As we all adapt to the increasing number of virtual meetings and events, presenting to an online audience can be a little challenging. Good news is you can choose whether to sit or stand, where to stick a few post-its as prompts and even wear your comfy slippers.
To make your ‘on-screen’ self as effective as possible though, we’ve compiled our top 10 tips:
- Stable broadband is about as important as it gets, so ideally plug directly into your router, or sit as close as possible to it.
- Lighting makes a big difference and is all too often ignored – plenty of ambient lighting in the room is best, from multiple sources; the lighting should be in front of you and not behind - facing a window is better than having a window behind you.
- Position your webcam at eye level – your laptop may need to be elevated (safely!) to achieve this.
- Avoid high back chairs as they don’t look great in shot.
- Try to have as clear a backdrop as possible.
- Find a quiet space – with no road noise, no open windows etc; and ideally child and pet proof!
- Proper Preparation…(think we all know the other 4 P’s) – putting together a killer presentation aside, plan your space, walk-through your presentation, check your on-screen appearance and even consider a full rehearsal.
- If you’ve a lot of on-screen content, get a professional to jazz it up.
- Look at the camera! Think of yourself as a TV presenter – don't be distracted by looking at audience members…or your own image!
- And finally, be relaxed and natural - imagine you’re speaking to a friend.
Good luck. And if you need any help, you know where to come.
