This exact situation happened to me during a presentation. After a brief initial panic, I quipped, “Where’s the nearest RadioShack?” I then descended from the platform. While practicing diaphragmatic breathing to project my voice as much as possible, I walked up and down the aisles of the venue where the audience was seated and continued speaking. At least 1/2 to 2/3 of the listeners in the auditorium were able to hear me at any given time.

These are really good ideas for what to do. I would like to throw in an idea for what not to do:) I have been in rooms with there have been AV issues. Not just microphones but often clickers get stuck too don’t they or seem to run out of battery. No matter what happens on the stage with the AV it doesn’t matter how bad it is and it doesn’t matter who’s fault it is “it is not what happens, It’s how you react to it that will show if you are a professional or not” Those that are the most professional yes they just carry on but more importantly they don’t go blaming people especially the AV Team I have had Speaker showcases with Speakers were not booked or booked because of how they reacted to something unexpected happening with the AV.

My mic dropped out during a Keynote whilst I was speaking about how disconnection isn’t good for mental health - it all shut off when I said ‘disconnect’ ??. I just pointed out to the audience what perfect timing that eerily was and kept going with my presentation while the AV guy replaced my lapel.