What are the most important tips for speaking to virtual audiences?

One of my clients enhanced their virtual speaking by adding interactive elements like polls and focusing on a professional, well-lit background. They kept their speech conversational and checked in with the audience regularly. The key is to create an engaging, visually appealing, and interactive experience for virtual audiences.

Whenever I have addressed audience, I first understand their need for the session and accordingly change the content, style, pitch and delivery. Effectively getting connected to them by answering what they were looking for. Look at the age and gender dominance of the audience and tailor made examples purely applicable to them

First and foremost, it is crucial to clearly identify who or what comprises your audience and understand their objectives for extracting key takeaways from your session. Secondly, you must be knowledgeable about the effective use of digital technology to interact with them in a meaningful and fruitful way, ensuring your digital audience feels included throughout the session.

You must speak to a virtual audience as if you were with them in person -- and you start out by telling them you wish you were together in person. That establishes a strong connection and shows your genuine sincerity. Then continue your presentation with that mindset and it will come across far more realistically. Forget the webcam. Just look into it but imagine the full audience as if you were on a stage. It will be a huge success -- in "virtual" reality!

Additionally, if you are speaking in different geographic regions, make sure you personalize your talk to things, places, and people that are familiar, unique, and local. You will see the softening of faces and any “outsider” syndrome go away.

If you are using Zoom, then create a poll, every ten minutes or so. If attendees are actively watching the webinar, then they love to vote and see what other people have voted on certain topics. If attendees are listening to the webinar while doing other things, then a poll will automatically redirect their screen back to the webinar. Tools like this may be available on other platforms like Google Meet, LinkedIn Live, etc too. Also, if you are doing a hybrid event, then train yourself to look at the camera. This is difficult at first, but you'll get used to it eventually. Remember to always keep the online audience involved. Don't put all your attention towards the in-person audience.

Once you understand your audience, you will make more informed decisions about the overall design of your visual aids, polls, and appropriate content in your speech.

After Sandy hit NYC, former Councilman Vinny Ignizio and I went to New Orleans to speak with officials who had navigated the Katrina recovery process. One official told us their hurricane was a big magnifying glass that amplified all the issues and challenges that city was facing prior to the storm. I see virtual speeches similarly in that many of the key ingredients for a good in-person speech become even more vital. Pace -- and change of pace -- of your speech pattern becomes that much more important, as do pauses. You are going to need to stir some emotions in these folks and take them on a journey. If practical, you have to try to make the speech interactive in one or more ways, and engage them. Be sure to still read your audience!

Knowing your audience is critical. That will determine content and delivery. People show up to get something valuable. You can only deliver that if you know what is meaningful to the audience and how they want that message delivered. Of course some general strategies such as storytelling work, but knowing the audience will help you select which type of stories, the length of the stories, and the type of hero or shero. Taking time to know the audience is time well spent.

The points that I can add from my perspective are ; - understanding the common values - empathy and human connection - considering political and cultural sensitivity - using visuals such as pictures, charts and motion graphics - asking questions and get to interact with audience

Storytelling is an important part of any presentation. When you are presenting virtually, it’s even more critical. The audience has so many distractions, start strong with a story that relates to your presentation. I also practice just as much for a virtual session. Even though you can have notes, it will settle down your nerves, sound natural and ensure you stay on track to achieve your objectives. And remember to let your personality show through! Your authenticity will keep people engaged!

Introduction: Engaging opener to grab virtual audience's attention. Briefly outline key topics to be covered. Clear Structure: Divide content into digestible segments. Use headings, bullet points, or visuals for clarity. Interactive Elements: Include polls, Q&A sessions, or discussions. Foster engagement and connection with the virtual audience.

Break up content sections with interactive elements of various types! Challenge the audience to utilize all of the tools and features available on the virtual platform, from emoji reactions, to polls, to comments and connections in chat.

Know your time limit and be respectful of it. Don’t try to fit it all in. If you are asked to present on a topic that is too broad for the given time frame, work with the sponsor to adjust content to be covered.

