How to Be a Prepared Presenter Outside of the Club

Technology can fail at any time during a presentation, so it’s important to be armed and ready when it does. Here is a checklist of tips and tools to help you become efficient and prepared for all occasions. 

Prior to Presentation

• Text or email handouts to attendees 24-72 hours prior to a presentation. In addition to establishing a rapport with the initial contact, you’re reducing printing costs and the amount of inventory you have to carry. 
• Speak to the meeting coordinator to confirm that your presentation room will be set up. Inquire about seating accommodations, audio-video equipment and Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Print screenshots of your presentation just in case technology fails.
• Store your presentation, handouts and all other documents on USB drives and back them up on cloud storage.
• Download your preferred presentation app on your tablet or mobile device and then upload your presentation.
• When traveling, prepare a three-ring binder for travel and hotel information as well as documents, contracts and contact information.

What to Bring

Equipment
Always assume you’re going to need your equipment

• Projector. Bring your own projector in case the one at the venue is not compatible with your laptop or stops working
• Your laptop, tablet and mobile device
• Presentation pointer and batteries
• Two lavalier microphones—one long and one short
• Audio recorder—record your presentation to create eBooks, blog posts and other content to supplement your topic

Cables 
Always make sure your equipment works

• Cables, connectors and adaptors for Mac, laptop and mobile devices
• HDMI cord to connect laptop and ­mobile devices to projectors and TVs
• VGA cable or adaptor to connect older computers to older projectors
• Ethernet converter to access the internet using cables
• Wall and car chargers for devices
• Two-prong extension cord with additional 3-prong ground adaptors 
• Three-prong surge protector

To Live-Stream Your Presentation

• Camcorder, tablet or mobile device 
• Tripod 
• Selfie stick and mini tripod
• Double camera mount tripod bracket to connect two recording devices simultaneously
• Lighting kit to ensure you have sufficient light when recording