While the above photo is meant to be amusing, it’s not the best way to deliver a high stakes presentation. The visual element of an online talk adds a whole new dimension to the communication and getting it right can make or break your success.

Consider if these five suggestions would help you master your next online offering. What would you add to this list? (clarkmayla@gmail.com)

1. Amplify your visibilty -- Even if you’re camera shy, listeners appreciate being able to see your face, shoulders and top of your arms. Body language helps maintain the same connection you would have in person, so it’s best to sit up straight, smile and use a full range of facial expressions. Fluid gestures are animating, but waving your hands close to the screen is distracting.


2. Leverage your vocal delivery -- You may not be giving a TED Talk, but voice does significantly impact credibility, authority and believability. It also keeps listeners engaged or, unfortunately, sends them off to open email. Why not make a conscious effort to vary pitch, speed and volume? These subtle gradations help make you more understandable, especially for an international audience that may speak English as a second language. And remember to pause – smile though so people don’t think your screen is frozen.


3. Capitalize on slides -- Just like in person, effective visuals grab our attention and convey complex concepts or relationships with ease. However, slides jam-packed with details and an unclear logic to tie them together rank high on the list of audience complaints about presentations. The best slides I’ve seen are simple and clear: about 7 words across and 7 lines down with charts, graphs, diagrams or maps that clarify NOT confuse. Everyone appreciates knowing where to look on the screen – “upper right bar graph” – and hearing you connect all points to your 1-sentence main message keeps us focused throughout. Repeat it often.


4. Eliminate distractions -- Ok, no one expects videoconferencing from home to be perfect. There are dogs, cats, kids and knickknacks in the house. Even a US Supreme Court session was interrupted by a highly obvious, but unintended, bathroom flush. And I get that not everyone has access to a richly appointed office from which to host meetings. But, there are a few irritating things we can eliminate:
   • Position of the camera – about eye level is best to avoid the up-the-nose angle if it’s too low.
   • Look directly into the camera, not at yourself. Use a post-it note next to the lens as a reminder.
   • Minimize technical hick-ups by having a colleague wrangle the technology while you’re speaking.
   • Simplify, simplify, simplify – do you really need 6 screens open at the same time?
   • Beware of annoying habits: hair playing, pen grabbing, rustling papers.
   • Does your Zoom background add or subtract from your message?
   Turn off sound on cell phones, email and messaging pop ups


5. Maximize interaction -- There is a lot of legitimate concern over people feeling isolated and lonely at the moment. I know of one company that has hired a psychologist to keep in touch with young, single employees to help make sure they’re doing ok. I also realize that a Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting isn’t the same as sitting in the same room with each other. But, it may be all we have right now and, in some cases, it’s even more convenient and efficient.

   Do you use these methods to increase interaction? Others?

   • Use chat, polls and raise hands.
   • Appoint a co-facilitator to alert you to comments or questions.
   • Set aside time for Q & A.
   • Stockpile your own questions to prime the pump if you have an unresponsive audience: “I often get asked…,” “ You may be wondering…,” "What are your thoughts on…”
   
   

   Virtual presentations differ from in-person meetings, but it’s useful to keep in mind that we can create richly rewarding experiences that make people feel included and deliver stunning, exciting and even inspiring information online. Try these tips for making your next remote offering a surefire success or come up with your own list. I’d welcome your suggestions!

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   Do you need to feel more confident about an upcoming presentation to your executive team, an important customer or your department? Would help thinking through a critical conversation, special email or blog post be of value? Perhaps you’re struggling to get heard during online meetings or you find it difficult to speak up during a call with a large number of attendees.

   
   

   Please check out my new virtual presentation workshops or consider setting up private coaching here. Then we can set a time to discuss your specific situation.

   
   Mayla Clark Executive Speaking Skills Training and Coaching