First-time presenters

I’ve seen it from both sides. Actually, at least 3 sides. I’ve been the crew member, I’ve been the presenter, and I’ve watched while someone I know has prepped for a big stage. It’s never easy to make a successful event happen, but thankfully there are usually people around to help.

The team that makes up the success here can be easily compared to a successful band. Or a solo singer. Or I guess any other type of performer. There is always a team that creates the opportunity, the logistics, the room. What we see is Beyonce and Bruno Mars, but everyone knows that there are thousands of people making it happen. Stagehands, catering, media production, sound engineers. Broadcasters, chalk-line layers, dancers. Most people know someone who is in the business of show - at some level - and for the most part these people are phenomenal at what they do.

Anyway. Back to the topic. First-time presenters are a curious bunch. They have fire for their topic - the passion seeps out in everything they do to prepare. It’s up to the rest of us to match that with our own passion for what we do.

Every time I’m a crew member and we have a first-time presenter, it’s fun to watch them become amazed at the production. But it’s even more fun for them to meet and interact with the team. That’s where they really come to appreciate the fact that we are good at what we do, and what we do best is to enable them to do what they do. The best teams know that they aren’t there to tell their own story… but to help someone else tell theirs.

Of course the stories of the A2 and the camera op are important too, and they will hopefully get told. But when getting on stage with a dedicated team behind you, a first-time presenter has the confidence to really push hard. And with us at their back, they will deliver.