
No one intentionally sets up a bad environment for a conference. Co-ordination of factors can be difficult with multiple support teams unaware of other team issues. Understanding who might be able to improve an issue can be a further challenge, but the key is to directly ask the person responsible. Don’t ask Audio techs to change the room temperature or Front of House about the projector. Ask who the the person responsible is, find them and engage in discussion. Don’t simply make demands. “I notice there are three screens at the front of the stage displaying the same images. Is there a reason for this?” “We were told to do that.” “Okay, for my presentation, could I ask you to blank all screens except the central one?” “No, problem!” “Thank you.”
Often a problem is clear to the whole audience but they neither have the power nor the inclination to ask for improvement. The importance given to individual speakers, even if you are only one of 100 presenters at a scientific conference, is that you are part of the back stage team and can ask. The rest of the back stage team may not even been aware of what is being experienced in the audience seats. I have even seen a presenter recognise that the audience is seriously flagging and offer a simple 5 minute break in their seats to allow a mental reset. If you notice lots of audience members have arrived from another session but cannot get to free seats, halt proceedings and invite them to move into the hall. Then begin. The value of these simple interventions is huge and your presentation will be valued further. If you perceive a problem with anything to do with the environment, ask if it can be improved.
The value of a presentation is the product of the message, media and delivery. Even the best presentation will struggle if the environment in which it is delivered is poor. If that can be improved, ask for that to happen.
thumbs up… agree but planning is required and often the AV team is not always open to discussion. I bring my own kit now.. The stop and let late comers get settled requires a lot more agility and confidence that many speaker have. (esp if one doesnt get to start on time due to previous speakers running over)
Set:
-up for success
– the tone
– your message
– in stone the story you want to delivery
– the listeners expectations
– to work weeks (if not months) in advance
– an escape plan if you slides fail
– the scene: why they should listen to you
– in motion : knowledge translation
Thanks Hugo. There’s more to a good presentation that just a .pptx file eh?