Public Speaking: Tools – Audio Visual
There are a couple things to keep in mind when speaking to large groups. Usually, you’ll be set up with a microphone. Just like the rest of your session, preparation is important. Get to the venue early enough to allow you to familiarize yourself with the sound system, and test it to make sure it works properly. This will allow you to determine how well the microphone picks up your voice. Typically, a mic should be around 4 to 6 inches away; too close can sometime result in feedback, and of course if it’s too far away your audience may not be able to clearly hear you. Keep in mind that often the sound system is sensitive, so if you need to cough or clear your throat be sure to turn away from the microphone.
If you’re planning on using a projector, it’s also important to familiarize yourself with how it works. There are a lot of different brands and types, and since often the venue supplies this equipment you cannot count on it being similar to something you may have used in the past.
Speaking from personal experience – check to make sure you have all of the adapters/cable/stuff you will need to connect your laptop. Then double-check as you’re getting ready to leave, and check it again before you put it in the car! Generally, if you’re using a PC-based device the venue can likely provide an adapter if you forget – but if you’re using something like a Mac, a tablet, or other non-standard machine you could be stranded if you forget the appropriate supporting hardware. So, check it, recheck it, and check it again!
Likewise, the venue may offer hardware that allows your to remotely control your presentation slides. I have found it advantageous to have my own, as that way I know it works. And as noted above, it you have a non-standard device you will almost certainly need your own. For example, the latest MacBook computers use USB-C ports, which very few venues will be able to accommodate at this point in time.
Finally, if you have other visual aids, you need to consider how you will integrate them into your discussion. Sometimes, having a visual aid can really contribute to the overall quality of your discourse; it can often really help make a positive impression and the audience will remember what you were talking about. However, you will need to give some thought to things like the size of the room and lines of sight for your audience. A visual aid will lose its effectiveness if nobody can see it!
I can illustrate how you might utilize visual aids in a large venue from a personal experience. I’m an avid collector of space artifacts and memorabilia, and used that to develop a conference session on leadership lessons learned from the US space program. The room was very large, so I highlighted some of my artifacts via a nice photo on slides in my presentation. Then asked the venue to supply me with a table that I could display them, so the audience could examine them at the leisure at the close of the session. This enabled to talk about and tie some of my items to my discussion, put them on the big screen for all to see, and then allow those who were interested to interact with those items. I’m happy to say that was one of my best-attended and highest rated conference sessions!
Using presentation software is a big part of the visual aspects of your discussion, but that’s a post all on its own, so stay tuned for next week!