They can hide your notes, a glass of water, your technology controls, a laptop, a picture of your kid...and If you're going this route, be sure to work with the audio-visual technicians to be sure your microphone can move with you). Choosing whether you'll use or lose the lectern is a major factor in adding presence to your presentation. In this week's coaching session for Stephanie Benoit, I want to give her enough to consider so she can choose the speaking style and setting that works best for her.

There’d been just enough notice of the room change that an organizer was able to bring a projector from his office, and it wasn’t quite compatible with my laptop—what were the odds of that happening?--so Several board members split up the tasks at hand and pitched in to figure out solutions, including bringing a projector and figuring out how to handle the patchwork of audio-visual equipment. I’m always coaching speakers to plan ahead, then be ready for anything on the ground. That's two different mindsets: One to get ready, rehearsing for the ideal; two, to toss that out

Here's what's on my list of reminders that come in handy when you're lucky enough to be in demand as a speaker: Double-check and record all your logistical arrangements: From travel arrangements to audio-visual equipment, make sure you've got your bases covered--and can carry those details with you in a PDA, thumb drive or other portable device. You may need (as I have done in the past) everything from a laptop brought to your room to someone to sprint across town with new handouts. I've got a full slate of speaking engagements , already in motion, between mid-April and late May--and all over the U.S.,