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Last updated on Feb 13, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Public Speaking

Your audience is losing interest as your slides fail to load. How can you keep them engaged?

When your slides fail to load, maintaining audience interest becomes a challenge. Here are some effective strategies to keep the momentum going:

  • Engage with stories: Share relevant anecdotes that tie into your presentation's theme.

  • Interactive questions: Ask questions to involve your audience and spark discussion.

  • Backup materials: Always have a printed handout or an alternative visual aid ready.

How do you handle tech issues during presentations? Share your strategies.

Public Speaking Public Speaking

Public Speaking

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Last updated on Feb 13, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Public Speaking

Your audience is losing interest as your slides fail to load. How can you keep them engaged?

When your slides fail to load, maintaining audience interest becomes a challenge. Here are some effective strategies to keep the momentum going:

  • Engage with stories: Share relevant anecdotes that tie into your presentation's theme.

  • Interactive questions: Ask questions to involve your audience and spark discussion.

  • Backup materials: Always have a printed handout or an alternative visual aid ready.

How do you handle tech issues during presentations? Share your strategies.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
54 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Takesh Singh

    Helping CXOs, Senior Leaders & Founders Overcome The Fear of Being Judged & Become Keynote-Ready | Public Speaking & Camera-Facing Coach | Speak with Authenticity, Confidence & Command

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    If the audience starts losing interest as slides don't load stay calm. Take a deep breath and don't panic. Acknowledge the issue and assure your audience that they have nothing to worry about - you have it all under control. Instead of worrying about your slides not loading work on building a story or a narrative around the examples you were going to share, Share all your examples in the presentation in a storytelling style and make it relatable so that you are able to paint visual imagery in your audiences mind. Use this as an opportunity to ask the audience questions and facilitate a Q&A session. You should even run a poll for further audience engagement and involvement. Pro tip- when rehearsing practice with and without slides.

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    9
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    Lipi Goyal

    Helping CEOs Own the Stage & Tell Powerful Stories | Global Anchor & Communication Coach Presenter : G-20, W-20, Adani Group, Samsung, Ambani Family, Vibrant Gujarat Alumna : Ferguson College | MICA

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    Tech issues happen! I’d shift to storytelling, ask engaging questions, and use humor to keep the energy up. The audience came for insights, not slides connection matters more than visuals!

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    7
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    Ashima Jha

    Global Youth Icon Awardee | Biomedical Science Researcher & Academic Scholar | International Public Speaker | Youth & Sustainability Ambassador | Innovator, Thinker & Change Catalyst

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    When technical issues arise, like slides failing to load, I rely on my public speaking skills and ability to connect with an audience to keep engagement high. Drawing from my experience presenting at global forums, and leading conversations, I quickly adapt by shifting to storytelling, real-world examples, or interactive discussions. Instead of panicking, I use body language, eye contact, and hand gestures to maintain energy and engagement. A touch of humor can also work wonders—light-hearted remarks help ease tension, build relatability, and keep the audience invested. After all, a strong speaker doesn’t depend on slides but on their ability to captivate and communicate effectively.

    Like
    5
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    James Gibbons

    Use words better. Use better words. Words you can feel. Writer. Ghost. Creative consultant. Coach. Co-host of #thursdaypoetrysociety

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    The best way to deal with slides not loading is… Don’t use SLIDES. Know you material well enough to explain it without slides (slides are usually a crutch anyway). Tell it like a story. Make eye contact. Move around. Ask questions. Ask for questions. Make it a conversation with your audience. Even if you have slides, you should prepare as if they’re not going to work.

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    5
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    Purva Chandak

    Marketing || Business Strategy || International Business || Middle East and North Africa

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    This is the best thing a presenter can ask for. Its is a presenter’s chance to truly engage with the audience, foster a genuine connection. Few strategies I find most effective: 1. Interactive Questions: Ask questions that encourage the audience to arrive at the same points you’re planning to cover. This engages & primes them for the message you’re about to deliver. 2. Storytelling: Share a relevant story that sets the stage & provides context, making content easier to understand & relatable. 3. Icebreaker Session: If it’s your first time presenting to the group, start with an icebreaker to put them at ease. 4. Recap: Begin by summarizing the actionable & takeaways & sets expectations, providing seamless flow into the new content.

    Like
    4
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    Matt Maresch, NSSA®, CLTC®

    Financial Planning | Where does your journey begin? Wealth Management | Retirement Income | Protection | Speaker

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    Keep your audience engaged by initiating a discussion, sharing a relevant story or anecdote, asking thought-provoking questions, or summarizing key points verbally while troubleshooting the issue. Having a backup plan, such as a whiteboard so you can maintain momentum.

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    3
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    Guru Prasad Mohapatra

    Helps Tech Startups to build their products | Tech Guru & CEO @Smartters | Official Google Facilitator | Tech Speaker

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    When tech fails, keep your audience engaged by telling compelling stories that reinforce your key points. Ask interactive questions to spark discussion and maintain interest. Use body language and voice modulation to captivate attention. Always have a backup plan, like printed handouts or a whiteboard for key visuals. Stay calm and adapt—your confidence keeps the audience engaged.

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    3
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    Mili Patel

    Global Business Development Manager

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    If your slides fail to load and the audience starts losing interest, stay calm and shift focus to maintaining engagement through your delivery. Use the situation to connect more directly with the audience by sharing key points verbally and offering relatable anecdotes or stories. Encourage interaction by asking questions or opening the floor for discussion. If possible, describe what the slides would have shown, creating a mental picture for the audience. By staying composed and adjusting your approach, you can maintain the flow of the presentation and keep your audience engaged despite the technical setback.

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    2
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    Nikita Rana

    Corporate Emcee to India’s Top CEOs | 🏆 India’s Most Popular Corporate Emcee by BW BusinessWorld

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    Slides failed? Perfect. Now the audience gets you — not your screen. I say: “Looks like my slides took the day off. Let’s make this human.” I dive into stories, ask bold questions, move closer to the audience — and boom, connection restored. Tech glitches aren’t disasters — they’re permission to be spontaneous, real, and unforgettable. Because when the screen goes blank, the spotlight shifts exactly where it belongs: on the speaker.

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    2
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    Trevor Houston

    I Help Job Seekers Overcome Ageism, Recover Income & Achieve Financial Freedom for a Resume-Free Retirement. CEO at ClearPath Wealth Strategies 📈 | Career Strategist 🎯 Who Ya Know Show | Tools in FEATURED Section 👇

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    Tech issues happen, but they don’t have to derail your presentation! When your slides fail to load, shift the focus to storytelling. Share relevant anecdotes that tie into your key points and engage your audience on a personal level. Ask interactive questions to spark discussion and keep people engaged while the tech is sorted out. And always be prepared with backup materials—whether it’s a printed handout or an alternative visual aid to keep the flow going. As Steve Jobs said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Stay adaptable, and your audience will follow!

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