The Show Must Go On: My Top Tips for Handling Live Event Glitches

As a live event host and someone who’s spent years in live television, I can tell you one thing for sure:
Technical glitches are inevitable. Whether it’s a mic cutting out, lights flickering, or even a complete blackout mid-show, I’ve seen it all. And if you’ve ever found yourself in that hot seat, you’re not alone.

The key isn’t to avoid these moments – that’s impossible. The key is knowing how to handle them like a pro, keeping your cool, and ensuring that the show, indeed, goes on.

From my experience in front of cameras and live audiences, I’ve picked up a few tried-and-tested techniques that can help you stay composed and in command, no matter what unexpected issues arise. So whether you’re a seasoned emcee, a panel moderator, or hosting your very first live gig, these insights are for you.

1. Acknowledge It with Confidence

When something goes wrong, your immediate reaction sets the tone for everyone in the room—or watching online. Panic, and your audience will feel it. Calmly acknowledge the situation, and they’ll relax.

This doesn’t mean you have to act like nothing happened—quite the opposite. Be real, but stay composed. A quick acknowledgment like, “Looks like our mic wants a break too!” or “Bear with us folks, just a quick tech hiccup!” is usually enough to ease the tension.

Using light humor when appropriate can work wonders. But keep it professional. Avoid pointing fingers or throwing your tech team under the bus. Instead, convey assurance. Your job in that moment is not just to host, but to lead the energy of the room.

Remember: your confidence is contagious.

2. Weave It into Your Narrative (If Possible)

This is where your ability to think on your feet shines.

I’ll never forget a live BBC World News broadcast I was hosting in Mumbai. Just as the segment was getting serious, the power cut out. Dead silence. No lights, no camera—just me and a pitch-black room. Instead of freezing, I leaned into the moment and said, “It’s a somber reminder of the mood here today…”

It wasn’t planned, but it fit. The audience leaned in, and the moment stuck. What could have been a complete disaster turned into something authentic and memorable.

Live events are, by nature, unpredictable. When glitches happen, you have a chance to show your genuine self. If you can creatively incorporate the moment into the narrative, do it. Whether it’s an awkward pause or a stalled video, use that time to engage, reflect, or redirect.

A thoughtful or humorous one-liner can instantly turn a disruption into a moment of connection.

3. Stay on Message

Even when things go wrong, your core responsibility remains unchanged—deliver the message.

When you’re on stage or in front of a live audience, especially during a hiccup, you need to stay anchored. What are the key takeaways for your audience? What’s the next important message? Keep those top-of-mind.

If a screen goes blank or the mic goes dead, don’t let it derail your entire presentation. Pivot. Ask the next speaker to step in. Move to an audience Q&A. Or share a brief anecdote while the tech team troubleshoots.

The more focused you are, the more easily your audience will stay with you. Your calm response keeps the event moving forward, even if the plan changes. And that, ultimately, is what defines a strong event host.

Live events are filled with surprises—and not all of them are scripted.

Here’s the thing: those unplanned moments are often the ones people remember most. They reveal your personality, your ability to stay cool under pressure, and your professionalism in navigating uncertainty.

Technical glitches don’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, they can be an opportunity to build trust with your audience. They’ll appreciate your authenticity far more than a perfect, polished script. It’s in these “uh-oh” moments that you show you’re not just a speaker—you’re a real human being connecting with real people.

So the next time a glitch happens (and it will), don’t resist it. Use it. Own it. Keep the energy moving forward.

Got a live event coming up? Save these tips, practice your calm, and remember: the show must go on!

Conclusion

No matter how much you rehearse, technical glitches are just part of the live event landscape. The real skill isn’t in avoiding them—it’s in handling them with poise, professionalism, and presence.

So next time the lights flicker, the mic goes mute, or the screen freezes—don’t panic. Take a breath. Stay on message. Make the moment yours.

Because the audience won’t remember the glitch, they’ll remember how you handled it.

And that’s what makes the difference between a speaker and a standout host.