The following is a list of information, requirements and suggestions designed to help you get the most out of my contribution to your event. If you are curious about the reasons behind some of these requests, please have a look here.

Rider for talks, workshops or presentations

1. I currently use an M2 MacBook Pro laptop running the latest Keynote software which is equipped with an HDMI output that can connect to most projection consoles, and I also have a VGA adapter. My laptop is controlled by a remote control that I will bring with me. Please note that my slides will not run on any other computer.
2. Audio will be required and needs to be able to play sound loud enough to be heard over crowd chatter and clear enough to amplify the soundtrack for any videos embedded in my slide deck. If there is no audio on the HDMI connection, I can use a standalone bluetooth speaker provided that it is capable of handling instant sound cues and does not go into sleep mode or switch off if muted for periods of time.
3. AC power should be within four feet of the computer, which will need to be positioned so that I can see it while the audience cannot.
4. I am more than happy to include online attendees as equal audience members and, subject to agreement beforehand, can supply equipment and personnel to make any presentation or workshop fully hybrid. Please bear in mind that for an event to be considered hybrid, I believe that it must be co-facilitated with one workshop leader in the room and another on Zoom.
5. I prefer not to use a microphone if at all possible, but in the event that the space is so large as to require one or a recording needs to be made, a wireless tie-clip microphone is the best option and although a handheld can also be used, it will affect the quality of my delivery.
6. I have no preference for what time of day or day of the working week I perform; I like the opportunities of the graveyard shift (after lunch), 4pm on a Friday is a challenge I enjoy, and any other time is just fine too.
7. For presentations and speeches, I am happy to work in any venue that you choose, and can work with you to make sure that it is set up in the best possible way. For workshops, I prefer a large light and airy space with moveable chairs and no tables. If there are tables in the space, they can be stacked at the side or back.
8. I do not need a chair, podium or lectern of any kind, I don’t need a presenter display and I prefer there to be no furniture between an audience and me. I usually bring my own water, but should I forget or run out I would really appreciate some of yours.
9. From time to time I video my performance for my continued development. I will let all audience members know when this happens and explain the purpose. The recording will not show anyone else.
10. Performance depends on rehearsal, so I must have at least thirty minutes in the space before the start so that I can check that everything is working as it should, prepare myself and warm up. I do not need to be in the space on my own and am happy to take part in a technical rehearsal before that, but I will not leave my laptop with anyone.
11. All my performances are rehearsed and, when appropriate, timed to allow for discussions and questions as an important and integral part. You should expect a three-hour performance to run for almost exactly three hours; sometimes a few minutes shorter but never longer. I understand that rare is the performance that starts on time, but should one of mine start more than ten minutes late, I will probably not be able to absorb such a delay through improvisation and the live editing-in-the-moment of my content without compromising the quality of my work. As a rule of thumb, if the end time is critical for any reason, it is probably best to consider the start time no less important. Please do get in touch to discuss timings beforehand if there is anything I should know, as surprises on the day are much harder to accommodate.
12. Latecomers are always made to feel welcome, phones need not be switched to silent on my account and audience members should feel free to come and go as they please. I do not need to be introduced at the start or thanked at the end, and unless agreed and discussed beforehand, you should feel free to maximise your resources by inviting as many people into the space as can be accommodated.
13. PDF versions of my slides with audio, videos and animations removed are available for download from the resources section of this website, and any links, references, or other resources referred to will also be made available. They will not be uploaded until after the presentation, as I often make changes right up to the start.
14. I am happy to discuss these requirements and flex them where I can, so if you would like to speak with me about them, please do get in touch.
15. For workshops delivered remotely, I prefer to use my Zoom account and will not run sessions on other conferencing software unless you request me to and on the understanding that they will not be as technically smooth or sophisticated as they otherwise would be. I do not insist on participants having their cameras on or using their microphones, but will make it clear that if they choose not to, it will almost certainly have a negative impact on the quality of the relationship we can build during the course, and therefore on the value they will be able to derive from it. Capacity is limited to 100 participants and I do not make recordings.
16. Addendum: Please note that if you are using me as a subcontractor to deliver your material, we will agree a deadline by which I must receive from you all relevant instructions, content, notes and a detailed briefing. While I can accept changes or revisions made after this point, they may negatively impact the preparation and rehearsal time, and missing this date will compromise the quality of the work I am able to deliver on your behalf.

Last revised October 2024