One of the biggest mistakes I see in live events doesn’t come from bad technology.
It comes from unclear expectations.
When something goes wrong, it’s rarely because a piece of gear failed. More often, it’s because two people thought they were talking about the same thing—and they weren’t.
Here’s the pro tip:
If you can’t explain it simply, it probably isn’t clear enough yet.
This applies to:
- AV scopes
- Recording options
- Show flow
- Roles and responsibilities
- “Just in case” contingencies
Complex systems require simple language.
If a client, stakeholder, or team member nods along but couldn’t repeat the plan back to you in their own words, pause. That’s your cue to slow things down and clarify—before show day forces the issue.
Some of the best questions you can ask in planning are:
- “Can you walk me through how you understand this?”
- “What do you think happens if this changes last minute?”
- “What would make this feel less stressful for you?”
Clarity isn’t about dumbing things down.
It’s about making sure everyone is actually aligned.
And alignment is what makes shows run smoothly—even when things change.
What’s a moment where clearer communication saved (or could have saved) the day for you?