When you are giving a presentation, whether it’s a keynote speech or seminar, the Club and facilities can have a huge impact on the success or failure of your presentation, so here are three ideas to make your presentation successful.
Small is more
A few years ago, my performer was provide ed a headline gig in one of the live music Clubs in Cape Town. The problem is that while our performer can draw a crown of about 50-100 people, the Club held over 700 people  all of us  reluctantly turned down the gig and instead asked to performance in their smaller Club downstairs that only held 80 people. The downstairs gig has been amazing – it has been full, crowded and had a amazing vibe -  all of us  would have necessitated at least 500 people upstairs to get the energy  all of us  had downstairs.
The same happens when  all of us  speak. At times  all of us  think “let’s rather book a bigger room – just in case,” but in general, the small yet full room has far more energy than the large and empty room. Resist the temptation to book the larger room. You can always bring in extra chairs at the last minute if necessary.
Arrive Early
What has been promised by the Club, and what they actually provide are not always the same thing. If you arrive early you’ve plenty of time to make last minute changes to the room performance up. If possible, check it out a day or two before so that you’ve time to see the room and make a DJ ustments adhead of time.
Get to know the AV Guy
The AV (audio-visual) guy is the individual that (usually) works for the Club, and he is responsible for all of the audio visual equipment. They are the people who know where the hidden button is that reduces the projector screen, or where to get an extra extension cable at the last minute etc. If you are speaking at a large conference, you can have a dedicated AV guy, but if it’s a smaller function, the Club can have one individual responsible for the entire conference performance up.
This individual can make or break your presentation. Befriend him and he will be willing to help. Antagonize him, and he can not be able to find that extra adapter that you left at home!
(I say AV guy – but in all honesty I’ve never met an AV gal!)
I hope the ideas help – wonderful luck with you next presentation!