I thought I’d share my updated checklist that I use when giving tech demos/presentations. I do this several times daily for work and have memorized most of this, but I thought I’d share it with others.
I’ve broken this out for both in-person and virtual presentations. Please add comments and share YOUR tips and tricks.
In Person Meeting Checklist
- Get to the meeting location early!
- Have your presentation saved to multiple devices (just in case)
- If doing an online presentation, make sure you have solid network connectivity.
- If doing a demo, make sure you have an offline version (or video)
- Make sure you have the appropriate display adapter (have ‘em all in your geek bag)
- Bring your presentation remote (and dongle if applicable)
- Connect to projector and make sure things display properly. Advance a few slides and make sure things are looking good.
- Disable all OS apps with notifications ( I use “Do not disturb” in Mac OS notifications)
- Disable apps with notifications (slack, teams, etc)
- Close all applications, except for what you’ll be using
- Shut down communications apps like email, Slack, Teams
- If your OS supports multi-screen, put each application on its own desktop so that you can quickly switch between apps
- Always use power cable for laptop during presos/demos. Having your laptop die during a preso is not fun
- If doing a demo, connect to WiFi and VPN
- If doing browser-based demo, hide or mask your bookmarks bar. Also, close those 83 tabs you have open
- Put your phone on DoNotDisturb or mute
- Have a glass or bottle of water handy
- If white-boarding, have dry erase markers and eraser at the ready
- Arrive in room before attendees and greet them as they take their seats
- Take a few deep, relaxing breaths
Virtual / Online Meeting Checklist
- Get to the web virtual room early – especially if you have to download an app that you don’t use regularly
- Prior to the meeting, check your camera / microphone / speaker. Most apps have a mechanism to let you do this before joining.
- If you are on camera, set up your background /filters/ lighting
- I use a standing desk and ALWAYS stand when I’m meeting with others. I find it gives me more focus and energy.
- Check your appearance on screen (make sure you’re looking smashing!)
- If you are doing a live demo or accessing web resources, make sure you are on the right network. If you need a VPN, get logged on now.
- If doing a demo, make sure you have an offline or video version.
- If you use multiple displays, make sure you know which display you will screen share.
- Advance a few slides and make sure things are looking good.
- Disable all OS apps with notifications ( I use “Do not disturb” in Mac OS notifications)
- Disable apps with notifications (slack, teams, etc)
- Close all applications, except for what you’ll be using
- Shut down communications apps like email, Slack, Teams (NOTE – if you need to message during a meeting, make sure notifications will not be a distraction)
- If your OS supports multi-screen, put each application on its own desktop so that you can quickly switch between apps
- Always use power cable for laptop during presos/demos. Having your laptop die during a preso is not fun
- If doing browser-based demo, hide or mask your bookmarks bar. Also, close those 83 tabs you have open!
- Put your phone on DoNotDisturb or mute
- Arrive to the virtual room early and greet other attendees when they arrive.
- Have a glass or bottle of water handy
- Take a few deep, relaxing breaths
Your next in-person or virtual presentation is going to be awesome. Have fun with it!
