Make sure that everyone can see you and the visuals. If you are working with AV people, introduce yourself and go over the details with them. They will help you with a sound check and any other details like speakers for music or having a hand held microphone available for the audience.
Equipment
Always check, re-check, and check the equipment again.
Day/time
Most audiences are more alert and more receptive in the morning. After lunch and Friday afternoons are always difficult. The worst time to speak to an audience is after dinner when the audience has had cocktails during dinner. If this happens to you, forget the power point. Keep the presentation light and lively!
Noise level
When a loud noise or distraction occurs (like a train whistle or cell phone ringing), stop speaking for a moment. The audience will be distracted. When the audience gets focused again, then start speaking again. If you have a quick, witty sense of humor, use it to say something funny about the distracting noise.
Temperature
If the audience is too hot or too cold, they will have trouble concentrating on your message. Try to adjust the temperature in the room to keep the audience comfortable.
Location
If you are speaking at a resort location and the audience is going to play golf immediately following your speech, make sure your presentation is concise and value added. You might even use some golf metaphors. If you are speaking in a trailer at a chemical plant during lunch hour and there is no air conditioning, keep it brief. The location, temperature, time of day, and mood of the audience will impact your effectiveness as a presenter.
