A&S Alexander & Seiler

Q: I do the majority of my presentations in hotel settings. So many times the room has pillars in the middle of it, not set up right, and there are problems with the room being too cold or too hot. How can these problems be fixed?

A: I believe and promote Speaker's Rights! That means you have the responsibility to make sure the room meets your requirements to insure good communication. My experience as a Keynote Speaker is that the person responsible for setting up the room is not as well versed in good physical layout for good communication as you are. Since you have paid for the room, you are the customer and after all your hard work, you have the right to make sure the environment is optimal for you and your listeners. I can't tell you how many times I have had to rearrange a room!

Here's what you can do. Send a specific diagram of the layout of the room to the hotel ahead of time making sure the room will comfortably seat your audience. In your diagram, draw the entrance of the room at the back so late comers won't be so disruptive.

Hotels automatically place a lectern, sometimes with an attached microphone. Ditch them both for a clip on microphone so you can move and appear more in control. Those lecterns are a physical barrier just like those columns.

Now let's review your presentation equipment otherwise known as "Murphy's Law." If you are showing a PowerPoint® Presentation with your laptop via a projector, I strongly recommend you make overhead copies of your visuals and have an overhead projector (with spare bulb) ready and close. If there is any kind of technical malfunction, you are prepared to continue and you will impress your audience. Make sure that you insert a plain white sheet of paper between your overheads so you can easily start where you left off.

Now about the temperature. Again from experience, the worst thing you can do is start fooling around with that temperature gauge on the wall during your presentation. Here's what I do. I always try to be there in plenty of time to insure the temperature is set at 68F. It may seem a little chilly, but with an audience it will climb to a comfortable 70F. Better to have the room a little chilly than too hot (especially after lunch).

And my last tip is. make friends with the person who is responsible for setting up your room: know his/her name, have a copy of the drawing you sent the hotel, be appreciative of the work he/she does.and a nice tip is always appreciated.

If you will like to discuss this further, please email me: contact@denyseseiler.com

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