What are the best ways to use your environment to enhance your presentation?

The space you choose is a form of communication. It absolutely sets the tone for your talk. However, sometimes you’re not in full control of choosing this space, so what do you do? You try to ensure you get time to rehearse in that space before your session. This will allow you to get comfortable & understand the space more & how best to use it. You want to be at one with the space!

Familiarising yourself with the physical space prior to delivery is critical here. Being able to incorporate a unique feature from the environment is a way of being "purposefully spontaneous". The audience experiences a spark of excitement as it feels spur of the moment and they realise that that moment will only happen just this once. The event theme, a quote from the event publication, a painting on the wall, an AC that's too cold or not, and my recent favourite the availability/lack of coffee are some examples of using simple cues to customise your presentation to a specific audience. The proof of the pudding? The increased engagement in the very next coffee break!

It’s critical to distinguish a document from a presentation. The environment is not about prioritising audio visual projection of a document, which people can read on their own, but prioritising human interaction. To read thru or replicate a document in a presentation is useless. The presenter adds value by framing and extracting key themes and factual applications, and facilitating human interplay. So it’s less about building an environment around visual aids, and more about building it around people 🤔

Giving an effective presentation is about stepping out, so I encourage speakers to go beyond the podium, get away from the table and whenever possible, to stand. Why? Because you get to utilise your natural body language, your gestures, your eye contact, your smile. Yes, you may be limited by your mic or even your notes if you are relying on a powerpoint or slides, but when we are speaking, we need to be mindful that our message is delivered just as distinctly through our stances as our sentences.

In essence, the space you communicate in is a vital aspect of the overall message. It can either complement or detract from what you're trying to convey. Therefore, it's essential to be mindful of your environment, and when possible, take steps to ensure that you're well-prepared and comfortable within that space. Ultimately, the goal is to use the space as a tool to enhance your communication rather than letting it become a hindrance.

Understanding your audience and communicating in a language they will understand is key. From speech to mannerism to verbal and non verbal cues, public speakers need mastery. Also practicing the use of equipments before presentation is necessary. Asides practicing, keeping an open mind will help you respond better incase issues arise. Microphones should be checked first, you don't want to be learning that your microphone is bad on the stage. If using a laptop or projector, you may want to send your slides out to the organizers or another source just incase there is a technical issue.

Using equipment wisely involves ensuring it's in good working condition, suitable for your needs, and effectively enhances your presentation. Test and check equipment like projectors for resolution, brightness, and connectivity. Microphones should be checked for volume, clarity, and feedback to ensure good audio quality. For laptops or digital devices, have a contingency plan for technical glitches. Avoid over-reliance on equipment; have backup options ready in case of failure, allowing you to continue your presentation seamlessly. Proactive and proper preparation paves the way for a smoother and more reliable presentation.

Knowing your audience ahead of time is key to effective public speaking. This is a multidimensional analysis and goes beyond the particular role that they occupy in the setting for the speech. Background cultural analysis creates connection and trust that will help you to establish trust as you set the stage in delivering your message. When you take the time to recognize the essence of living that occupies the day-to-day lives of your listeners, you demonstrate that you respect them as individuals. You are also able to tailor your deliver more effectively by demonstrating that you have an understanding of the essence of their culture. This optimizes your word choice, positioning, nonverbal communication, dress, and ultimately, your delivery

Apart from the common checklist of testing the equipment, always remember that the best equipment is ourselves. This mindset should come even before you are creating any PPTs or fancy demonstrations. Learn how to project your voice - in case the microphone is out of function. Learn how to free your hands for gestures that go along with your emotions or ideas - in case the screen is frozen. Learn how to use vivid language (e.g. metaphor, storytelling) - in case the laptop or projector is down. All these still finally come down to the basics of public speaking - the speaker as the vehicle for spreading ideas.

Sound is very important! If the room is so big you’ll be speaking with a microphone, checking the battery, volume and feedback beforehand it’s key. It can feel like a challenge, yet it can be interesting to not use a computer/presentation, if possible.

What else could be a cool prop? Examples from my experience: Lego Darth Vader, Lego car, piece of a puzzle, a book, a piece of clothing or accessory, etc. Some high profile examples: mosquito (Bill Gates), sugar cubes (Jamie Oliver), human brain (Jill Bolte Taylor). The opportunities are endless. Go creative!

