Unlearning The Spotlight 17: Unlearning That Technology Distracts

Technology has become central to modern events. Screens, apps, virtual platforms, QR codes, and real-time polls are everywhere. Yet many organisers and even some Emcees view technology as a distraction. They fear it pulls attention away from the stage, from the speaker, or undermines the live experience.

The truth is that technology only distracts when it is used poorly. When it is used well, it becomes a bridge that connects people, levels the playing field, and makes participation more inclusive.

The Misuse of Technology

I have seen events where technology became more of a burden than a benefit. Sometimes the issue is a lack of tech savvy on the part of the host or organiser. Polling apps are introduced without clear explanation, or online platforms are fumbled through in a way that creates confusion rather than connection. Instead of enhancing the experience, the technology highlights uncertainty and distracts from the flow.

Slides are another common culprit. Many presenters default to text-heavy decks, cluttered graphics, or low-resolution images. Instead of supporting the message, the slides compete with it. The audience divides its attention between reading blocks of text and listening to the speaker, and as a result, neither lands effectively.

Minimalism is a far more powerful approach to adopt. A single image, a clean chart, or a short phrase displayed with purpose can reinforce what is being said without overwhelming the room.

Technology only distracts when it is used without intention or skill. When it is guided by clarity, confidence, and simplicity, it becomes an ally in building connection. The failure around tech is often not with the technology itself, but rather in how it was used or implemented.

Technology as a Bridge

When used intentionally, technology has the power to amplify connection. A live poll can give every participant a voice, not just the confident few who are willing to put up their hands. A virtual chat can allow international attendees to share insights in real time. Captioning can make an event more accessible.

Technology is not the enemy of engagement. Rather it is one of its greatest allies. The Event Organiser and the Emcee’s role is to harness it thoughtfully, weaving it into the flow of the event so that it serves the audience rather than distracting them. And to ensure that everyone, the AV and the Emcee especially, has been correctly briefed on how it will be used and explained.

The Event Organiser’s Perspective

From an organiser’s viewpoint, technology is both a risk and a reward. On one hand, technical glitches can create stress and break the flow. On the other hand, when it works, it transforms the event into something richer and more inclusive.

An Emcee who is comfortable with technology gives organisers peace of mind. They know that if a poll needs to be explained, or if a hybrid audience needs to be acknowledged, the Emcee can handle it with confidence and ease.

The Mindset Shift

Unlearning the belief that technology distracts means reframing it as a tool for connection. It requires curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the opportunities that tech provides. The Emcee does not need to be a technical wizard. They need to be a bridge-builder who helps people feel part of the same shared experience, whether they are in the front row or across the globe.

Homework for Emcees

Before your next event, choose one technology tool that you will use with clear intention. It might be a live poll, a Q&A app, or a platform feature that supports hybrid engagement. Practise introducing it in a way that feels natural and connected to the event’s theme.

Afterward, reflect on whether it would provide added value for the audience and how you could integrate it more seamlessly.

Closing Thoughts

As we close this series, I want to thank you for walking this path with me. Unlearning the Spotlight has been about more than redefining the role of the Emcee. It has been about reframing what events can be: spaces of authentic connection, humility, and shared meaning.

Thank you for following along on this journey with me - your support and feedback have been deeply appreciated.

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If you are planning an event and want to see how technology, facilitation, and presence can work together to create an inclusive and engaging experience, I invite you to book a 20-minute video call with me.

And if you have not yet subscribed to my blog, now is the perfect time. Subscribers will receive all 17 chapters compiled in the free PDF mini-book entitled, “Unlearning The Spotlight.”