Structure is key. I found the enjoyment factor of watching or speaking virtually in long form ‘keynote’ style to be really low - no matter how much visual or interactive material was added. Peoples attention spans have changed. Starting strong, breaking the presentation into value packed short and digestible segments drives engagement and interest. Some of the best virtual presentations I have seen have utilised the ‘in conversation’ style structure. With the right MC, this allows tailoring for the audience, the feel of a real, authentic conversation and drives audience engagement if there is a chance for audience question time. People have more choice than ever, the value you are offering has to be clear and approachable.

Add notes that will allow you to remember key points and call backs throughout your speech. Rehearsals help you to form your delivery but in the moment we all need those simple reminders or cues. I use several bullet points in chronological order to help me stay aligned and on time.

Um conceito que acho muito valioso para apresentações ou entrevistas é a linha do tempo, mesmo que mental. É importante que o candidato tenha clareza de quando aconteceu cada etapa de sua carreira e principalmente como ele poderá fazer um paralelo entre os acontecimentos e as competências esperadas naquele momento. Para dar ainda mais credibilidade e segurança, é importante ter em mente exemplos práticos de como aquelas competências foram aplicadas.

In public speaking, structuring your speech is vital. The secret lies within not just what you say, but rather how you say it. A well-structured speech has a clear opening, a focused body, and a compelling conclusion. This framework guides your audience through your compelling narrative, ensuring clarity and maximizing impact. Remember, the structure is your roadmap that navigates your audience through your message, keeping them engaged and receptive. So, that time to meticulously plan your speech's structure so important to craft the backbone of effective memorable communication.

Few important tips : 1. Start with a clear and concise introduction. Clearly state the purpose of your presentation and what the audience can expect to gain from it. 2. Clearly define the key objectives or takeaways of your presentation. This helps set expectations and gives the audience a roadmap for what to focus on. 3. Capture attention with an engaging opening. This could be a relevant story, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling statistic to immediately draw in your audience. 4. Periodically recap and summarize key points. 5. End with a clear and impactful conclusion. Summarize the key takeaways, restate the main objectives, and leave the audience with a clear call-to-action or closing thought.

Based on my experience When structuring your virtual speech, consider the perspective of your audience. For example if professionals seeking practical insights, focus on providing actionable advice and real-world examples. Tailoring your structure to meet their expectations enhances engagement and ensures your content is relevant to their needs and interests. Imagine .Use a logical structure to guide them through the importance of nature-based solutions, illustrating with stories of successful projects like reforestation efforts or sustainable land management. By incorporating climate change into your speech, you not only address a global concern but also resonate with your audience's shared values and interests in environmental solutions.

1. Ensure that your visual aids directly relate to the content of your presentation. Visuals should enhance understanding and reinforce key points, avoiding unnecessary distractions. 2. Ensure that your visual aids are accessible to all participants. Use alt text for images, choose color contrasts that are easily readable, and consider the needs of individuals with visual impairments. 3. Incorporate engaging graphics, images, and icons. Visual elements should be relevant, high-quality, and add value to the content. A well-chosen image can convey a message more effectively than text alone.

Do not abuse bullet points. Bullet points are a great way to condense and convey information, but if they're a feature on every slide your participants' minds will be numbed by them. Instead, get creative with your slide templates and think about ways that you can use other visual tools to convey your message.

Wenn wir alle einbeziehen und klar kommunizieren, dazu spannende Praxistipps geben, entsteht lebhafte Interaktion. Die Erklärvideos setzen dem Ganzen die Krone auf, und durch Tools wie Miro wird die Neugier erst so richtig geweckt. Vor dem Einsatz des Miro Boards frage ich die Veranstalter nach der Zielgruppe und deren Vorwissen. Fehlt dieses, setze ich eher auf eine Live-Diskussion. Erfrage, wie sie das Gesagte in der Praxis erleben, welche Bedenken sie haben und welche Chancen sie sehen. Das schafft eine direkte Verbindung zur individuellen Erfahrung und fördert eine tiefere Diskussion. 🚀🌟

Less text. More visuals in slides to support your speech. The more people attending, the more simple the visuals should be. Always explain how to understand the visuals you show. No ones like looking at something they have no idea how to interpret. Conclude why that visual was important to before moving to the next slide/subject.

