How an Assistant Can Help Your Presentation

Working with a Presentation Assistant

An assistant can help your presentation in several ways.

Your assistant might:

Ask planted questions
Start the applause
Adjust the room temperature
Tell the group in the next room to quiet down
Distribute printed materials
Seat late arrivals
Handle interruptions
Open and close doors
Adjust lighting
Move chairs
Hold up props
Arrange for more coffee
Help set up and fix the equipment
Signal you regarding timing
Collect business cards

Depending on the nature of the task you might bring your own assistant or recruit a volunteer just before the presentation. In either case give them clear instructions. Provide the instructions in writing to be sure. You might even plan some simple hand signals to make communication smoother and seamless.