Having spent all that time preparing your talk, there are a few things you can do at the last minute to ensure a successful presentation. Before the day begins or last thing the night before, run through your talk. Use a mirror or visualize standing in front of an audience.

If you’ve brought a slide carousel, check their arrangement. If possible, take a tour the room you’ll use for the presentation. If you need specialized equipment, make sure it is available and working. It’s your show, so ask for help with the equipment if you need it; it’s better than to fumble around during the talk. Determine who will control the equipment.

Check to see that your slides are oriented properly in the carousel. Make sure the focus switch works and determine who will control the slide advance. Do all features work?

If the room is large or your voice small, use a microphone. Try it out before the audience arrives (don’t blow into the mike or count ‘1-2-3’,it’s tacky). Check that accessories are present; chalk, eraser, markers, and especially a pointer. If it is a laser pointer, are batteries loaded?

Avoid standing behind a lectern or desk during the presentation. Stand to one side of the projection screen or blackboard, and closer to the audience if possible.

Don’t be afraid to insist on a few minutes to yourself before the talk; 15 to 30 mins is standard. If you have an itinerary, check to see that you’ve had time allotted for preparation. If you are running behind, see if someone is willing to meet with you after the talk; use that time to prepare. Use it to double-check your materials, and your introduction and conclusion. Don’t let yourself be distracted by audience coming up to chat.

Don’t wait until the last minute to make that run to the bathroom and remember to check your appearance, including zippers, buttons and other closures, before you reappear.