So we know that the digital platforms are here to stay – they serve a purpose and let’s face it we want to ensure that people stay on the call and they get good use of their time… this can bring us stress and added challenges. So, here are my cheeky little seven top tips to help you feel like a pro when presenting on a digital platform:
1. Master Your Tech
This sound so basic and yet we run from call to call without actually doing this .. has Teams had an update? Is my microphone connected – Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection before the session. Have a backup plan in case something fails – I suggest a tablet or another device that’s logged in to your call. If it’s a big presentation and you need back up, ask a friend or colleague to be your producer.
2. Frame Yourself Right
Honestly this is I think the hardest thing to master. Stay looking at the camera not moving your head around like a budgie! Position your camera at eye level, ensure good lighting (natural or front-facing), and keep your background tidy and professional.
3. Engage us with your Energy
Use vocal variety, nobody likes a monotone voice – find your inner tv and radio presenter voice – yes really! Give us gestures that match the words that you are talking about, and facial expressions to keep energy levels high. Speak at least 40% slower than usual to enhance your clarity.
4. Minimise your slight deck
My tips here are to keep them bright, clear and clean with visuals to help all your audience understand your key messages. Don’t give me lots of data of what I call the “Slides from hell” and let’s face it if you’re just showing me a deck of slides, I can read those on an email – your job is to bring them to life and tell a story with them. How do the link together?
5. Keep It Interactive
So, if I come onto one of your calls, I want to make some good use of my time so give me something to do so I learn something or take key messages away. You can use polls, the chat box, Q&A, or name-check your attendees to encourage participation and break up monotony.
6. Minimise Distractions
Close all your unnecessary tabs, and browser silence notifications, and ensure your environment is quiet. Have a glass of water with you always, take some pauses, allow yourself to relax. Dress as you would for an in-person event people get a sense of true professionalism and engagement when you show up as a pro.
7. Give me a reason to stay
So, my biggest tip is to get people involved on the call, ask everyone good open questions and allow them to respond in the chat box or raise their hand to respond… trust me nobody wants to sit on a call listening to you talking at them for an hour!
Which of these do you find most challenging?