When your presentation is derailed by a technical glitch, it’s a great chance to engage with your audience and show your adaptability. Personally, I see these moments as opportunities to connect and even gather feedback, which can make the session more interactive and engaging. The key is to stay calm, confident, and in control. If you’ve prepared well, having side notes or talking points handy will help you stay on track.

As a subject matter expert with in-depth knowledge of the topic, I don't rely heavily on a presentation to communicate effectively. While technical glitches can be inconvenient, they don't derail the session for me. I can seamlessly transition into engaging with the participants directly, sparking discussions, sharing insights, and addressing their questions. My goal is to ensure everyone is involved and leaves with a clear understanding, regardless of the presentation's status.

To steer your presentation back on track after technical glitches, it is important to stay centred and grounded through staying calm and trying to refocus attention back to the message of your speech. One way of doing this, is through reinforcing key points and repeating key information. The way you deliver your speech can also help to effectively refocus attention back on your speech by slowing down your pace to emphasise what you are saying or using pauses, when necessary, can help to give the audience the chance to refocus on your message, despite the distractions.

The best presentations I gave were the one where something went south and I needed to engage truly with the audience. Not only it makes for a good connecting moment, but also it carved this moment in their mind, making your presentation more memorable. Some music bands used this exact same techniques to fake technical problems in the middle of their concert to provide a “special moment” to their fans to remember and talk about later.

The best presentations I gave were the one where something went south and I needed to engage truly with the audience. Not only it makes for a good connecting moment, but also it carved this moment in their mind, making your presentation more memorable. Some music bands used this exact same techniques to fake technical problems in the middle of their concert to provide a “special moment” to their fans to remember and talk about later.