Technical glitches are natural and can happen to anyone, even with backup plans. If I face such issues, I’d honestly explain the problem to my audience and ask for patience while my team resolves it. If it takes over 5 minutes, I’d adapt by engaging the audience with activities on team building, time management, or communication. I’d also ask for their insights and expectations to keep the session interactive and enjoyable. Transparency builds trust, and sharing openly shows authenticity. To leave a personal touch, I’d use mirrors with the message “You are great,” uplifting their mood and offering them as tokens of encouragement.

Audience of 300. 7 minute speech. Lapel mike failed - huge feedback in the room. Cut off the mike. Kept talking as if nothing happened (well on the outside of me that is) while reaching for the first stand-by hand mike. Same problem. Cut off the mike. Kept speaking in a projected voice while going for the second stand-by mike. Same problem, same outcome. Sound person finally cut off all mikes. Got through the speech projecting voice as much as I could. When asked during the Q&A session about how I managed all of the problems.... I said "simple....keep speaking". Focused on the speech and not the problem. After my talk, it was found that a third hand mike had been left open at the back of the room near the speakers. Keep going, never stop.

Use the glitch as a chance to interact. Ask questions, involve them in a quick activity, or share an off-the-cuff story. These moments make your talk feel personal and dynamic, turning a potential setback into a highlight.

Technical glitches is very common during presentations and giving speeches. Here is how I handle it: 1. Always prepare plan B. 2. I focus on having clear transformational stories that I know and resonate with. I tell my stories even without slides and I use body language and voice modulation to engage my audience. 3. Use humor. I remember one day my slides was showing on old version of data and I told the audience: “actually I am testing your memory” ?? and I laughed with them and moved on. 4. I stay calm and try to find available alternatives even if they are not perfect.

Certainly! Facing technical glitches is an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and leadership. Acknowledge the issue calmly to connect with the audience and maintain transparency. Focus on delivering key points concisely: highlight your main message, share a relatable anecdote, and emphasize a clear call to action. Use the situation as a metaphor for overcoming challenges, inspiring the audience with adaptability and optimism. Close with a memorable statement, ensuring your message remains impactful despite the disruption.