Use simple and short slide with visual images. Don't allow each slides to be so bulky with words. You don't want to do that. Rather, keep it short with an appropriate image that illustrate what you're about to explain.

My 2 cents in this topic are: Less text and more images/videos/graphs is the way to go! Sparking curiosity has to be sensorial.

With my Power Bi Reports Presentations, I keep the visuals simple and clean for everyone in the audience. I also just have one data visual page to make it easier for them follow me as I presented the data.

Un visuel peut être un graphique, un schéma, une photo, un dessin, un symbole ou du texte court avec de la couleur. Ce visuel est destiné à aider à la compréhension et/ou la mémorisation de l'auditoire.

Combining 1-Know your audience & 3-Visual aids was an important lesson over my speaking career. When speaking with Finance or Engineering professionals - those graphs and charts should be DETAILED! They will probably know your numbers better than you, so be prepared for questions. Giving a preso to Marketing or other Creative departments? Use a well-thought out color palette and pictures to illustrate your stories. But regardless of audience - please stop using animations! Often the tech does not translate well and it's annoying to click 15x through 1 slide. Set the slide up and speak around the content, giving each person a choice in how they want to focus their attention (auditory, visual, reading/writing, or kinesthetic).

One highly effective interactive element for virtual communication is Live Q&A Sessions.This allows to directly engage with their audience in real-time. By addressing questions, concerns, and comments as they come in, we demonstrate responsiveness, build a connection with the audience, and tailor their content to meet specific interests or needs. When I conclude a section of my presentation, I seamlessly transition into the Live Q&A segment. I encourage participants to type their questions into the chat or unmute themselves, fostering an open and inclusive atmosphere.I maintain a conversational and approachable tone, making participants feel heard and valued. This creates a memorable and engaging virtual experience for my audience.

I lied to the virtual audience last time and told them to pay attention to a unicorn that would fly across the screen at some point during my presentation and to be the first one to comment "I saw the unicorn" in the chat. At the end, I admitted the game was all to get their undivided attention and from the comments in the chat it absolutely worked! We all have such limited virtual attention spans. I think the more we can engage with personal stories, slides with less words and more pictures, and getting to our main points faster, the better the virtual audience will receive the message!

1: Broadband speed. Latency of any kind kills engagement and repoire. 2: Eye gaze. Look at the camera, NOT your own face, so audiences feel like you're speaking to them. 3: Audio quality. Get a decent mic. 4: Lighting and background. You're on screen. Do it right. 5: State change. Don't go longer than 4 mins without changing up the flow.

One of the most important things a speaker can do is to ask questions of the audience members by using their names … to remember the responses … and to refer back to those responses in the conversation or remarks. This is not a “strategy” or a “device” instead it is an expression of humanity in community. I feel that, someone is willing to spend their time on my presentation, then I feel that I owe them the respect of being interested in who they are and what brought them to the meeting. Besides, it is probable that other attendees are present for similar reasons. When those reasons become important to me as the presenter, the attendees feel more comfortable and part of a community which facilitates engagement at a higher level.

One of the most effective ways to stay connected to a virtual audience is to master the art of 'looking them in the eyes'. This means you need to look directly into the camera, and imagine looking BEYOND it. It can be very handy to use a webcam shelf/hanger (I like the Plexicam ones), especially if you're using a script on your screen or referring to a PowerPoint deck. Another effective technique for connecting with virtual audiences is to include them regularly in the flow of your presentation. Ask them to comment on something, invite them to ask questions and have them answer something in the chat window.

Engaging with your audience is the best way to leave an impact in online and offline public speaking events. This can be done in a number of ways: - Asking questions: make them think and respond - Sharing experiences: self-disclosure to make them feel more connected - Plan activities for intra-group interaction: keeps the monotony out Lastly, leave your audiences with a question or a valuable tip at the end. Leave them thinking so you linger on their minds even when you're off-stage (or zoom :P).

