No Mic, No Lights, No Problem – How to Command a Room in the Dark

Can You Deliver When NOTHING Goes as planned?

The answer is YES. It just takes Creativity + Energy + Passion… and the principal telling you you're still leading the assembly.

Many moons ago, I spoke in schools – leading assemblies on kindness. One time, I was about to speak to middle school students in Boyne City, MI when the power went out. Imagine the energy of 500 middle schoolers… and then imagine it when the lights go out.

It was WILD.

I thought for sure the assembly was done. Backup lights flickered on, and I walked over to the principal, expecting instructions to pack it up. But she just smiled and said...

"You ready?"

I gave her that "Wait, seriously?" look. She shrugged and said, "If we don't do it now, it'll take forever to reschedule."

So there I was – half-dark room, no slides, no mic – just me and 500 kids. And guess what? It worked.

Here are a few tips if you ever find yourself in the same situation:

1. Stay Calm.

If you freak out, your audience will too. Set the tone. If you treat it like no big deal, they'll follow your lead. Remember, as the speaker, you control the energy of the room. A calm, collected demeanor reassures your audience and keeps the focus on your message – not the circumstances.

2. Know Your Voice.

If you're a speaker, you need to master projection. Learn to use your diaphragm. Practice breathing and projecting your voice so you can be heard – even without a mic. This isn’t just about being loud; it’s about clarity. When the mic cuts out, your voice becomes your most essential tool.

Pro Tip: Practice delivering parts of your speech in large, open spaces without amplification. Train yourself to fill the room naturally.

3. Bring Next-Level Energy.

Dark rooms and warm spaces are sleep magnets. No matter how good you are, you can't outshine nap time. Bring maximum energy and engage with everything you've got.

Energy is contagious. Jump, move around, engage directly with individuals – anything to keep attention on you. When the lights are out, your energy becomes the brightest thing in the room.

4. Respect the Decision-Maker.

I might not have gone forward, but it wasn’t my call. If the person in charge says go, then go with it. Never question their decision in front of the audience – lift them up and roll with the punches.

The principal’s confidence in me was all I needed to step up. Sometimes leadership looks like following well.

5. Use Humor as a Weapon.

When the unexpected happens, humor can save the day. Don’t shy away from making light of the situation (in a respectful way). A well-placed joke acknowledges the awkwardness and makes the room feel smaller and more connected.

I remember cracking a joke about how I wasn’t afraid of the dark – but maybe I should be afraid of 500 kids in the dark. Laughter rippled through the crowd, and suddenly, I had them on my side.

6. Engage the Audience Directly.

Ask questions. Get hands raised. Have volunteers come up and participate. The more interactive you make it, the less people focus on the environment.

In that middle school gym, I leaned heavily on audience participation. I had kids come up and demonstrate acts of kindness, and it worked wonders to keep the energy up and distractions down.

7. Trust Your Preparation.

When you know your material inside and out, you can deliver it anywhere – even in total darkness. Be so familiar with your content that no slides, notes, or lights are necessary.

Your preparation is your safety net. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. By knowing your content deeply, you remove the reliance on external tools that can fail.

The Key Takeaway:
Communication doesn’t depend on perfect conditions. It thrives on authenticity, adaptability, and passion. Whether the lights are on or off, your ability to connect with the audience rests in your hands – not your equipment.

What Would You Add to This List?

I’d love to hear how you’ve adapted during unexpected moments while speaking. Email me - [email protected]. 

By Jason Raitz - CEO, Speak with People  With over 25 years of experience, Jason has spoken from stages across the country, inspiring and motivating his audiences with stories, laughter, and practical tools to succeed. Book Jason for your next conference or workshop.