Essential Tools Every Speaker Should Carry
By Lauren Shear
Great presenters know that excellence requires more than crafting compelling content and rehearsing dynamic delivery. After all, a polished message can fall flat if you're distracted by static cling, a dead laptop battery, or wondering whether you have something stuck in your teeth. Smart preparation means anticipating the small challenges that can derail even the most skilled communicator.
Travel Lint Roller. I want people to hang onto my message, not the lint on my blazer. A mini roller saves the day more often than I’d like to admit.
Dryer Sheets. My secret weapon. A quick swipe prevents static when I’m wearing tights with a dress or skirt—no more fabric clinging in all the wrong places.
Contact Solution. Direct eye contact builds connection. When my contacts are filmy or uncomfortable, it’s distracting—for me and the audience. With this cleaner, I’m back in focus.
USB. I always keep an extra copy of my slides saved here. Tech fails happen—being prepared keeps the stress level low and the delivery smooth.
Breath Strips. A tiny but powerful confidence boost. Fresh breath before stepping on stage makes greetings and Q&A moments feel effortless.
Chapstick. A dryness emergency fix so I can focus on delivery, not discomfort.
HDMI Adaptor. Because you never want to be the speaker saying, “Does anyone have an adaptor?” I come prepared.
Hand Cream. Travel and greeting audience members requires frequent hand washing. Keeping hands moisturized and comfortable helps me show up confidently.
Various Medicines. Headaches, allergies, unexpected pain—speaking doesn’t pause for discomfort. A small first-aid stash means I stay ready to perform at my best.
Beats Headphones. Whether I’m reviewing notes, flying for a workshop, or getting into the right headspace before training, noise-canceling Beats help me tune out distractions and dial into delivery.
Extension Cord. Because outlets never seem to be where you need them. An extension cord keeps my setup clean and eliminates last-minute scrambling before a workshop.
Multi-Color Pen. As a lawyer, I love organization—and color coding keeps my thoughts sharp.
Wet Ones Wipes. For those unexpected messy moments. These wipes have saved me more times than I can count.
Timbuk 2 Backpack. Durable, professional, and built for someone always on the move. This bag carries everything—from laptop to legal pads—with room to spare.
Notebook. For capturing questions, feedback, and new ideas. There’s power in putting pen to paper.
RX Bar. Clean ingredients, quick protein, no sugar crash. It’s my go-to when training stretches long, lunch comes late, or travel delays strike.
Hydroflask. This bottle keeps water icy cold, even after hours on the road or in a conference room.
Travel Toothbrush & Toothpaste. When I have multiple engagements in a single day, a quick post-meal brush is a must. It’s hard to feel confident if you’re wondering whether you have spinach in your teeth.
Pain Reliever. Travel fatigue often shows up as a headache for me, and I simply can’t be at my best with that familiar throbbing in the background.
HDMI Adapter. I use a Mac, and I’ve learned that conference and office tech teams light up when they see I’ve brought my own adapter. It saves time—and stress.
Flash Drive. With proprietary fonts and other quirks, slides don’t always behave well on unfamiliar systems. I keep a password-protected PDF ready to launch in full-screen mode, plus all of my handouts, just in case.
Presenter Remote. Most venues have a clicker, but I’m most comfortable with my own—and having a backup is never a bad idea.
Tinted Lip Balm. Quick to apply without a mirror, it adds just enough polish and keeps my lips hydrated while speaking.
The Perfect Pouch. I like to keep everything organized and in one place. A sleek pouch makes pre-speaking moments feel calmer and more intentional.
A Great Journal. For jotting down an outline, capturing an idea mid-commute, or writing the opening line that suddenly arrives at 10 p.m.
Hand Sanitizer. Let’s be honest: when you have a speaking role, you end up shaking a lot of hands. Touchland’s sanitizer is a lifesaver—sleek, effective, and it smells genuinely good.
Lip Gloss. There’s nothing worse than chapped lips moments before stepping up to speak. This Ole Henrikson gloss is my go-to: moisturizing with just the right amount of shine.
A Hair Clip. Bad hair days are inevitable. This clip is my simple, stylish solution when I need to feel put-together in seconds.
Aloha Protein Bar. Speaking while hangry is… not recommended. I always keep one of these in my bag for a quick bite when I need fuel before or between engagements.
Presenter Remote. A game changer for anyone navigating a slide deck. Because saying “Next slide, please” gets old very quickly.
Headphones. Listening to music before a big meeting or presentation helps me get in the zone and set the tone for how I want to show up.
A Lock. A small memento from my basketball coaching days—my reminder to stay locked in and present in the moment.
Water Bottle. Staying hydrated is always important—especially when I’m presenting. Bringing my favorite reusable bottle means the water is fresh and cold, and I avoid plastic. Good for me and the planet.
Hairbrush. Whether I’m windblown from my walk to a client site or just need a quick touchup, having my hairbrush on hand ensures I walk in looking refreshed.
Printed Slide Deck. In the rare case of a total tech failure, a printed copy of my slide deck gives me peace of mind. It helps me stay connected to the flow of my content—even if we have to go without visuals entirely.
Protein Bar. I’m not usually hungry enough for a full meal before presenting, but I know I’ll need fuel at some point. Having a bar handy—before or after—keeps me going.
Presenter Remote. Most clients have a clicker, but I like having my own backup. It gives me freedom to move, instead of being tethered to my laptop.
Vaseline. The other key to hydration!
Watch. Timing matters, and many rooms don’t have a clock. I place my watch on the table so I can glance at it without breaking my flow. The big, easy-to-read face helps.
Flossers. No explanation needed—I do not want to be remembered as the person with something stuck in her teeth.
The common thread? Thorough preparation, including a well-stocked kit of speaker essentials, reduces stress and lets you focus on what matters most: connecting with your audience and delivering a compelling message with confidence.