Most important for any presentation IMO - you must engage your audience. Often the quickest way to do that is to remember "WIIFY" - What's In It For You (Your audience). You can have the most interesting/complicated/impressive topic in the world, but if you don't speak in the use cases that apply to your audience you will lose them. Consider word choice/tone/specific examples that show your audience how your topic applies to their challenges or interests. And do it with enthusiasm too!

My way of engaging my virtual audience: 1. Give question and ask them to answer through chat or give reaction. Wait for a few seconds for them to answer. For example, "where are you watching my session from? Please write in the chat box!" 2. Give a recap slide at every end of the section, before moving to the next section. It make sure the virtual audience have time to breath and "absorb" your material, before continuing. 3. If you deliver an online lecture, it's always good to have a 5-minute break after every 1 hour. It's one of the most underrated tips in online public speakign!

One big mistake senior leaders or experts make when presenting virtually is waiting till the end to engage your audience through Q&A. It's a common practice, but not always effective because you risk losing your audience early or mid-way. Don't let your audience sit through your presentation with unanswered questions. Try this expert presentation tip for engaging your virtual audience: 💡 Use the flipped presentation method: Flip the script! Go from a monologue to a dialogue. #1 Start with the live Q&A using a tech tool like the Zoom chat, Menti, or Sli.do to gather questions anonymously. #2 Ask participants to upvote a question that's on their mind. #3 Respond to the questions upfront or weave the responses into your presentation.

Engaging your audience is simple. Leave them with something that makes them think, makes them laugh, and makes them thankful that you didn’t waste their time. Don’t feel that it has to be something grand, as they say less is more. The question that I always ask myself is: how can I continue to engage my audience well after I am done talking. I suggest that you think of engagement in phases. How will they know about you before you speak. What will you impart when speaking, and what you tangibly leave them with after that they can loop back to later. No matter what, let them remember you. Even if you bomb, you’ll have certainly left an impact. Be bold, it’s always engaging.

The three things that make or break a virtual presentation are sound, speed and sight. Sound: I argue it’s more important than the video. An inexpensive USB microphone can make the world of difference. Even if you have to use your phone, you can now change setting on most of them to isolate your speech. Speed: Your internet connection dictates a lot of your virtual success. Being hard wired via Ethernet is the best way, but always keep an eye on the what your upload speed is, not just download. If you’re concerned about your connection speed, reduce the resolution of the video. Sight: where you look during a presentation is opposite of an in person talk. Don’t look at the people on the screen, look right into the camera incl Q&A

A good external mic, a simple green screen and some LED lights will elevate your image and sound to virtually professional standards (as long as your room is not reverberant). And most of all, CAMERA AT EYE LEVEL.

Look into the camera when you're speaking. I know it feels natural to look at the faces that you see on your screen. And that it feels awkward to look away from these faces. But when you look into the camera, it appears to your audience that you're looking right at them. If you look at their faces, it appears to your audience that you're NOT looking right at them. Eye contact connects us and it's worth feeling a bit awkward on your part to make a solid connection with your audience.

For most people, being on a virtual call is both a chore and a bore. And there's nothing worse than the host not having control of their technology. Internet lags, mistakes when sharing screens, bad sound or lighting can ruin a virtual meeting. Do a test run beforehand. Test your mic, lighting, and any tools you'll be using. And whatever you do, don't try out brand new technology on a live call if you haven't tested it out already 100 times. You can have an out-of-this-world presentation, but tech woes will kill it before you even start.

The most impactful virtual speakers are those who connect with the audience! Find ways to use and engage with the audience via chat: whether it’s pop-up polls, collecting thoughts from the group, a virtual ice breaker, or ample time for Q&A.

For me the greatest letdown and confidence destroyer is technology failing you during a Virtual presentation. It is therefore imperative that you ensure that you thoroughly understand the tools that you will be using and have smart ways of handling any glitches that may pop. Ensure your internet connection is working properly or better still get an expert to advise on how you can optimize poor network to ensure a smooth presentation. Practicing with the tools that you will use during the actual presentation will give you a better grasp.

