When you are giving a speech or presentation, it is important that the logistics go smoothly – and our presentation venue checklist will help.
Knowing details of the venue, the tech that’s available, the key contact details, will all help ensure that when you stand up to speak, you can give the best possible performance, with the confidence that everything will go smoothly. This is a key part of your preparation for your speech.
We have identified 18 logistical questions you should know the answer to. These sit alongside the preparation you should do: knowing who your audience is, what your message to them is, and how you are going to convey this is the most interesting, engaging and memorable way.
Here is our presentation venue checklist:
- Who is your contact at the venue?
- How will you get to the venue?
- Is there parking?
- Is there wifi?
- What AV equipment is there?
- Will there be a stage?
- Will you have a lecturn?
- Will you have a radio mic?
- How big will the audience be?
- How will the audience be seated?
- If you have slides, can you use your own laptop, and if so, how will you connect it to the monitors?
- Do the organisers need your presentation in advance (better if they have it, in case your tech breaks down and you need to rely on them)?
- Is there a clicker? If not, how will you move your slides on?
- Will there be a host?
- How will you be introduced?
- Do they want you to do a Q and A?
- Is there a roving mic? If so, who will manage that?
- Is there other tech you can use, such as Slido?
Read more: Key questions to ask yourself before a presentation
Knowing the answers to all these points will ensure you can prepare properly for every eventuality, and tailor your speech to the venue, the event and the audience.
Find out more about our presentation skills training, and contact us if you would like to discuss how we can help you improve your public speaking.
Ann Wright is a communications and media training specialist at Rough House Media, helping organisations and professionals communicate with confidence, clarity and impact. She writes about media training, communications, PR and effective messaging. Ann is a crisis media training expert.
