In today’s business world, more and more audiences are going global as companies are working to reach people all over the world. Technology has made it possible for companies to reach a broader range of customers through webinars, conference calls, and teleconference. While this innovative technology certainly has its advantages, it also presents a new set of challenges for companies to really connect with a virtual audience. Here are some tips that will ensure you communicate successfully with your audience in order to give a more memorable virtual presentation.
Plan Ahead
The key to an excellent virtual presentation is planning. Before you present you must plan the time, location, software you are going to use, and have a backup plan in place. Practice giving your presentation with the technology in advance of your real talk. Make sure you are comfortable with the technology and that it is working correctly. You should even record yourself and then watch your recording so you can figure out what works and what doesn’t. Finally, be on time…and that actually means a few minutes early! This also allows time for your audience to get familiar with the technology and iron out any technical issues before you actually begin.
Be Human
One of the most challenging aspects of a virtual presentation is the fact that you might not see your audience. When you lose that feedback from a real audience it can be difficult to make a connection. Remember that just as eye contact and body language are important in a face to face presentation, they are equally important in a virtual one. Don’t lose that connection just because you cannot see your audience. Rather, look directly into the camera instead of at your notes and pay close attention to your body language. It might even be helpful to use photos of people to simulate a real audience.
Keep it Simple but Interesting
Audiences will begin to lose attention after just 10 minutes so you don’t have a lot of time to waste rummaging through detailed slides. Instead, keep your slides simple and avoid too many words and graphics. Since it is more difficult to connect with a virtual audience through movement and body language, consider using a variety of media types to attract attention. These might include links, videos, screen sharing, or images. However, keep your information clear and concise while also making it visually appealing.
Be Interactive
Break up your content by using interactive activities to keep your audience engaged. Use live Q&A’s, surveys, polling, and chats to get your audience involved in your presentation. This will make your audience feel like they are right there in the room with you and they will feel more connected to the presentation.
Make it Personal
Humans are social creatures and we like to feel included. It can be easy to lose the socialization aspect of a presentation when you are speaking into a camera. You can avoid this by making a few subtle, but very important, changes. To create a more individualized setting, speak to your audience as though they are sitting right in front of you. Instead of saying, “can everyone out there hear me?†and implying that you are talking to a mass of people, change your dialogue by saying “can you hear me?†Remember that your audience wants to feel like you are speaking to them personally, and not to the masses. Make your dialogue more personal and your presentation will be well received.