Thread by @KimMaida

I've seen a lot more conferences these days skipping tech check with the assurance of "We trust you speakers, so there's no need."

There IS a need though.

Here's why tech checks REALLY matter for speakers (and the audience, by proxy!) ...a thread:

AV: Is the screen a huge, bright LED monitor? We will want to remove white backgrounds from slides, or reduce contrast to avoid blinding the audience.

Low resolution projector? Increase brightness and contrast in our slides.

This is for the audience—to enhance THEIR experience.

AV: If we have multiple devices, multiple presenters, need sound, or anything else that might require some extra AV love, we need to know what the setup is so we don't waste precious attendee time fumbling around onstage trying to make things work during the session.

Stage & podium: I am really short. If I need to be at my computer in order to see my slides, I need to know if I have to wear heels in order to be visible behind a tall podium.

Confidence monitor: if there's a confidence monitor, I don't need to stand behind the podium, but I DO need to be able to see what's going on in my slides while facing the audience. If there won't be a confidence monitor, I just want to know that.

Timer: if there's a timer visible to the stage, this also prevents speakers from needing to check their computer to make sure they will finish within the allotted time and therefore not disrupt the conference schedule. If there won't be a timer, it helps to know that.

What kind of mics are there? Lapel? Necklace? Headset? Standing / attached to podium? This all affects ability to move onstage, and also influences what many speakers will choose to wear.

In summary, the tech check guides me on how I will present: what I'll wear, how I'll stand, how I tweak my slides specifically for audience visual comfort, etc.

Please provide tech check! Speakers want to make your event a smashing success, and tech checks help us do that!