Speaker’s Wish List: 4 Things to Request When It's Your Turn on Stage

You've been asked to speak at a conference or event, and you've said yes. Super!

Of course as a smart presenter, you'll prepare the message and rehearse how you deliver it.

You'll determine if you need PowerPoint and if you do, you'll create a presentation deck with strong slides that enhance your message.

But what support should you ask for from organizers, so you can make the best of the opportunity?

Here are four items to put on your list:

1. Information about the audience and the occasion

Find out as much as you can about who's expected to be in the room. What are their interests and level of knowledge? What might you have for them that they'll really value?

And get information about the occasion, too. Is it a serious educational session or a more social event? Are you speaking in the morning or late afternoon?

That way you can think about the audience's disposition and appetite for information and plan accordingly.

We ask these questions of every keynote speaker we coach, because the answers help us make dozens of decisions about how best to shape both message and delivery.

2. A discussion about presentation length and audience interaction

A 45-minute block of time doesn't mean you have 45 minutes to speak. Get as clear as possible about how the time will be used so that you can prepare accordingly:

Will someone introduce you?
Will be there audience Q&A?
And if so, how will that be managed?

You might also want to chat about how likely these times are to change. We've been asked to speak for 30 minutes, then watched that time dwindle to 10 minutes because other speakers ran long.

It's always a good idea to have options ready so you can adjust to their schedule with as little stress for yourself as possible.

That's why it's helpful to have an ongoing conversation about schedule fluctuations with event organizers, too.

3. Any supporting items you need to be successful

Do you like to speak from a lectern (or podium, as many people call it)? Don't hesitate to ask for one, then.

Same goes for PowerPoint capabilities, a microphone, or anything else you might need.

And trust our experience on this: You can't assume these things will be there, even when they should be. So check to make sure.

4. A chance to visit the venue and test technology before you speak

While this isn't always an option, it's the best plan whenever you can make it happen:

Visit the room in which you'll be speaking.
Stand on the platform.
Check the lighting, sound system, and anything else you might be counting on.

Even when you can't do a technical run through, simply standing on the stage is a plus.

By standing on the stage in an empty room, you can become familiar with how it will feel. Getting a preview means you won't experience the first-time shock of stepping out on stage when all eyes are on you.

Helping you helps them

If you're feeling at all shy about asking for support, remember that when they assist you, they're making sure your speaking engagement is productive for them, too.

So don't hesitate to come up with your list of questions and requests.

Then, reach out to event organizers with enough lead time that both of you will benefit.