Nothing is worse than forgetting a crucial item on the day of your speaking gig. As a keynote speaker, the only thing you want to worry about on gig day is delivering your talk. In this post, we’ll explore the crucial items that should be packed in every keynote speaker’s suitcase to make sure your gig day goes smoothly. From comfortable clothing to business essentials, let’s ensure you’re prepared and ready to slay your next speaking gig.
Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
Comfort is key when you’re up on stage captivating your audience. Opt for professional attire that allows you to move freely and confidently. Dressing in comfortable clothing and wearing suitable shoes will keep you focused on delivering your message rather than worrying about wardrobe malfunctions onstage – yikes!
Laptop or Flash Drive
Your slides can enhance your keynote immensely for your audience, so make sure they come with you! Load your slides on your laptop or a reliable flash drive and bring it along on gig day. Double check that any graphics, videos, and audio are working smoothly during soundcheck to avoid any technical hiccups.
Clicker
Bring along a clicker or presentation remote to seamlessly transition between slides. It gives you the freedom to move around the stage, engage with the audience, and maintain a captivating presence.
Extra Batteries and Chargers
Stay powered up! Bring spare batteries for your clicker and any other devices you’ll be using during your presentation. Also, don’t forget your chargers to ensure your laptop and other devices are fully juiced up and ready to go. The last thing you want to worry about on gig day is a dead battery.
Business Cards
Networking opportunities are everywhere at speaking gigs. Make sure to carry a stack of professional business cards that include your contact information, website, and social media handles. It’s a great way to connect with event attendees, potential collaborators, and meeting organizers for future bookings.
Copies of Your Book
If you’ve published a book, bring copies to sell or give away to audience members. Sharing your published work with the audience creates an opportunity to deepen your connection with them and provides a tangible reminder of your message that they can walk away with.
Printed Introduction for the Emcee
Even if you already emailed this to the event team, bring a printed copy of your introduction for the emcee. Emails can get lost and WiFi connections can be spotty in certain venues. A printed introduction will put your mind at ease and make things easier on whoever will be introducing you.
Bring these essentials in your bag and you’ll be ready to take the stage with confidence. Shop our favorite speaker tools here to make sure you’re fully prepped for your next talk. Embrace your role as a keynote speaker, and share your message with the world – you’ve got this!