Three simple tips on tech: - There is a lot of good stuff out there that can be used on your side. mmhmm (that’s its name! 😂) lets me use two cameras, share screen elegantly, etc. - Most meeting software lets you do fun things that can help make things more engaging. Asking everyone to import a picture of their favourite superhero as a virtual background is an easy way to make a meeting more fun, for example. - The more you can fix on your end, the better. I have software and a greenscreen, so I don’t need to “share screen” if I use slides. That just removes one more thing that can go wrong. Overall, I advise experimenting with simple tech solutions. It’s (still!) easy to shine. 😃

Always have a background plan. Tech gadgets including cameras are highly recommended for testing, including background colours as it creates a visual impression on your audience. A good mic helps to create a voice persona and finally your gestures determine the passion, willingness to share. If my network fails, my phone is my backup. If that fails too, my portable Wi-Fi will be one of my final backups. If my camera fails, my secondary camera is my backup, on my screen share avatar helps. If my mic fails, I have a spare headset or a fully charged bluetooth mic ready as it drops.

Use technology for a purpose. Consider your goals and then choose the appropriate tool that will facilitate them. You are trying to communicate your ideas, not sell a tech product.

When you practice, pay close attention to how you modulate your voice. Start your sentences on a high note and end them on a low note. Pause for impact and slow down your speaking pace. And build regular check-ins in your virtual presentation so that people can ask you questions.

Rehearse, but don't overdo it either. Know what you're talking about, but keep it fresh enough to adjust it to audience reactions or questions. People want to hear a speak connect and talk to them, not an automaton reciting a memorized speech. You also need to keep up your enthusiasm for your topic and the reason you're giving your speech. Your audience may be the 100th you've presented to in the past year, but they're hearing it for the first time, and their reception is very much tied to how they perceive YOU. Feel free to change it up a little with every talk; it'll help keep you engaged in your own material and give it a fresh spin each time you speak.

Practice, rehearse, and record. I used to travel with hockey teams and after every game, win or lose, they would watch their game and see things from a different perspective. When presenting or facilitating with teams virtually, record the session (with their permission of course), and watch to see how others see you. Then adjust according to how you want to be seen and heard.

Some tips on smart ways to practice : 1) Record your speech and view it afterwards. I can guarantee that you will find valuable pointers to improve upon 2) Rehearse with a friend or a mentor. An outside unbiased perspective always helps. Even better rehearse with someone unfamiliar to the topic at hand. 3) Keep a couple of alternative endings and starting points handy. You can change them based on the audience's reaction and people/interests split 4) Rehearse but leave some room for impromptu decisions. You will surprise yourself for sure :)

The virtual stage is no place for spontaneity!! # Practice is your ally—polishing content, delivery, and timing. # Rehearse in front of a mirror, camera, or friend. # Record, watch, adjust. Seek feedback. # Replicate speech conditions. # Practice breeds confidence. Only step onto the virtual stage when you feel the comfort of well-rehearsed mastery.

One thing that can really work for this is SPEAKING IN A MIRROR and do the rehearsal. It works like magic, practicing in front of the mirror 5-7 times is sufficient. It makes you feel so confident and energetic. Try it and see the magic happening!

It is always helpful to find a friend or colleague that will give you honest feedback on what works and what misses the mark. Invite others to evaluate your presentation in a trial setting and listen carefully to what they say. There is great value in “friendly fire” and better to hear it from a friend than have your audience discuss it amongst themselves without you present.

When you think you’re fully prepared, do a full dress rehearsal - nonstop and duplicating actual performance conditions as much as possible.

I film rehearsals to diagnose where speech dynamics feel forced versus capturing my innate persona. Using video recordings, I assess elements needing fine-tuning - trimming sections losing momentum, integrating vibrant imagery to underscore intentions, peppering in humor to resonate with my audience. Essentially, leveraging the exact virtual venue setup, I rehearse under authentic conditions until the talk embodies an interpersonal dynamism reaching through the camera to touch each listener. With relentless revision, I build talks engraining my perspective to best inspire audiences seeking direction when facing daunting uncertainty in their field.

