When Technology Fails
If you do a lot of speaking, you’re eventually going to experience a technological malfunction. Your computer will crash. The projector won’t work. Your clicker will stop responding. The sound system will short out. Something will go haywire. Count on it.
Yesterday, I felt like I watched a train wreck in slow motion. I was attending a trade association conference. One of the speakers had a technological meltdown. First, his lavaliere microphone wouldn’t work. So, the conference organizer gave him a hand-held mic. He briefly apologized and then launched into his introduction.
It was great. Except that the production guy, walked to the stage while the speaker was speaking and stood in front of him like a dog waiting for a biscuit. He wanted to change out the batteries in the lavaliere. Of course, this was incredibly distracting to the speaker and the audience. So, we waited for the batteries to be changed out. This didn’t fix the problem, so we went back to the handheld.
In: 
MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at 
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, 
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his 
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the 
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for 
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of 
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of 
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of 
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing 
JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for 
