Is Anybody There?

Presenting a breakout session, performing a comedy routine, or delivering any type of performance from a stage is better done with a live audience. The speaker can look into the faces of the people and respond to their reactions; good, bad, or otherwise. A seasoned speaker can even make adjustments to their content on the fly based on the mood in the room. What happens now when speakers are being asked to pre-record their sessions or give a presentation into the camera on their computer?

Not all speakers can make this transition without some coaching. Some speakers have great content but the viewer is distracted by their choice of background (see my previous post “Watch What You’re Watching“ for insights on this). Some speakers need to be coached on the delivery of their material. As a speaker, record your session and ask a trusted colleague to review it with the intention of providing honest, helpful feedback. Perhaps delivery isn’t the issue for the speaker, but how the accompanying slides are integrated, or the fact that the slides are the only thing a viewer sees because the speaker is a 1-inch square, voice-over figure in the corner of the screen.

After having watched over 130 recorded breakout sessions for our online event, here are three things online speakers should be mindful of:

1. Energy level – It can be challenging to keep the right energy level, but know who your audience is, what they are there to glean from you, and assume they are right in front of you. Smile! Practice your delivery and get some feedback. 
2. Focus – Not only do the attendees need to be focused on you and not your background, but you need to be focused on the attendees. Look into the camera and not at yourself or down at your notes constantly. Consider putting your notes up near the camera for quick glance reference. 
3. Know your material -Only agree to speak on a topic you are comfortable with. If you haven’t done your homework, are not prepared, or the topic isn’t in your wheelhouse, it will show in your delivery and most likely the attendees won’t stick around to watch.

Public speaking isn’t for everyone, but for those who do, it doesn’t hurt to check-in with a trusted advisor from time to time to make sure you’re still knocking it out of the park, regardless if you’re preparing to speak in-person or online. We can all learn new skills as we adapt to online and hybrid events being here to stay.

Do you have recommendations for a speaker who delivers online content?
Share your words of wisdom below or email them to me.

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