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Speech written, slides prepared, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! The key to a successful presentation is preparation. However, little can prepare you for the random glitches caused by unexpected technology problems. In fact, 86% of workers have experienced technology issues. A survey by Barco, which supplies video projection technology, also revealed that more than half (53%) of employees believe having the right technology is just as important as the presenter to deliver a successful presentation. When it comes to what makes a presentation successful, workers believe that a presentation with no technology issues is key. Three-fifths (62%) believe that this is almost as important as achieving the aim of the presentation.[pullquote]The good news is that workplace technology is improving and employees both want and expect better equipment. I believe the next few years will see a dramatic decrease in the 86% of workers who experience technical problems while presenting” – Nick Fitzherbert[/pullquote]
Lieven Bertier, head of product management at Barco's ClickShare, which carried out the survey, said: “Delivering a good presentation is as much about the confidence and clarity of the presenter as it is about the technology you use to present working effectively.”
Over half (51%) said that their organisation's technology sometimes fails, which can lead to an unsuccessful presentation and a similar number (53%) believed that, with better technology, this could lead to improved presentations.
Bertier continued: “Small equipment changes can make a big difference to the impact of presenting and business outcomes.”
Nick Fitzherbert, a presentation skills coach, commented: “The good news is that workplace technology is improving and employees both want and expect better equipment. I believe the next few years will see a dramatic decrease in the 86% of workers who experience technical problems while presenting.
“Wireless connection will undoubtedly play a big part in that, making for smoother, more impactful presentations, mainly because presenters can focus on their performance rather than technology-related issues.”
Barco surveyed 1,000 workers from across the UK, US, France and Germany. They were interviewed by independent research agency, Vanson Bourne. 