At a panel during the Association for Commuter Transportation conference a few months ago, I presented my own material and the material of an absent colleague. To distinguish between our sections, I stood at two different angles to the podium and mimed putting on and taking off a "hat" to represent when I was speaking for her instead of me. I thought nothing of it at the time, but multiple attendees said it really helped them keep the content straight and pay attention.

Bringing relevant props elevates your presentation by providing visual and tactile elements that engage your audience. For example, when presenting a product, having a sample, model, or demonstration can help your audience better understand its features. When explaining a concept, diagrams, charts, or visual aids can simplify complex information. When sharing a story, photos, videos, or testimonials can make it more vivid. The use of props in your presentation is important because they have the ability to reinforce your message, making it more memorable and comprehensible to your audience. Ensure that props are visible, accessible, and easy to use to enhance their effectiveness in supporting your presentation.

Props give us opportunity for engagement and fun! Toys and children’s books are my favourite props. It is amazing how connected people are when exploring play while learning. “The elephant in the room”. I bring a stuffed elephant and place it in a chair or table. Props facilitate tough conversations.

I always keep some additional tools in a luggage beg that I carry with me. Conversation cards with pictures for group activities, colour papers or sticky notes for brainstorming. A printed set of slides just in case of emergency and I need to go back to non technological way to deliver lessons. Also markers and masking tapes and rolls of flipchart paper. These are always emergency supplies that I have in case I need to change how I present without projector.

To adjust the lighting effectively, consider your desired atmosphere. If you aim for a warm and inviting setting, use soft, natural lighting. For a dramatic impact, opt for bright, contrasting lighting. To draw in focus and attention, use dim, directional lighting. Be mindful of how the lighting affects your slides, props, and facial expressions to ensure it elevates your presentation.

First, I want to make sure I am clearly visible. There's nothing worse than attending a presentation and struggling to see the presenter's facial expressions or to see that their mouth is moving or not. Whether it is low lighting or bright lighting, it is important for an audience to be able to distinguish my facial features clearly, unless of course it is an artistic presentation in which not seeing facial features will add impact for the message or metaphor of the content.

Bringing in an equity and inclusive lens - remember that the lighting needs of browner skin tones vary from those who are more pale. Ensure that the room lighting compliments your skin tone and highlights your lovely features. If possible, show up early to your speaking event and work with the lighting tech to ensure you are appropriately lit. Having a friend with you to provide feedback from the audience perspective and to view you through a camera if your talk is being filmed, is very helpful. The same applies to virtual talks. Experiment with the lighting in the room as well as any supplemental lighting (ex: The Ring) to ensure it is complimentary to you and is sufficient to appropriately light you up without washing you out.

If possible, adjust the lighting to create the right mood for your presentation. Dimmed lights can draw attention to your visuals, while well-lit stages can emphasize your presence.

Also, make sure your lighting is not so dim that photographers and notetakers are going to struggle with it. I see this far too often!

To set the ambiance effectively, tailor it to your presentation's goals and your audience's expectations. Use elements like lighting, music, decor, and scents to evoke the desired mood. For a calming atmosphere, choose soft lighting, soothing music, and comfortable seating. To energize the audience, opt for bright lighting, lively music, and interactive elements. Maintain professionalism with formal attire, authoritative sources, and clear language. Pay attention to venue conditions, such as noise levels, temperature, and ventilation, ensuring they align with your chosen ambiance. Tailoring ambiance amplifies audience engagement and message resonance.

For me this ties into the venue selection. Venues will have limitations related to what they can provide to support or inhibit ambiance. Starting with a particular type of music and volume which is positively associated to the purpose of my presentation. But I make sure it is not overbearing because people are typically there to socialize with each other before, to relax, and to listen to meaningful content.

I agree. I strongly encourage incorporating music and art into your talk, if you can. Using various techniques to connect with people can help get your message across more effectively. Music and various forms of art are very powerful forms of human connection and can invoke the emotional response that cements learning and can motivate behavioral change.

Setting the ambiance isn't as simple as it might sound. Combine that with a home office, and you are up for a challenging task. Remember that ambiance has a hard dependency on your content. You don't want to confuse your audience; instead, you just want to add to their learning experience and set the mood. You can play it safe with a nutral setup but that wont add any vibe. For face-to-face presentations, I would suggest to taking multiple opinions here.

