Here's how you can mitigate the potential risks of relying too heavily on new technology for presentations.

You can use the following advice to lessen the hazards associated with depending too much on new technologies for presentations: Backup Plan: In the event that technology fails, always have a backup plan in place. Practice: Before the presentation, become acquainted with the technologies. Simplicity: To reduce the possibility of technological problems, keep your presentation technology basic. Engage Audience: Use different methods to interact with your audience instead of relying just on technology. Technical help: Make sure there is technical help on hand in case there are any problems with the presentation. Test Equipment: Make sure everything is functioning properly by testing all of the equipment before the presentation.

I have a kit made up and ready to go for every speaking gig. It has all the connections and leads, mics and clicker with extra batteries… You should see the smiles on the faces of the tech team when I arrive and open that puppy up in front of them saying “what do you need from me?” I also arrive early or even the day before to set up, do an AV check and familiarise myself with the room/tech/stage etc. Also I ask for info at the pre-briefing call and send my rider through ahead of time. Prep, practice and perfect!

Practice Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt and improvise if technology fails. Have contingency plans for how you will proceed if the presentation setup encounters unexpected issues.

Have a good back-up plan. Ina ddition to it, prepare small cards with significant pointers even if a tech failure is faced, make these more audio-sensitive than visual-sensitive so that you can still capture the interests of the group.

Mitigate the risks of over-relying on new technology by continuously refining your core presentation skills, ensuring you can seamlessly adapt if tech fails. Engage in regular training sessions to enhance your public speaking, storytelling, and improvisation abilities, keeping you agile and prepared for any scenario. Develop a strong backup strategy, including non-digital materials and rehearsed contingency plans, to maintain your presentation’s impact without tech. Foster a balance between technological tools and human touch, using tech to augment rather than replace your natural communication strengths.

When you know your info inside out, you don’t need slides. Slides should just be there to keep you on track and to time anyway.

Mitigate risks of over-reliance on new technology by ensuring your presentation content remains clear and accessible even in its simplest form, prioritizing core messages over flashy features. Develop a robust backup plan that includes traditional formats, such as printed handouts or static slides, to maintain effectiveness in case of technical failures. Regularly test and rehearse your presentation with a focus on clear communication, ensuring you can convey key points seamlessly without tech enhancements. Finally, balance innovative tools with straightforward, audience-centric content to ensure your message is compelling and easily understood, regardless of technological support.

An awesome keynote speaker will have a process they take audiences through. Many use an anagram or diagram. Like SMART goals, Simon sinks golden circle, or Maslow hierarchy. This helps your presentation lead people through a journey, and each slide is like telegraph poles along the road. This means that, if you know the journey, and the tech fails, you can keep going!

Rehearsing builds your confidence, allowing you to present with assurance. Technological aids can make your presentation more vibrant and engaging, but remember, they are merely supporting actors. You are the star of the show. Even if you lose all your technology, you should be able to fill the stage and complete your presentation, perhaps using only a flipchart and colorful markers. Being prepared for such a scenario and successfully delivering your presentation will ensure you remain memorable for a long time.

Bringing props or hard copy handouts is also a great backup and a little music speaker. It’s more engaging to not have everyone glued to the screen anyway.

If your keynote follows a process, you can weave authentic stories into it, with lessons as outcomes. Just make sure the stories are yours. Don’t regurgitate others quotes.