What do speakers feel before their presentation? How to support them?

Even the most experienced speakers feel stress before taking the stage. Learn how to help them and improve your entire event quality.

What do speakers feel before their presentation? How to support them?

The stage is still empty, but in their minds... thousands of thoughts

You see them confident, composed, often smiling. But the truth is that before your speakers take the stage, many of them experience a quiet storm of emotions. A presentation is an exposure – and even for the greatest professionals, it can be a real challenge.

As an organizer, you have a unique opportunity to influence your speakers' comfort. A relaxed speaker means better performance, engaged audience, and a successful event that will be remembered for years to come.

Emotional storm backstage – what speakers really feel

When you look at your speakers 15 minutes before their presentation, you often see a calm facade. However, much more may be happening in their minds than it appears.

Fear of judgment is probably the most common feeling. Regardless of experience, every speaker knows that in a moment, all eyes will be focused on them. "What will they think about what I say?" – this question haunts even the most experienced speakers.

Equally strong is the pressure to deliver value. Speakers feel responsible for participants' time. "Will what I've prepared really move them? Was it worth inviting them here?" – these thoughts can be overwhelming.

Let's not forget about technical stress either. "Will the microphone work? What if the presentation doesn't start?" These seemingly minor issues can significantly increase anxiety levels.

Many people also experience a sense of loneliness – the awareness that they will soon stand in front of a group of people and have to "perform" alone. And then there's comparing themselves to other speakers: "Am I good enough? Will my presentation be on par with the others?"

Support that makes a difference

Good news? You can significantly influence your speakers' comfort, and thus the quality of their presentations.

Personal contact is the foundation. Assign a specific team member to be the stage guardian and first point of contact for speakers. Let this person know them by name, smile, and show understanding for their emotions.

Clear communication eliminates uncertainty. Tell the speaker exactly what to expect: "You enter here, the clicker is on the right side, I'll be standing there and give you a sign when there are 5 minutes left." These details have a calming effect.

Separate preparation space is not a luxury, it's a necessity. A catering room with bustling staff is the last place where a speaker should prepare for their presentation. Provide a quiet, peaceful place where they can review notes or simply gather their thoughts.

Technical rehearsal preferably the day before or at least a few hours before the presentation gives a sense of control. The speaker will test the microphone, display the presentation, get familiar with the clicker. This eliminates most technical stress.

Impact on the entire event

Investment in speakers' comfort pays off multiple times. A calm speaker delivers better performance – they are more natural, spontaneous, and establish better contact with the audience.

Participants feel the difference. When a speaker is confident and focused on delivering value instead of their own stress, their message reaches more effectively. This translates into satisfaction with the entire event.

Speakers who feel cared for are more likely to return. And in the event industry, where good contacts are the foundation of success, this is invaluable.

You also build reputation as a professional organization. Speakers talk to each other, recommend events, share experiences. The opinion "everything is excellently organized there, including the technical side" is the best recommendation.

How technology can help

Modern registration systems offer features that significantly facilitate communication with speakers and their event preparation.

Automatic emails with checklists can reach the speaker in advance, containing all key information: when to arrive, where to report, how to prepare the presentation, what to bring.

Separate registration path for speakers allows them to skip standard procedures and immediately receive all necessary information and materials.

Ability to upload presentations in advance through the system gives peace of mind to both the speaker (knows materials are safe) and organizer (can check them beforehand).

SMS or email reminders on event day eliminate stress related to time management: "Your presentation starts at 2:00 PM, please report to the stage at 1:45 PM."

Just 15 minutes on stage, but they can be remembered for years

For you, the speaker's presentation is one of many agenda items. For them, it's often a very personal moment – a chance to share knowledge, experience, passion.

Remember that behind every speaker is a person with their own emotions, concerns, and expectations. Give them peace, clear information, and a sense of support, and in return you'll get a presentation that will make a difference in all participants' experience.

Investment in speakers' comfort is investment in the entire event's success. It's one of those organizational elements that participants may not notice directly, but whose impact on event quality is enormous.

Try CONREGO for Free Book a CONREGO demo