An unforgettable TED talk conclusion that comes to mind is Michael Shermer's, where he emphasized the significance of scientific accuracy with a touch of humor. He did this by incorporating a song from Katie Melua, who had rewritten her own song to correct scientific inaccuracies present in the original. This clever and entertaining approach made the message stick in a truly memorable and funny way. Music and creativity can indeed be powerful tools in setting the ambiance and conveying your message effectively.

The environment in which you present is another 'visual' aid to your presentation. If you want to command the room as a speaker, the first step may be to take command of the space. Here are just a few of my experiences: the room was set for 400 attendees with a 10-foot wide aisle right down the middle. That created an empty space, and divided the audience in half. I convinced the organizers to fill in the center aisle and instead have a narrower aisle 1/4 of the room's width from either side. Many times the projection screen is positioned in the middle of the stage as if we were going to watch a movie. I always move it to the side and angle it towards the opposite far corner. I get to be the center of attention. Not my slides.

A keen awareness when presenting displays your ability to pivot on a subject or instance. The objective remains to provide an insightful and memorable experience for the audience.

Always find a way to make light of things that don't go according to plan, without placing blame on the organizer or venue. When there's an elephant in the room, like a mic that's cutting out, make a joke of it - everyone's already thinking about it, so go there directly and get the audience to laugh - but be sure to ask AV for a replacement mic!

To adapt effectively to the situation, maintain flexibility and responsiveness. If you perceive issues with space, lighting, or noise, consider adjustments like furniture rearrangement, volume control, or improved lighting. If audience engagement wanes, modify your pacing, tone, or content. In the event of equipment, prop, or ambiance issues, be prepared to improvise, substitute, or eliminate as needed. Leveraging your environment to enhance your presentation results in a more engaging, effective, and memorable speech. Follow these guidelines to optimize your physical space, equipment, props, lighting, and ambiance while staying adaptable and ready to tackle unforeseen challenges.

In my experience when speaking about complex topics like economics or market sized concepts, I utilize the audience in the room as the total market example when describing said concept. By doing so people tend to measure the room and look around at each other. Thought engagement begins in relation to the concept. Then I define how certain individuals’ roles, or behaviors play into said concept. This helps both the audience as a whole and the individual feel part of the concept, reduce complexity and increase the ability to understand complex concepts by making them much more tangible and engaging.

I always feel out the room what’s my first impression upon entering? I check out the view of the stage from several seats, again, what’s the feeling? Stage too high or too narrow? or so vast I’ll look small? I get on the stage and work with the sound and lighting crew to create an inviting, interactive, and engaging experience. While presenting, I make sure to tell stories, weave in shared experiences, and try to connect with individual attendees no matter the size of the audience. Share a funny self-deprecating story with a common theme eg. Lost my phone while talking on it. During the laughs, look at the audience and say ”you know you’ve done that too.” Vulnerability makes people relax and connect. The jitters fall off and it becomes fun

Use the audience and make them part of your story. During your presentations look for things that stand out and could be hooks for your presentation. You can also learn from stand-up comedy shows and how comedians use the crowd to drive home a joke or story. However, be aware of the environment and culture you are in. Using people in the audience might rub them the wrong way, so try to read their body language.

Creativity is the most impressive thing a person has. Your current environment is always what you have to work with. No matter what it is, you always have your creativity to upgrade it. People are impressed by what you can pull off with what you have. Not what you needed. Take a moment to think about how to pull it off. Trust your self.

To enhance your presentation using your environment, apply these strategies: 1. Enhancing presentations involves optimizing the environment. 2. Consider venue, seating, lighting, and sound. 3. Utilize visuals and props, and distribute handouts. 4. Interact with your audience effectively, adapting to the room's configuration and ambiance. 5. Ensure technology readiness, and employ music or visuals to complement your message. These steps can catapult your efforts to captivate your audience. By optimizing your presentation environment, you can enhance your delivery, engage your audience, and effectively convey your message.

The use of humor and strategic improvisation can effectively captivate an audience. There are risks, but if you keep it simple and it works, the audience will be engaged. An example would be to ask someone for their phone to demonstrate something, and then make a joke as you hand it back. Being unexpected can have excellent results.