Technology every speaker should have ...
Every professional speaker should have a tech checklist to ensure they have what is needed for a presentation.
It doesn't matter how many times you have presented ... you will eventually either forget something when it matters most, OR the venue who agreed to provide your tech requirements doesn't have it. OR, a fellow speaker forgot something and you can help!
I carry a tech bag with me to every presentation. Inside the bag is my checklist and all my equipment. I don't rely on the venue and my bag has saved my A$$(!) dozens of times. I've saved others as well.
What I list in my checklists are a direct result of me not having it at some point in the past. As a result, my presentation suffered ... which meant my spin off potential as well.
I learned the hard way ... so learn from me so it doesn't impact your speaking business.
Do not count on the venue where you're speaking to have everything you need. Even if they are a professional AV company, assume the worst. Have what you need for your presentation with you.
Your presentation is your lifeblood as a speaker. Protect every aspect of it to ensure your focus is on your presentation and its delivery, not wondering if your sound is going to work.
Professional speakers have a checklist ... and a tech bag.
Unthinkably, I have forgotten my laptop, my laptop charger, my wireless remote, my video camera, my tripod, my USB with the presentation on it, my speaker, my HDMI cord, HDMI adapter ... etc., etc.
I also have arrived onsite to find the venue sound not working, the wrong projector cable for my laptop (HDMI vs VGA), no power cord for my laptop, etc., etc. Each experience has a horror story to go along with it.
Again, by carrying your own tech bag, you don't rely on anyone but yourself. Again, professional speakers have a checklist ... and a tech bag.
If you don't have these items, invest in them. Total investment cost for all these items is < $400.
Your future speaking business will depend on it:
* laptop
* HD video camera (this is a cheap model, but good is good enough sometimes)
* Tripod for each video camera
* HD memory card (for video camera -- this is what holds the data)
* 2 wireless remotes
* speaker
* at least 2 USBs in case you need to transfer your presentation onto another laptop asap
* memory card reader (some laptops don't have them)
* backup AAA and AA batteries (a battery will eventually die)
* power inverter (this will charge anything you need in a rental car = lifesaver)
When you need it and you don't have it, you'll remember this post. Be prepared! Don't expect the venue to have everything you need. The more you speak, the more you will realize that you have to control your environment.
Professional speakers can also have backup for other speakers! I've saved many ... it's a good feeling to help someone else out who needs it the most as well.
Desire to become a professional speaker?
Not getting the speaking business you had hoped for?
In addition to my own speaking business, I have a passion for helping and coaching speakers develop their own. Whether it's in crafting a speech, identifying target groups who can pay, and/or how to get the speaking gig itself, I can help. I've keynoted over 1,150 presentations in practically every industry you can imagine. My book, PAID to SPEAK, outlines a proven model for speakers. If you are serious about becoming a professional speaker, contact me for a free consultation. I don't want you to flounder like I did and be frustrated. If you're not a subscriber to these speaker articles, submit your email today!
Email: Kevin@KevinCSnyder.com
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