Crafting a Pre-stream Checklist

 Crafting a Pre-stream Checklist

Have you ever set for your stream, but your microphone is accidentally muted, your game is displayed incorrectly, or your lighting is off? These mishaps can be both embarrassing and frustrating. Regardless of your experience level as a streamer, these small yet irksome problems can creep in unexpectedly. Even streamers with over a thousand streams, sometimes encounter these same challenges. Is there a way to avoid these pesky slip-ups altogether?

A while back, I started working on a strategy to tackle the challenges I faced in my streaming routine. Despite a busy schedule, I went quite some time without forgetting to unmute my microphone or set up my stream correctly. I credit this to a pre-stream checklist that I fine-tuned over time. Once I began using this checklist and the associated techniques, I saw a significant improvement in the overall quality of my stream setup. In this article, we will go through the steps to apply this strategy to your stream routine.

Proactive Problem-Solving

A pre-stream checklist is essentially a mental or physical (even written on paper if needed) inventory that encompasses every single task you must complete before hitting the go-live button, right down to the smallest details. The true power of this document lies in your ability to follow it meticulously, without hesitation or deviation. When executed correctly, you'll have a pre-planned script for the setup of your stream, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free stream once it starts.

Addressing the Necessity:

If you've ever struggled with persistent problems during your streams, you can recognize how vital a checklist and the determination to stick to it can be. The human brain is remarkably versatile but prone to memory lapses, lapses in judgment, and moments of distraction. While setting up your streams might seem straightforward, jotting down every task reveals the multitude of actions required each time you go live. Throughout numerous streams, no one's memory can consistently manage it all without some form of structure. If it can be quantified, why not put it in writing? This approach saves time by eliminating the need to constantly think about what needs to be done, reduces the stress of coming up with impromptu solutions, and minimizes the frustration of being live with your mic being muted for an extended period. Establishing a structured process behind the scenes frees up mental energy for creativity and entertainment in front of your audience.

Taking Action:

Begin by running through the process of setting up a stream, and becoming familiar with each step involved. Consider the natural order in which these tasks typically unfold. Identify which aspects involve creativity, such as crafting a captivating title or composing a 'going live' tweet (yes, even these details count), and which tasks are as simple as pressing buttons, like switching to the correct layout or activating your microphone. Are there creative steps that can be automated, such as finding a permanent spot for your lights to avoid rearranging them before every show?  Essentially, create a comprehensive script for setting up a stream that outlines each step as if you were guiding someone else through it. Ensure that this list isn't just a product of your thoughts; every aspect should stem from your experience, based on steps you've taken in your streaming journey. If you're new to streaming or don't do it frequently, resist the urge to let this process become another form of procrastination.

Revisiting and refreshing your checklist

Once you've compiled your checklist and have been following it during your stream preparations, you'll likely notice a significant improvement in the consistency of your streams. However, occasional slip-ups can still occur. Don't be discouraged by these hiccups; instead, view them as valuable learning experiences. After your show ends, use these incidents to identify areas where your pre-stream routine may need enhancement. Typically, when something goes wrong during your streams despite using a pre-stream checklist, it falls into one of three categories:

Incomplete Checklist: Your checklist may not cover all the necessary steps, or it may lack specific details, leaving certain aspects to chance. For example, a vague item like "Set up OBS" isn't ideal because it doesn't represent a single action. It's crucial to break tasks down into their smallest elements for clarity.

Lack of Adherence to the Checklist: This is a matter of discipline. Improving your ability to strictly follow the checklist without deviation is essential. Avoid skipping steps simply because they don't seem immediately necessary. Think of it like an airline crew checking safety equipment before every flight, regardless of the anticipated conditions. Consistently completing checklist items, whether they appear needed at the moment or not, reinforces the habit that will prevent forgetfulness down the line.

Unique Circumstances: Occasionally, factors beyond your control, such as software updates, technical glitches, or hardware malfunctions, can come into play. It's important to recognize that while these issues may not be your fault, they remain your responsibility. Handle errors calmly as they occur and do your best to resolve them. Even if you encounter an intermittent glitch with your capture card every month, it's your responsibility to devise a plan that mitigates the issue's recurrence. Make sure to go back to your pre-stream checklist to explore potential troubleshooting solutions that you can implement before your streams or consider removing the unreliable hardware or software component from your streams altogether.

Final Thoughts

Implementing and fine-tuning a pre-stream checklist has improved the quality and consistency of my streams. You don't have to be a seasoned streamer to start refining your own process. Even if you've only been streaming for a few months and have the basics down, improving your professionalism by minimizing mistakes is worth the effort.

In the grand scheme of things, systems are often more powerful than individual actions. While a single action can help fix a problem once, a well-established plan can prevent that problem from happening in the first place. By creating a pre-stream checklist and sticking to it, you're taking the necessary steps toward making this a reality for your streaming journey.