Signature Speaking

Every day this week I am giving Virtual Presentation Tips for best practices when taking part in a virtual event.

Please check the last few days for Tips #1 through #6.

Virtual Presentation Tip #7: Best practices and equipment to use

Using the first six tips will definitely get you into the best practices’ mode.

There are so many different considerations as to the type of equipment to use:
1. The easiest options are often to use your built-in camera or microphone
2. If the first option isn’t available, then getting a multi-function microphone and camera unit is a great alternative
3. Having a separate microphone for even better audio quality is an awesome choice
4. Utilizing multiple cameras and what is called a switcher can allow you to produce great looking calls.
5. There are many companies to talk to about what is the best equipment for you to use. (Two companies I like are Best Buy and B and H Photography)

Please know that I am here to help you in anyway possible. Please reach out to me via private message.

Every day this week I am giving Virtual Presentation Tips for best practices when taking part in a virtual event.

Please check the past couple of Days for Tips #1 through #5.

Virtual Presentation Tip #6: Be brief

We have become the type of information society where everyone seems to want access to what they need and want to know – NOW! We tend to look for short sound bites and info that doesn’t take up too many bytes -

Therefore, a bit of forethought whether hosting or participating is essential. Basically, I am asking you NOT to wing it. To take the time to think through what you are going to say.

Every time you open up your mouth to speak or type in the chat box … chances are …
- You are being recorded
- Someone is evaluating you on some level
- Your next new client may be there waiting to touch base with you after the call

If you are brief and to the point when you take part in videoconferences … I guarantee you will see great rewards.

As some of my engineering clients have said to me throughout the years – they like to tell the whole story and tell ALL points. Always remember who is in the audience.

Every day this week I am giving Virtual Presentation Tips for best practices when taking part in a virtual event.

Please check the past couple of Days for Tips #1 through #4.

Virtual Presentation Tip #5: Your Job as a Virtual Participant

- Make sure to test your microphone and camera (I always have at least 2 cameras and microphones just in case one doesn’t work)
- Arrive to the virtual event at least 5-minutes early … this gives you time to troubleshoot any audio or visual issues
- Do respond to what your host is asking you to do … like …
o Type in the chat section
o Mute your microphone (This is always a good idea to do when you are not talking.)
o Take part in a poll
- Think about what questions may have and be ready to ask when the time is right
- Take a screen shot of the event and send it to the host(s) – This comes across as being thoughtful to the host and will allow you to more easily connect and make an impression with the host if this is important to you.

Every day this week I am giving Virtual Presentation Tips for best practices when taking part in a virtual event.
Please check the past couple of Days for Tips #1, #2 and Tip #3.

Virtual Presentation Tip #4: For the Virtual Host (and for the participant tomorrow)

If you are the virtual host, please make sure to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the event and make sure you test out your microphone and camera.

Also, make sure that you have taken the time to plan out what you are going to say. Using the Basic Presentation Rule is very helpful here: Tell them what you’re going to tell them; tell them; tell them what you’ve told them.

Remember, attention spans are short these days. Therefore, using the reiteration of the Basic Presentation Rule is a beautiful way to reinforce. Additionally, to hold the attention of those on the call, about every seven minutes: Pose a question; do a poll; play a game; have some sort of audience interaction; ask people to respond in the chat in some way.

Also keep in mind, there is a difference between a webinar, where you are talking and often presenting slides with no audience interaction, versus when you are on the screen using slides and the audience is there with you for feedback.

Every day this week I am giving Virtual Presentation Tips for best practices when taking part in a virtual event.

Please check the past couple of Days for Tip #1 and Tip #2.

Virtual Presentation Tip #3: The Great Disruptor!

Ok ... have you figured out what the great disruptor is? it's your phone! Here are some options for you to consider so your phone doesn't disrupt you or others. Most of the time when giving a professional presentation, chances are, you won't be using your phone. If you are using your phone, please adjust the suggestions below to meet your needs.

- Turn your off your phone.
- Put your phone on do not disturb

Leaving your phone in another room doesn't necessarily solve the issue of the great disruptor. Some of you have your phones linked to ring on your computer and such will happen if you don't do the above.

Tomorrow's tip is about a best practice you don't want to miss!

Every day this week I am giving Virtual Presentation Tips for best practices when taking part in a virtual event.

Please check yesterday for Tip # 1.

Virtual Presentation Tip #2: Put a sign on your door!

- Put up a sign on your front door to keep delivery people or whomever from disturbing you. I also put a sign over my doorbell.
- Put up a sign on your office door to alert coworkers not to disturb you.
- Consider putting up a sign on your home office door if there is anyone at home who might forget you don't want to be interrupted.

Tomorrow, a look at a best practice of what has become known as the great disruptor!

Whenever I get ready for a videoconference call, whether it be for Zoom, Skype or otherwise, I do a number of items before the conference call begins. Please check back each day for a different tip to help you be as professional and effective as possible.

Virtual Presentation Tip # 1 - Ambient Sound

What is going around in your background will affect how you are heard. I happen to live in Naples, Florida. Whether you live in the tropics or elsewhere ... please check out the below ...

- My air conditioning is always going on and off. I turn it off prior to a virtual call.
- The overhead fan in my home office is usually running all the time. I turn it off.
- Turning off the above can help with power surges and also keeping the noise level constant.
- Likewise, if you live someplace where the heat is going on and off, please keep the above in mind as well.
- If possible, try not to schedule calls during lawn maintenance.

Tomorrow, a look at a best practice of what to put on your office door or front door when on a virtual call.