The Reality of Live Presentations

Live presentations are inherently unpredictable. Anyone who has engaged in live performances knows that unforeseen issues can arise at any moment — whether it's the laptop failing to display notes, a malfunctioning microphone, or even a comedian struggling to contain laughter.

Nick Palkowski, a videographer, discussed this unpredictability in a recent talk about live-streaming: "People participate because they want to share in a communal experience." Alongside his freelance endeavors, Nick manages live events for a major credit union association. He embraces the Stoic concept of premeditatio malorum, which translates to "the premeditation of evils." According to the Daily Stoic, this practice involves contemplating potential setbacks or losses. Nick succinctly encapsulates this philosophy:

"Get ready, and you'll be ready for the unexpected."

Challenges are inevitable, and it's crucial to understand that they only become problematic if you're unprepared.

Practical Steps for Preparation

What does effective preparation look like? Presentations often falter at key connection points. While specific details vary depending on your event, it's essential to thoroughly consider all potential issues.

For instance, if I'm inviting you to speak at my event, I might ask what equipment you need. A typical response might be, "Oh, just a laptop and a projector." However, let's delve deeper into what a successful presentation entails:

• The Venue: Are you familiar with the space? Do you know the audience layout and the acoustics?
• The Audience: What were they engaged in before your talk? Are they aware of your presence? How well do they know your subject matter? An audience can quickly disengage if they feel they're being told what they already know.
• Timing: Will you arrive on schedule? Can you access the room beforehand? What activities are scheduled around your presentation?
• Content: Have you tailored your material for this specific audience? What format will it take?
• Technology: What type of laptop and projector do you have? Are all necessary cables available? Is everything charged and updated? If technology fails, can you deliver your presentation using a flipchart and notes?
• Personal Readiness: Are you well-rested and nourished? Did you hydrate? Have you prepared mentally with relaxation techniques?
• Exit Strategy: What's your call-to-action? Have you made it straightforward for attendees to engage further (easy URLs, QR codes, brochures)? Are you equipped with enough business cards and ready to schedule follow-up engagements?

Anecdotal Evidence of Unpredictability

I have firsthand experience with the unpredictability of live events. I once assisted with the sound setup for a local juggling festival's variety show. Although I had solicited music files from performers weeks in advance, only half of them complied. I was prepared for them to arrive with USB drives, CDs, or even mini-discs. However, just five minutes before the show, one performer handed me their music on a cassette tape — something I had not anticipated.

Fortunately, we were in a venue equipped with older technology, and I managed to resolve the issue. This experience reinforced the lesson that you can never fully predict what will occur.

Cybersecurity expert Dan Geer once shared a powerful insight during a keynote that resonates beyond the tech world: "My personal definition of a state of security is 'the absence of unmitigatable surprise.'" This is precisely why you engage in premeditatio malorum. There’s immense satisfaction in addressing a crisis — like, "My notes aren’t displaying on this computer!" — with a backup plan in hand.

Even if you dedicate time to envisioning unlikely scenarios, you're honing your problem-solving skills, a valuable asset in any situation. Commit to this practice, and remember, the unexpected can always happen.