When the audio system fails do not panic. Stay calm, take a deep breath and know that you may need to project your voice more You could acknowledge the audio system failure with humour to reassure the audience that you have things under control. Move slightly up to the front of the stage to project your voice more so that it carries. Engage with your audience more through sharing personal stories that connect with them and build relatability. If you are speaking in a room where there is no stage as such you could potentially move to be in the center of the room so that you make it more personal and are audible. Ask questions. Run polls and involve the audience more.

I am at an advantage when the microphone is not available, since I have a pretty loud voice. I can get started without a microphone. If you are not at an advantage like me, this is a great opportunity to have the audience pair up and discuss a challenge they faced recently or a key takeaway from what they heard so far from previous speakers or have the audience introduce each other. This would also be a good time for folks to take a 5 min break to stretch out while the technology is taken care of.

When the audio system fails, your audience is not waiting for the perfect sound, they're waiting for YOU. Own the moment. Stay calm, and use this as an opportunity to connect more deeply. Speak directly to them, without the mic. Show confidence, humor, and adaptability. The most memorable speeches are often the ones where things go wrong. Move closer to the audience, engage with eye contact, and amplify your energy. Don't apologize for the tech failure; acknowledge it briefly, then focus on your message. The best leaders turn obstacles into opportunities, and this is your chance to shine.

If the audio system unexpectedly fails while your audience is waiting for your speech, stay calm and composed. Acknowledge the issue with a lighthearted comment to ease any tension, then quickly assess the situation and work with the technical team to resolve it. While waiting for the problem to be fixed, engage the audience by speaking directly to them without relying on a microphone, maintaining eye contact, and using gestures to emphasize key points. This shows resilience and adaptability, keeping the audience connected and focused while the issue is addressed.

If the mic’s out, you can turn this moment into a win. First, acknowledge it with confidence. Say something like, ‘It looks like we’re having a technical hiccup—let’s carry on the old-fashioned way!’ This shows you’re composed and adaptable. Stand tall, use your diaphragm, and speak slowly and clearly so everyone can hear. Then, make it personal. Say something like, ‘This actually gives us a chance to make this more conversational.’ Walk around if you can, close the gap between you and the audience, and connect with them directly. Finally, use this moment to engage your audience. Ask a question or involve them in some way. This not only buys you time but also shifts the focus away from the technical issue and toward interaction.