By Training Course Material FZE ·
Originally published: 02 April 2021 ·
Last updated: 14 August 2025
Tech will fail—projectors blink, Wi‑Fi drops, mics hiss. You can still run a strong session. The fix is a calm reset, a no‑tech fallback, and a plan to keep practice time intact.
Your 90‑second reset (say this, then do this)
- State the plan: “We’ve got a tech blip. We’ll switch to a no‑slides version and keep the key practice.”
- Park the fix: assign one volunteer to try the quick steps (cables, input, restart) while you continue.
- Surface the outcome: “You’ll leave able to [job use]. Slides will be shared after.”
Want a tight opener you can run without slides? See the first 30 minutes.
No‑tech swaps for common activities
| If this was planned… | Do this instead (no tech) |
|---|---|
| Slide‑based concept explain | Teach with a flip chart: 3 key points + one simple diagram. Learners jot a one‑line takeaway. |
| Video example | Read a 6–8 sentence mini‑case instead. Ask: “What would you do first and why?” |
| Clickable quiz | Run a stand‑up quiz: A/B cards or hands. Score on a flip chart. |
| Slide‑timed discussion | Pairs interview for 3 minutes; harvest one insight per pair. |
| Screen‑shared templates | Paper handouts or whiteboard template. Photographs after for follow‑up. |
Browse low‑tech formats in the Free Games & Activities Library.
If the projector or screen dies
- Keep the laptop as your speaker view. Use it for prompts only—don’t huddle unless truly needed.
- Switch to a flip chart: draw the model once; reference it all session.
- Move earlier into practice. Explain while they do.
- Promise slides by email after. Deliver within 24 hours with a 1‑page recap.
For timing guardrails when you improvise, see time management during training.
If audio or Wi‑Fi goes out
- Skip the clip; read the transcript excerpt or mini‑case.
- Replace online polls with paper dots or hand‑raise tallies.
- For remote or hybrid, post a quick chat prompt and continue voice‑only with clear turn‑taking.
If your laptop crashes
- Carry slides in three places: device, USB, and printed thumbnails.
- Have a PDF export; it opens faster and preserves layout.
- Ask the venue for a spare laptop; plug your USB and go PDF‑only.
- If nothing boots, teach from your guide and handouts—then send the deck later.
Design your guide so it stands alone. If you need a model, see how to use a trainer’s guide.
Salvage plan: 20‑minute block
0–2 min: Reset message + outcome.
2–7 min: Teach the model with a quick drawing and one example.
7–15 min: Pair drill or mini‑case (verbal). One sentence per person.
15–20 min: Lightning check (3 questions) + next step at work.
Grab simple checks from Free Assessment Tools.
Build a no‑tech go‑bag
- Printed slide thumbnails + 10 blank handouts
- Flip‑chart markers, tape, sticky notes, A/B cards
- Adapters (HDMI/USB‑C), spare clicker batteries, USB with PDFs
- Masking tape arrows for quick room setup
Trainer’s micro‑checklist
- Arrive early; test cables and inputs.
- Have a paper or whiteboard version of your model.
- Protect practice time—talk less, do more.
- Promise slides by email; send a recap the same day.
Common pitfalls (and fixes)
- Freezing on stage. Use the 90‑second script and keep moving.
- Over‑apologizing. Say it once, then focus on outcomes.
- Letting tech eat time. Park the fix; don’t let practice slip.
- Slides as crutch. Your guide should carry the story without visuals.
