You're faced with technical glitches at a high-profile conference. How do you maintain your professionalism?

Acknowledge the issue briefly, then focus on solutions. Have a backup plan ready, such as printouts or alternative presentation methods. Remember, how you handle unexpected problems often leaves a stronger impression than a flawless presentation.

It starts with putting in the reps beforehand. So as along as you're clear on your message, outcome of what you'd like the audience to learn and have your top 2-4 stories down, you'll be just fine. Work through the tech glitches. Stay calm, and remember... it's not about YOU. You're here to help the audience. So get back on track in being of Service, and you'll be more than fine!

Acknowledge the problem, reassure the audience that the organizers are working on it, adapt accordingly and continue with the presentation. If the audio to the loudspeaker malfunctioned, then get off the stage and move closer to the audience so they can hear you. If the video projector quit, then tell the audience that you will email the slides afterwards. There is always a way to add value and fulfill the presentation objectives regardless of the circumstances.

Humor and levity have always worked for me. Positivity and negative are contagious so: stay positive, don't complain about the crew or staff, and take a deep breath. Ask the audience if this has ever happened to them, see what response you get.

It is helpful to remember that most glitches are out of any one individual's control. Remaining calm without even a jabbed comment at those trying to fix the issue can go a long way in building rapport with the audience and support. I also recommend being prepared enough to continue with the presentation without the use of the glitched technology. Speaking clearly at a volume all can hear and knowing the material well can prevent longer delays.

Be transparent and concise. Briefly explain the issue, outline your plan to resolve it, and keep attendees informed of progress. Avoid technical jargon and focus on clear, confident communication that reassures your audience.

Once I was working a conference as a sound engineer with a VERY high profile client when during rehearsal, we tripped the main breaker for all electrical into the room. Chaos ensued with a lot of guys in suits talking into their sleeves running back and forth, trying to find out whose fault it was and running down the contact info for the owner of the facility --to 'do something about it" The president of the outfit who was in the middle rehearsing his speech and presentation at the podium leaned back on the wall watching the circus in front of him. I walked past and winked. "Think I'll go backstage and try to reset that breaker." The president grinned and said "I think that sounds like a good idea...."

Humour and transparency is key. Stay calm but effective. Know your material so that you can start your presentation while the technical issues are “un-glitched”.

One of the key things in this situation is to be on the same page with the MC as you try to resolve the technical hitch. The audience will always appreciate the transparency and are willing to wait. The critical thing is to ensure they are entertained. Depending on the situation, you can collaborate with the MC to keep the audience going. The Mc at the event and I were able to come up with icebreakers that really helped until the issue was resolved.

Lets start with"My unique work never been done before and yet people often assume they know about it." My new essential program for schools is "Reading Recovery Skills!" Lets be told it is not a literacy program. So to be equal, lets start here today as a smart 8th grade student! You are given a paper test to answer & you can not read the language. What do you do? Raise your hand and ask for it in English? ...it is in English! This is the situation I am going to talk about today. And...lets guess what it takes for you an 8th grade student to be successful. Have your interest? Lets see what can you do! 1. Start acting out as a jokester in class 2. Get a stomach ache & ask to leave the class 3. Put your head down & say you have a migraine.

Technical glitches often cause major disruption. If you know your topic well, and at the least have a backup on paper or a mobile device, for example, you can continue with your presentation. Ask the support team to work on the glitch, then continue. At the worst, if your presentation is completely disrupted, find an alternate time to deliver the topic. The promise to the audience that they’ll receive your content is key - work to always honor that.

It's helps to feel comfortable in the topic and the space, if you can't move forward with materials themselves due to a technical glitch, utilize the time to focus on the meaning and the key content you wanted to relay overall. If the size of the space will allow you to continue sharing- switch to a story telling and/or conversation type of presentation where you not only share the key concepts but initiate dialogue with the participants.

As an individual that has reluctantly got into using technology for presentations I always find it helpful to know the material well enough that if any issues with tech arise I can present it clearly without assistance. That being said it takes longer prep to have a Plan B, but it is always worth it to be upfront and in the middle of an issue have it together enough to smoothly transition into your presentation without missing a step. You gain more in the audiences perception of you if you are able to handle a tech crisis on the fly without missing a beat.

This is key. My take on this one is not to do it all alone. assign tasks, delegate. If you know the team is working well, it is easier to assign tasks depending on their personalities and temperaments. For example some people are bold and authoritative; they can work with the MC for the icebreakers and lead the audience in waiting while someone else might be very good to work with the tech team.

Change the dynamics of the group--section off the audience and lets see who gets the right answers. Group A,B,C,& D Group A works on being the Teacher in a class of 20 with 3 all time unruly students. How do you engage them? Group B You know that 5 kids in your class of 12 can not read. The rest are good readers. How do we include the other 5 in this activity. Group C Your job is to be a student leader and solve this problems when the unruly are asked to leave the room. What is your job!..how has your job changed? Give all of you about 8 minutes to think about this! Get 3 good ideas and lets discuss them. After time called: Thanks for your good work! Now, lets thank our wonderful teachers when every day they work on these same issues.

There may be a way to integrate the circumstances into the presentation, depending on the topic. For example, if the topic is resiliency, you can use it as an example of how to face life's daily challenges. Find a way to adapt, briefly and confidently relate it to your topic where appropriate, and overcome.

Humour and transparency is key. Stay calm but effective. Know your material so that you can start your presentation while the technical issues are “un-glitched”.

Stay calm and have a sense of humor. If you know your topic, and that is the key, you can present the information while the glitches re being worked out. This is a good reminded to always know your topic and not rely on visuals to do the "talking".

Humour and transparency is key. Stay calm but effective. Know your material so that you can start your presentation while the technical issues are “un-glitched”.