How to use a teleprompter

During the delivery of a speech, it is common to face technical glitches that can cause discomfort and even nervousness. These problems can also happen to experienced speakers at some point in their career. What really distinguishes these professionals is their positive attitude and resilience to overcome them.

Adequate preparation, effective strategies and the ability to remain calm are essential. These aspects are essential to successfully approach the task of presenting and discussing a topic in front of an audience.

Advance preparation: Before delving into strategies for dealing with technical glitches during a presentation, adequate advance preparation must first be done. Some important steps include:

• Test all the technical equipment you will use, such as the projector, microphone, computer and other devices. Perform connection tests to make sure everything is working properly.

• Be sure to make backup copies of your presentation and store them either on an external device or in the cloud. That way, if a problem arises with your primary device, you can quickly access a copy and move on.

• Familiarize yourself with the environment: Familiarize yourself with the location where the presentation will take place. Make sure you know the layout of the space, location of electrical outlets, lighting and any other technical details. This will allow you to anticipate potential problems and find quick solutions should they arise.

Deal with setbacks: Despite advance preparation, technical glitches can occur during a presentation. Here are some strategies to help you deal with these setbacks:

• Stay calm: First and foremost, it is important to remain confident in yourself and your ability to overcome the situation. Remember that technical glitches are common and that the audience has also experienced similar situations in the past.

• Communicate clearly: If you experience a technical failure, communicate it clearly to the audience. Briefly explain what is happening and what steps you are taking to fix it.

• Take contingency measures: Anticipate possible technical failures and be prepared with contingency measures. For example, have a hard copy of the presentation or carry a backup device with the presentation loaded.

• Know the basic functions of the equipment: Familiarize yourself with the basic functions of the technical equipment you will be using. Learn how to turn the projector on and off, adjust the microphone volume and operate the equalization options on the computer.

• Keep your software and hardware up to date: Check that both the software and hardware you use are up to date. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Also, make sure you have the necessary drivers installed for proper operation of your devices.

• Use humor: In some cases, the use of humor can help relieve the stress caused b