You’ve prepared your slides, practiced your delivery, and set up early. Then just as you start… the mic doesn’t work. Or the slides freeze. Or the video won’t play.
Technical issues happen to everyone. But how you handle them can actually boost your credibility—not hurt it. Staying calm, flexible, and human is what really matters.
Here’s how to handle those awkward moments without letting them shake your confidence.
1. Stay Calm and Acknowledge It Briefly
Panicking or apologizing too much draws more attention to the issue. A quick, calm acknowledgment keeps you in control.
What helps:
- Say something light but clear: “Looks like the slides are taking a break.”
- Keep your voice steady and your posture open.
Example: “We’ve got a little tech hiccup—happens to the best of us. While that’s being sorted, let me share the main point with you.”
2. Have a Backup Plan Ready
Being prepared with a simple backup gives you confidence even if things go sideways.
What helps:
- Bring printed notes or a digital copy on a USB drive.
- Have your main talking points memorized in case visuals fail.
- Keep your phone or laptop charged with offline access to key materials.
Example: If your slides won’t load, having your outline printed lets you keep the presentation flowing while the issue is fixed.
3. Use It as a Chance to Connect
Audiences appreciate authenticity. Showing grace under pressure actually builds trust.
What helps:
- Use the moment to engage the room: ask a question, start a quick story, or take a show-of-hands poll.
- Stay friendly—people root for speakers who stay human.
Example: “While the screen catches up, I’d love to hear—how many of you have had a tech fail like this?” It gets a laugh and reminds everyone we’ve all been there.
4. Keep Going Without Rushing
It’s tempting to speed through the rest of your talk after an interruption, but pacing matters.
What helps:
- Take a breath. Reset. Your message is still important.
- If needed, skip or summarize a visual and keep the main idea moving.
Example: “We’ll move past this next slide since you’ve got the handout. The key takeaway is…”
What You Can Try Today:
- Practice your talk once without slides—just in case.
- Create a one-page cheat sheet with key points you can keep nearby.
- Think of one friendly line you’d say if tech fails—having it in your back pocket helps.
