Live events thrive on the energy and confidence of the people who step up and speak. While much attention is paid to logistics, decor, and attendee engagement, it’s easy to overlook the journey of presenters, from anxious anticipation backstage to confidently addressing a room full of people. In a recent episode of The Event Pro Show, Seth Macchi shared personal experiences and practical advice for supporting keynote speakers and presenters. The discussion highlights how thoughtful audio-visual (AV) provision can transform a nerve-wracking ordeal into a positive, empowering moment, not only for professional speakers but for the executives, managers, and everyday employees who are often called upon to present. Let’s take a closer look at the strategies highlighted by Seth for reducing presenter anxiety and setting up both speakers and events for success.
Understanding The Anxiety of Public Speaking
Before focusing on AV solutions, Seth reframes the typical presenter profile. Most corporate event presenters are not professional communicators. Rather, they are individuals (executives, managers, team leaders) who must share stories, updates, or announcements in front of peers, often outside their comfort zones.
The challenge is real: statistics estimate that 75% of people fear public speaking, with many experiencing physiological symptoms like dry mouth and mental blocks. For those who run events, this insight is crucial. Addressing presenter anxiety is not merely about compassion; it’s about ensuring the entire event’s effectiveness. When speakers are comfortable, their confidence instills comfort in the audience, resulting in an engaging and memorable experience.
The Power of Rehearsals and Familiarity
A central strategy outlined is the rehearsal process. More than a technical run-through, rehearsals are an opportunity for presenters to become familiar with the space, technology, and support team.
Even presenters who have extensively practiced at home can be thrown off by the unfamiliarity of the live event environment. Standing alone in a cavernous room, wrestling with echoes and bright lights, can trigger a fight-or-flight response that derails composure. A rehearsal allows presenters to “get comfortable”, to hear themselves through the microphone, see where they will walk, and test slide progression. This alone reduces anxiety substantially.
Meeting the technical team during rehearsals is equally valuable. Knowing who is running the sound, controlling graphics, and monitoring timing gives presenters a sense of being supported rather than left to manage on their own. Even simple introductions—“Julie is in the back doing audio, Tom is handling your slides”—create a sense of partnership and assurance.
Green Rooms: Creating Space for Focus
Often misunderstood as an extravagance, green rooms are actually an indispensable part of presenter preparation. These quiet spaces are not about pampering presenters; they are about providing psychological readiness.
Corporate events are bustling environments, full of networking and sensory stimulation. To go directly from the buzz of conversations to the stage can result in scattered focus and increased anxiety. A green room gives each presenter a moment to decompress, visualize their presentation, and center themselves before stepping into the spotlight.
As Seth emphasizes, very few people can go from constant chatter straight to giving a focused, impactful presentation. The ability to mentally “arrive” onstage begins in a dedicated space. AV teams can help set up green rooms with simple comforts that make a world of difference.
Downstage Monitors: Visual Support and Confidence
Presenters benefit greatly from downstage monitors—television screens at the front edge of the stage facing the speaker. These monitors do more than just display slides. They serve as an anchor point for presenters to track their progress, check notes, and regulate their timing without awkwardly turning away from the audience.
Countdown timers can be implemented to keep speakers within their allotted time, reducing nervousness about running over or being caught off guard. Most importantly, keeping presentation cues in direct sight bolsters psychological calm and coherence. Presenters don’t need to crane their necks awkwardly to see what the audience is seeing; instead, the visual aid is right at their feet, providing subtle support throughout the presentation.
Foldback Speakers: Audio Assurance
Another technical gift for presenters is the use of foldback speakers—audio monitors on stage that relay the presenter’s own voice and, during Q&A sessions, audience questions. Large events in ballrooms or arenas pose unique acoustic challenges. Sound travels, reflects, and returns, sometimes creating distracting echoes that unsettle even confident speakers.
Foldback speakers address this by allowing presenters to clearly hear themselves and any questions asked. The value of reliable, clear audio can’t be overstated. Anxiety spikes when microphones cut out, presentations glitch, or the presenter cannot hear what’s happening. Great AV providers not only install reliable systems but are prepared with Plan B solutions, swiftly managing mishaps to keep presenters on track and comfortable.
The Ripple Effect of Presenter Comfort
Why does so much care toward presenters matter? The overall attendee experience is directly linked to how at ease the on-stage speakers feel. Seth draws a poignant comparison: when an amateur performer is nervous, the audience feels it. In contrast, when an entertainer projects confidence and comfort, the audience engages and enjoys the show.
Corporate event presenters are typically amateurs when it comes to public speaking. Elevating their sense of support results in better delivery, increased engagement, and a smooth event overall, benefiting everyone from attendees to organizers.
Professional Speakers Benefit, Too
While much of the conversation centers on non-professional speakers, professional presenters also appreciate these AV amenities. They travel from event to event and rely on consistency and capability from technical teams. A well-equipped and competent AV crew allows professional speakers to focus on content and delivery, while minimizing on-site drama or unexpected technical problems.
Intentional Support: A New Standard for Events
The thoughtful approach to supporting presenters described by Seth is more than best practice; it’s a mindset shift. Success at live events is not measured just by attendee check-ins or beautiful venues but by the seamless experience onstage. That begins long before someone steps up to the microphone.
Organizers should ask themselves, “Am I supporting presenters in a way that enables their best performance?” This involves more than just logistics; it incorporates rehearsal space, green rooms, visual and audio aids, and a well-prepared AV team.
By treating presenter support as an essential gift, events become environments where both speakers and audiences thrive.
Connect with The Event Pro Show
For more actionable tips and stories from industry professionals, The Event Pro Show offers weekly content. Alternating between practical AV advice and interviews with guest experts, it’s a valuable resource for anyone seeking to refine their approach to corporate events. Or you can connect directly with Seth Macchi on LinkedIn to discuss your event needs.
Supporting presenters isn’t just good manners, it’s one of the secrets to unforgettable and successful corporate events.