What are the best ways to prepare speakers for unexpected situations at live events?

Work on understanding his personal style, and if not, work on defining a personal style that the speaker feels comfortable with. Beyond identifying their needs, it is important to identify their weak points to work on them little by little. And identify their strengths to exploit them to the maximum.

I think it's imperative to understand personalities and personal styles of delivery. Be very clear about creating hypothetical 'what if scenarios' that could play out. Assure them that all is being managed to ensure a smooth Live engagement. Inform about other speakers on the panel. Sometimes synergy can make light of a situation and create ease. So, if you can inquire to see if speakers know each other or have been on panels together before, and above all, prepare yourself too. You might not be speaking but you are managing the event.

Adding to what Ronald has said, it think it is important to give them heads on possible difficult questions and how to respond to them. It is good to remember it is valid to respond: I will not focus on that in this presentation or I do not talk about my personal life, for example.

I divide the process with a speaker into working on three pillars: - Content, without it you are nobody! - Public speaking skills - And the Powerpoint or support resources And in that order of priorities!

Have your speakers take a drop in improv class! No better way to prepare for unexpected situations than to build the muscle of improvising.

Rehearsals are key to gain fluency and smoothness. You have to rehearse alone, but above all, rehearse in front of others. Especially, in front of a demanding audience, but with whom you have confidence, so that they can test you and give you honest feedback. You can also try: - VR simulations that help you mimic public presentations. - Record yourself and then watch your video. - Use a public speaking expert, to whom you can send your recording and get feedback.

If you work with a speaker you should be able to measure their evolution, and show the speaker the changes over time. This way the evolution will be evident and help motivate the speaker to keep progressing.

Not all techniques or methods fit equally to all speakers, you have to adapt to the profile of each speaker, understand their needs, objectives, purpose..., work with them and develop from there.