I've seen it in countless meetings and presentations, and I have been guilty myself. Gathering content and presenting data only. Showing up in the midst of a busy schedule is a killer. What good is presenting if people aren't at least somewhat excited, or leave feeling better? Give yourself time to at least have one run through, if you are pressed for time. Ideally have three full run throughs to iron out kinks. You will feel better knowing where the joke, the engagement questions, and the impact points hit. You don't have to be perfect, but you need to be prepared.

i have spent a lot of time reading about how to be a great presenter, listening to other really good presenters and focusing on what is compelling about HOW they present. One thing to note for WOMEN presenters - the tone of your voice and pitch gives a lot of credence to how people (especially MEN) will percieve the information you are sharing. ending on a high pitch versus low takes away from authority. I am reminding many of our team who are female to end the statements at the lower tones; somehow it gives more authority to the statements. higher piches come off with less authority.

Be aware of your background, know your material and speak from the heart. No one wants to listen to a robot. Bring the passion, there is power in story.

Two things, if it is a big group, have someone else run the meeting/zoomcast. You need to be focused on what you are delivering. Not what is posted in chat or technical issues. Second. You have to picture a single person to whom you are speaking. The recipient is by themselves at a screen and they are experiencing the presentation as a one on one conversation. Big gestures and dramatic techniques that work with a live audience fall flat in digital presentations.

For online presentations I prefer to share a short video, followed by a conversation with a moderator around predetermined questions, a brief activity/exercise, then an open Q&A. I always collect compile unanswered questions to make a video response to them, which I send to the meeting host to use as a follow-up communication with the audience.

Virtual audience requires a different skill set for a speaker: 1. Keep focusing on the cues ,your audience is giving ,by their facial expressions. 2.Make your presentation an interactive one ,by asking probing questions. 3.Keep them attentive - by narrating a relatable anecdote. 4.Encouraging them to ask questions. 5. Give positive feedback to everyone , who raises a query by saying: That’s a very relevant question or it’s a good question. Same question can be thrown back at him/ her by asking their thoughts before you respond. Anything you feel I have missed ? Please feel free to add. Thanks for reading. #ASmusings

Turn off self-view. Not only is it a distraction, it’s not natural. Imagine yourself speaking on a stage with a giant mirror in front of you. That’d be awkward, right? Focus on your audience (and be aware of your camera’s location). I have a little Garfield mini toy right near my lens — that little grumpy cat is my “live” audience.

Let's consider appearance, and highlight the importance of setting the right environment. Unlike traditional settings, virtual speakers have the unique opportunity to control their backdrop and ambiance. This can be a powerful tool to set the tone and enhance the message. Also, consider the impact of your appearance on camera – dressing professionally and ensuring good lighting can significantly affect audience perception. Finally, remember the value of post-event engagement. Following up with attendees, sharing additional resources, or answering questions after the event can extend the impact of your talk and foster ongoing connections.

Don’t hold back. Let your enthusiasm shine. Let them see your passion. So much is missed in a virtual presentation. Even if you think you are coming across as over-the-top, you probably aren’t. Bonus: Let them see your hands.

Optimize Environment: Ensure good lighting, clear audio, and a tidy background. Pacing is Key: Maintain a steady pace, allowing for reflection and audience interaction. Concise Content: Keep your message focused and concise to respect online attention spans. Encourage Participation: Foster engagement by encouraging questions and audience interaction. Practice Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to boost confidence and ensure smooth transitions. Tech Savvy: Leverage technology effectively, using tools like screen sharing or virtual whiteboards. Adapt to Virtual Medium: Tailor your approach to the virtual setting, considering the limitations and opportunities it presents.

Comece o quanto antes. É natural querer se preparar o máximo possível antes de começar a publicar algo. Você tem medo que as pessoas não gostem, ou que seu conteúdo fique ruim. Não se preocupe com isso. O mais importante para conseguir um público virtual é consistência. E consistência se ganha com o tempo. Comece de maneira mais simples, não se preocupe com erros ou forma. Escute os feedbacks das pessoas que te acompanham. Melhore e faça pequenos ajustes a cada dia. Você vai chegar bem mais longe se começar hoje com um conteúdo ruim do que se esperar 01 ano para publicar seu primeiro conteúdo bom.