Avoid the virtual presentation faux pas by taking simple steps
Are your meetings guilty?
As of the writing of this blog post I have participated in almost 30 virtual events, trainings, meetings, presentations, media panels, etc. (and it’s only Wednesday!) There are at least 5 categories you should consider adapting for more effective virtual interactions. Read on for valuable information that could help you “UP” your virtual game.
Category 1: Web Cam
📌Be mindful of reflective surfaces that may distract your audience. Surfaces may include, eyeglasses, jewellery and windows.
📌Camera angle: As you know I post about camera angles all the time
📌For maximum engagement put one fist on top of your head from the top of the screen view. There should be no more than one fist length from the top of your head to the bottom of your video view. This will provide an optimal and most flattering angle.
📌If you are in your car please let the audience know. Come on video and say hi then choose safety if you continue to drive and share your avatar instead of a distracting view of your car roof.
📌If there is a window behind you, be mindful of repositioning the camera if the view is of the street. Believe it or not if there are cars driving by in your background your audience will automatically focus on the movement.
Category 2: Lighting
📌Avoid dark spaces in your home
📌Avoid spaces too bright
📌Consider a ring light
📌Do not angle your camera so there is a window behind you, the bright light will likely wash you out
📌For daylight bulbs over soft white or warm bulbs
Category 3: Microphone
📌Opt for an external mic over an internal mic. These do not have to be expensive.
📌Choose a mic with dual noise cancellation
📌Be sure to test your microphone with each platform you intend to use BEFORE your next virtual meeting. Microphones tend to work different with @WebEx, @Zoom, @MicrosoftTeams, @Skype, @BrightTalk, @GoToConnect and @WebinarJam,
📌If you are concerned with your audio at all ask someone how your audio sounds before you present.
Category 4: Body Language
👉Be sure to gesture with your hands closer to the core of your body. Hand and body movements look different to a camera than they do in person.
👍Do not use “jerky” gestures. Be sure your gestures are more flowing and graceful. This may take a bit of practice.
Category 5: Virtual Background
📌Please clean up the clutter. A messy background is enough to completely distract your audience.
📌If you are using a digital background be sure you have a processor capable of supporting the background you choose. For example, you may need an I7 processor vs an I5 processor on some platforms.
📌If your background is going to be distracting or you don’t feel “camera-ready” choose your avatar instead. Set the expectation from the beginning of the meeting you will be “off-camera.”
Take a look at our Virtual Office Audit Program to finely polished your virtual skills to help you advance and enhance your current professional profile.
We can do this!! Together, 6 ft apart. Taking a few minutes to give thought to the most engaging environment for your audience is well worth the time. We can also help by providing a Virtual Office Audit™ Check our our testimonial video
This is a quick 30 minute, 7 step process filled with expert virtual presentation guidance. We guarantee you will walk away with an “Aha” moment or three.
Always feel free to reach out to info@everythingwebinar to schedule a Coaching session, Training program or book a Virtual Office Audit and further explore your training options.
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