The popularity of video platforms has been rapidly increasing over the past years. And it’s easy to understand why – with their help members of international teams can easily have online meetings from any geographical location in the world. With the hit of the pandemic causing millions of people to switch to remote work, online presentations became a true game-changer in the sphere of communications. Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams continue to generate new features and functions to meet the needs of the users. Despite its obvious advantages and efficiency, as any other new tool video presentation requires some new skills and techniques. Even highly experienced speakers who used to give in-person presentations in various settings have to adapt to the specifics of this means to make the most out of it.
Like with live presentations, it goes differently for different people. Some seem to be born with the required skills and can effortlessly deliver a presentation even on the most complicated subject choosing intuitively the best way to do it. At the same time, others see a presentation as a nightmare turning real. All factors considered, giving an effective and efficient presentation is highly coachable, meaning that if you prepare yourself, practice, and follow some key practical tips, you’ll make it a success.
Take Care of Small Details
Before discussing the content of your online presentation, let’s first focus on some small details. However, these very details play a paramount role in making the first impression on your audience. As it goes, once made, it can’t be changed. Firstly, think about the background your interlocutors will see during the presentation. Even if your room is nice and clean, it may still fail to look businesslike to meet the objective of your online event. Secondly, even if you adjusted your web camera very well, in the process of presenting it may reposition a little and display something you wouldn’t want your audience to see. To avoid any awkward situation, you can use background remover online – it’s highly recommended.
Another important aspect is your clothes. No matter how many videos concerning inappropriate clothing for an online event go viral, people globally continue making the same mistake over and over again. The basic rule is: be always fully dressed. Don’t forget to take a look at yourself in the mirror to make sure everything is in order. Remember, that during the meeting your audience will for sure see very well every detail of you through the camera.
Tell Your Story
At home, your interlocutors can get distracted from what you are saying much easier than during an in-person event. And this is something you don’t want to happen. It’s vital that you conceptualize and frame what you want to bring to your audience during the preparation stage. Instead of showering people with countless slides, infographics, and statistical data, turn your presentation into a compelling story. Like any story, it should have a clear introduction, main part, and conclusions.
When needed don’t be afraid to use examples and mention significant details – this will bring your story to life. And speaking about slides – they should be the backbone supporting your presentation, but not the main purpose of the presentation. Remember not to overburden slides with lots of text, figures, or diagrams. Otherwise, your audience will focus all their attention on the slides trying hard to read and grasp everything that’s on them. After the presentation, you can share the slides along with additional material you deem necessary so that if someone needs some concrete figures and detailed statistics, they can get them.
Interact with the Audience
Normally, establishing a visual eye-to-eye connection with your audience is the first recommendation in terms of making an efficient presentation. But it doesn’t work remotely. During an online event, the emphasis should be on interaction. This can be achieved in a number of ways. Try the ‘poll’ function to conduct a small survey during your delivery; ask questions or encourage participants to share their opinion on the issues under discussion. A very nice technique is to call people by name and address directly to them during your presentation.
Don’t forget that body language is an important component of engaging your audience. Of course, in remote presentations your choice is limited, however, you can still use head and hand/arm movements to highlight what you are speaking about. Don’t be motionless as a statue.
Summing Up
Undoubtedly, delivering a productive online presentation requires many of those communication skills peculiar to presentations in general. However, the remote mode has its peculiarities that should be taken into careful consideration, if you want to achieve a smooth process. And remember, practice makes perfect – it’s always worthwhile to rehearse your delivery several times before the actual online presentation.