Trying Not to Panic

[RiseAndWine]

I'm presenting at a regional symposium for a national association tomorrow and my co-presenter just bailed on me. WTFFFFFFFF. Now I have to reformat the presentation and figure out how I'm going to talk for 1 hr 15 minutes on a topic that isn't even my strength. We chose the topic because it's HER strength. FML.
Any advice or words of wisdom from those who have been there, done that are appreciated!

[sudokufan]

Uh, wow, that sucks. All my sorries.

Best advice I can come up with is to have your strategy in place ahead of time for questions you can't answer. It's hard to get specific without knowing details, but I've seen strategies that range from asking ahead of time for a show of hands for people with experience (good way to tell who might give you a rough time), or saying that you'll collect questions and answer them in an email later, or providing a list of resources for more in depth information on the topic.

[RiseAndWine]

She bailed because she was in Costa Rica on vacation last week and got in late Sunday and has a bunch of fires at work to put out. It's crunch time in our profession during the calendar year-end, so I questioned her judgement in taking vacation then, but whatevs. It's done now and I'm sure I'll be fine but I'm pretty nervous. I think I am going to open part of it up to group discussion. It's a one-room venue so it's a good format for open discussion.

[ladytiffany24]

Defs try an open group discussion. Leave time for people to ask you questions. Is there a short video you can show?

[lynn0514]

This exact same scenario happened to me a few years ago. I'm actually still bitter about it, because the person I replaced didn't have a good excuse for backing out. I was lucky; the time got filled out well with questions from the audience, and I was able to handle most of it. If you're familiar with the people in your audience at all, you can also reach out to experienced folks for help, in case you get hit with something unexpected. Will anyone from your office be there that could help in a pinch? I've also definitely had presenters use the "collect questions and e-mail later" strategy too, at seminars I've attended as an audience member.

[allthedrinks]

No good advice but all the sorries! That stinks!

[sassypantzz]

No good advice, maybe she can crash course you on common Q&A? GOOD LUCK!

[RiseAndWine]

Thanks ladies, I am just finishing up the presentation and I believe I have it good to go. If I never resurface here you'll know it's because I died right there on the spot from nervousness.

[mtnmomma13]

You are going to be great, I'm sure of it. I'm guessing a glass of wine to take the edge off is probably frowned upon!?

Seriously though, good luck and we're all rooting for you!

[dmlk413]

That sucks but you got this! Good luck!

[callmeKD]

You'll do great!

[nolagirl]

You're gonna rock it!!! I'd probably make a joke about having it all solo after planning for a partner to share the load. Lighten the mood and expectation of perfection from the beginning.

[sudokufan]

Jan 20, 2015 12:50:17 GMT -5 RiseAndWine said:

She bailed because she was in Costa Rica on vacation last week and got in late Sunday and has a bunch of fires at work to put out. It's crunch time in our profession during the calendar year-end, so I questioned her judgement in taking vacation then, but whatevs. It's done now and I'm sure I'll be fine but I'm pretty nervous. I think I am going to open part of it up to group discussion. It's a one-room venue so it's a good format for open discussion.

I was thinking of you last night, and I have to say, unless they were actual fires, I think that was a pretty damn lame excuse.  I'm pissed on your behalf!

[jlaok]

If you do the open discussion make sure that you have a few topics ready to go. A lot of people don't like to start those things. Also, if you have any friends attending you might ask that they help keep it going.

[olenka]

I am pissed for you too. I used to give presentations for a living but I hardly ever presented in tandem with someone else.

It sounds like you have had a little time to do some extra prep work. Hope there will be a lot of questions. If there aren't, you can always come armed with a couple of your own to throw out there as discussion starters. Good luck!