Public Speaking Trainer
There are a host of options to present using online platforms: MS Teams, Skype, Zoom, Go-To-Meeting, and WhatsApp video calling, to mention a few. Your objective is to become comfortable to present using any of these mediums – think of these as a venue in which to present. Let us look at what you should consider when preparing to present online.
Business Owner and Public Speaking Trainer
The foundation of speaking
Regardless of whether you are presenting online or in a live setting, there are skills and techniques of presenting that is common to both mediums. You need to know the objective and purpose of your talk; how to use props and hand gestures. You need to know how to start and end your talk in an engaging way, and you also need to create a framework for your content and deliver it in an engaging way. You need to know how to answer questions from the audience and you still need to incorporate storytelling into your talk.
How online presentations are different
You engage the audience through eye contact by looking and speaking directly at the lens of the laptop or mobile device. Keep at least 1,5 ruler lengths’ space from your face to the camera lens – use a laptop stand to have the lens in line with your eyes. When using gestures, keep your hands closer to your body. Limit jewellery that might clash with the audio and use a headset or a microphone and earphones to amplify your voice. Close all windows, keep pets and children away to limit distractions and noises. Limit your presentation time to 1,5 hours; training blocks can extend to 2,5 hours. Have a light shining on your face to avoid unwanted shadows.
Consider what the audience will be looking at behind you. Avoid a blank wall or untidy background. Include an item of art or a pot plant, picture frame or bookshelf to create a backdrop. Virtual backgrounds work for casual meetings or formal meetings where all speakers need to have a consistent backdrop, while natural backgrounds work best for most meetings. Use plain, neutral-colour clothing and avoid patterns, stripes and white shirts – unless it is under a jacket. Close down all other applications to maximise bandwidth and ensure great quality of audio-visual.
Connect with your audience every two or three minutes. Ask a question and respond to participants by their name. Send out pre-reading and hand-outs in advance; use online platforms for discussion and consensus. Get comfortable with features like screen-sharing, white-boarding, polls, hand raises and chat boxes. Avoid slides dominating your presentation − facetime creates engagement. Use the features of co-presenters, moderators and live audience participation for more interaction.
More advice
- Don’t blame technology – When things go wrong, and they will, stay calm and try to resolve it.
- Rules and protocols – State upfront how the audience can engage with you through chat boxes and Q&As.
- Simulations – Conduct dry runs to get comfortable. Do one or two things differently each time to improve on your previous online presentation.
- Audio-visual – If appropriate to your presentation, incorporate videos and play background music for any reflection type work.
- Energy – Your passion and excitement for your content need to radiate. Voice projection, variety and tonality are critical to connecting with your audience.
