How to Get What You Need Without Being Labeled a Diva

Pretty simple, right?

But let’s imagine you show up to an event and everything is a mess… the stage isn’t set up like you need, the tech isn’t compatible, and they want you to use the wrong kind of mic.

How can you (kindly) advocate for the things you need to give a great speech without coming off as a diva?

Remember, this is in response to a question first posed by subscriber Kim “KC” Campbell who was worried how far she can push for a proper stage set up without being a pain. 

Well, KC… the secret to navigating this tricky business boils down to this…

“use an audience-first approach.” 

Let’s look at some specifics of how to get the best conditions for your speech delivery – starting before you even arrive at the venue…

Set Yourself Up for Success Before You Even Arrive

Your goal with every gig should be to present yourself as an easy-to-work-with speaker.  This starts by providing some very clear and accessible technical requirements to your event organizer well in advance.

I have a media kit page on my website which includes my tech specs, intro paragraph, graphics, bios, and book info.  This resource is easy to share with the event organizer so they know well in advance what equipment I will bring with me and what I will need from them.

I’ll also send along simple visual diagrams of my preferred stage setup when an event is booked.  For instance, this is important in my Cube of Creativity speech because I literally have a fishing tent set up on the stage.  The diagram shows the organizers how big the tent is and where it fits best in the performance space.

Use the Pre-Event Call to Champion the Audience

Once the event organizer has all of this information at their fingertips, it’s time to connect with your client on a pre-event call.  This is when you can clarify any details and answer questions. It’s important to connect each of your technical requirements directly back to something that will benefit the audience.  

For instance, they might say:

“I know you wanted a wireless lavalier mic, but we’re planning to just have handhelds. Is that okay?”

To this, I would respond:

“Oh, I totally understand.  Handhelds are great.  I prefer a wireless lavalier because I talk a lot with my hands.  I move around a lot.  I go in and out of my tent all the time.  The lavalier gives me lots of flexibility for real engagement with the audience.  So, is it okay if we try to get a lavalier? I even have one I can bring.”

See what I did there?  I explained my reason for wanting a certain type of equipment in terms of how it would affect the audience experience.

Here’s another example.  Let’s say they have a permanent podium in the center of the stage.  Again, that’s not my preference, but I’ll ask if someone is using the podium immediately before my speech.  If they say “no, you’re the first person in the morning,” then I can politely ask:

“Is it possible to just move it to the side so there are clear sight lines for the audience on both sides?  That way they’ll really see the entire experience.”

Again, the request is aiming to enhance the audience experience.  I wouldn’t ask to move the podium just because I personally didn’t like podiums.  

The pre-event call is also a great time to review any technical requirements you have in terms of your slide presentation, connecting cables, audio, video, etc.  Ask if they expect any challenges at the venue.

End the call with some clear next steps:

“Let me know what your AV team says about the wireless lavalier by Wednesday the 15th.  If you don’t have any, I can plan to bring my own and I’ll talk with the AV team about using it.”

On Event Day: Show Up Early, Stay Cool, Be a Team Player

When it comes to assessing your stage set up and tech requirements on-site, I want you to remember this:

If your tech check is scheduled for 9:00 am, do not arrive any later than 8:45 am.  I try to be a full half-hour early.  Even if the tech check is at 7:00 am, I’ll roll up around 6:30 am to scope out the space.

There’s no need to announce your arrival.  Just show up and use this quiet time to wander around and observe the tech check that happens right before yours.  Everyone else will be busy, so you can take note of the important things you’ll need to give your best performance.

• Is there a confidence monitor?
• Where’s the podium?  
• Where’s the tech table?
• Do they have any wireless mics out?  
• Are they lavaliers or handhelds?
• Is there only a podium mic?
• Is there no podium mic? 
• Where does the speaker’s laptop get connected – up front or in the back?

Take note of what matches your requirements and what is missing.  Then, mentally prioritize which of those adjustments are truly necessary, and where you might need to suggest some alternatives.

This quiet assessment prevents you from having a reactive response when your tech check truly starts.  It gives you time to plan a strategic approach with the AV team. When it’s time to get started, approach the staff as a technical partner instead of as a diva. I like to imagine that we’re all going to team up to make this thing great.

(Yay! Go team!)

First, introduce yourself so they know who you are.  Chances are the event organizer who hired you isn’t around, so this is your chance to get to know the tech team better.  Then, begin with genuine appreciation.

“Wow, this space looks great.  Those projectors are amazing.  What a great stage set up!  You must have been here for a long time last night.  I hope you got some good sleep.  How are you feeling?”

For contrast, a diva would come into this situation HOT.  This would be the first thing out of their mouth:

“Good morning.  I can see you have a podium.  My tech specs say no podium, so I need that podium removed.”

Your friendlier approach will help build rapport before you discuss any changes.  It will position you as a collaborating team member rather than someone who is directing them.  

You want to build a good relationship with these people right from the outset.  Often, they are better able to help you than even the event organizer!  By the way… if they’re not quite ready, make sure they don’t feel rushed.

“I’m really, really early.  I know you’re just getting set up.  Let me know when you’re ready.  I can wait to go through my tech check.”

Request Like a Pro, Not a Prima Donna

Next, use your time with the tech team to make effective requests.  Go through the list of changes in your mind and only ask for the things that will have an actual impact on the quality of your performance.

Don’t just ask for a change because it’s your preference.  For instance, oftentimes having a podium on the stage is not a big deal.  These podiums are often massive, built into the stage, and very difficult—sometimes even impossible—to move.  So, if you see the podium is a monster, don’t even bother suggesting they move it.

I always try to praise something positive about the current set up before proposing a change.  I’ll say something like this:

“The stage looks great!  I love this clean set up.  I noticed that you have one of those podiums right in the center. Is it okay if we just move it slightly to the side so that it helps the audience see my demonstration better?”

Often, their answer is...

“Yeah, no problem.  How far should we move it?”

When going through your mental list of changes, use a hierarchical approach.  Start with the very simple requests that are easy to accommodate.  

For instance, if you don’t see any lavalier mics, don’t ask for that first.  Instead, ask for something simple, like moving the podium, or moving those plants so the audience can see your feet during that little dance number you do.

Those things are easy, right?

This is a good time to ask leading questions. For example, if you want to move the podium, you might say:

“Are you using the podium for the session directly before mine?”

If their answer is “yes” then you know that would cause a transition problem from their speech to yours and it’s likely not going to work to have it moved.  No need to ask about it.

Throughout this process, you are asking questions, not making demands.  That’s the difference between a diva and a professional.

Don’t forget to express genuine appreciation for any accommodations they make.  After they move the podium, say:

“Oh my gosh!  Thank you.  That’s so much better.  This is great.  I can move from side to side and everybody can see me.”