Stay Cool Under Pressure

 Stay Cool Under Pressure

We've all been there. You're ready to stream, everything is set up, and suddenly there's an internet outage. Or you're in the middle of a stream and something critical stops working. Or you turn on your PC before going live, only to find it won't boot up. Issues, big and small, are an inevitable part of livestreaming.

In previous entries, I've shared solutions to various problems and how to develop a problem-solving mindset. But what about the exact moment when disaster strikes? When the screen goes black, you realize you forgot to turn on your microphone, or you accidentally corrupt your save file, it can feel overwhelming. Staying calm in these moments is challenging, especially with a live audience watching.

In this entry, we'll focus on maintaining composure when problems arise. This will help you handle any situation more effectively.

Don’t Panic

Something bad has just happened. Maybe you're live on air, or sitting at your desk, ready to go live. No matter how bad it seems, take a second to breathe. Remind yourself that every streaming problem has a solution. Your broadcast might not immediately return to 100%, and you might need to make some adjustments, but there's always a way to continue if you stay focused.

In the entry "How to Become a Solution-Oriented Streamer," we discussed three different ways to handle one of the worst problems a streamer can face and the many approaches to resolving any problem. Even in that initial moment of disaster, remind yourself that it's not as bad as it seems.

Consider the people around you, both in your physical space and your viewers in chat. It’s tough when something goes wrong when you are live on stream because everyone sees it. A streamer's embarrassment and frustration can cause them to lose their composure.  While expressing frustration through actions like smashing things and yelling might be seen as entertaining in a lighthearted context, it becomes unprofessional and concerning when done out of genuine anger. In such scenarios, the only people entertained will be those laughing at you, not with you. You’ll likely regret your actions later. So, put things in perspective. Remember that your viewers want you to succeed. If they're genuine supporters, they likely don't mind that something went wrong and will wait while you fix it. They'll understand if you need to take the stream down temporarily or change it entirely while you come up with a solution. You're all on the same team. If some viewers leave when things go wrong, others will join when you're back to normal. But don't offend your true supporters, they care about you. 

Focus on yourself first and remember it’s okay to take a break to cool down. Switch to a "be right back" screen if you have one and give yourself a moment to calm down, and afterward, you'll be able to think about solutions more clearly.

Learn from Your Past

After navigating a few challenging situations, maintaining your composure becomes more manageable. You also have the chance to prevent future problems by learning from your past experiences. Reflect on the issues you've encountered, even those that seemed beyond your control at the time. Consider whether there are steps you can take to detect these problems early or develop a workflow to avoid them altogether. In entries like "Crafting a Pre-Stream Checklist," we have guided you in establishing an evolving system for your streams to minimize unexpected issues.

Think of Tony Stark from the Iron Man series, who faces numerous setbacks but always adapts and improves. Remember, any mistakes you make while streaming are temporary. Today's mistake will be forgotten by tomorrow. As you gain more experience, you'll realize that past problems no longer seem significant. As we mentioned in the entry "Embracing Positivity: How to Stream with No Complaints," treating every issue as a major problem will only make streaming feel overwhelming. Keeping things in perspective helps your worries diminish.

Final thoughts

While complete prevention is impossible, preparation goes a long way. Having backups, a troubleshooting plan, and alternative content options can significantly reduce stress. Remember, your viewers want to connect with you. By staying calm and resourceful, you can turn a technical hiccup into a bonding experience, showcasing your ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

So, the next time your stream stumbles, take a deep breath, remember these tips, and keep calm and carry on. After all, a cool head is a streamer's most valuable weapon!