Public Speaker or Presenter's Checklist - things to take on the day

Submitted by Dee on Sun, 11/03/2012 - 12:42

I'm often out and about Hertfordshire one day, and Dorest the next doing presentation skills training, public speaking coaching or giving talks.

I aim to have almost everything I'll ever need in one of those "wheelie" bags - ready to give the next presentation because if I had to pack everything I needed every time, that would take me a lot of time and effort. Here is my list of things I take with me or consider every time I train or give a presentation. I'm hoping that you will add your ideas too so that together, over time, we'll develop a bullet proof list!

So let me start off:

Presenter's materials

  • Map/location details, mobile number of organiser and venue
  • Delegate/attendee list with mobile numbers in case of no shows/lost etc
  • Your presentation on a USB stick AND printout
  • Index cards for any notes in 4MAT® style
  • Your marked up version with notes/timings sheet
  • Cards, post it pads, preparation for activities
  • Props you need during the talk e.g. wooden monkey, bananas
  • Marker pens of many colours for flip chart and participant activities
  • Masking tape/ Sellotape/ White tack 
  • Voice recorder to playback and learn from after the talk
  • Bulletin board pins/Stapler/Scissors
  • Hand held PowerPoint ® slide clicker. Ideally with laser pointer, screen blank key. Pop a sticker on it to avoid loss as often lent or borrowed.
  • Big clock to put on back wall (often rooms don't have one or they are behind you)
  • Kitchen timer to time mini sections or exercises
  • Spare batteries different sizes
  • Desk Bell to politely re-group participants after activities or breaks - nicer than shouting!
  • Spare handouts of useful topics or materials
  • Feedback forms
  • Rechargers for all your equipment (phone, iPad etc)
  • Business cards/contact details or props for audience next steps e.g. books, products, leaflets etc.
  • Holder for leaflets/business cards to stand upright on desk 

Delegate materials

  • Plenty of felt tip pens in a variety of colours for participant note taking
  • Sweeties for bribes or afternoon boosts
  • Audience packs, files and content/ hard copy hand outs
  • Name tags that are both pins and crocodile clips (to save clothing!)
  • Stickers or prizes as rewards 
  • Tissues
  • Reading list or actual books to look through
  • Water/drinks
  • Food/lunch/snacks arrangements

Consider if required

  • Laptop/ Projector/Video recorder
  • Laptop extras e.g. Spare mouse
  • Video extras e.g. spare batteries, memory cards, rechargers etc
  • Extension cord w/ surge protector.
  • Music playing equipment e.g. iPhone and speakers (assumes venue is licensed)
  • White board markers, eraser and white board cleaner
  • Bar stool for presenter(s) to sit on if longer sessions (ideally with a back to the stool!)
  • Nail polish remover - In case you use the wrong markers on the dry erase board or in case you need to remove nail varnish in an emergency!
  • Flip chart paper (in case there is none) – self stick flip chart sheets in a cardboard presentation pack are handy
  • Hole punch to match folders if given
  • Spare paper for delegates to write notes or use in activities
  • Delegate clip boards to lean on if no desks
  • Spare items of essential clothing in case of lunch eating errors, embarrassing rips or other disasters!
  • Personal items you may need e.g. hairbrush, mini body spray in case it's a hot day or bright lights! Including nail polish to re-paint in case of earlier emergency!
  • Women all that other stuff we need in our make up bags!

I will add to this list as I go along but I hope that's a good start!