Presenting via a video camera over the internet is an entirely different skill to presenting at a physical event. We’re all learning as we go.

Events have all gone virtual in the past six months as a result of COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions. We’re learning to present online.

It’s not easy. There’s webcams, microphones, lighting, internet connections and a wardrobe to consider. And that’s before you even join an event.

Once you’re live you can’t read the room, audience feedback is limited, and attendees are likely to be distracted by a variety of different things.

In the shift to virtual we’ve lost the energy and serendipity of a physical event. I can’t wait to get back into a conference room or theatre.

Lorna Bithell recently asked for insight about presenting online in a community that I run. Specifically, she wanted advice on panel discussions.

It’s a hugely supportive group. People were quick to offer support. Here are the highlights.

Managing technology

“Turn off anything that sends alerts and be ready a good 10 minutes before.”

Stephen Pritchard

“Restart your laptop at least two hours before your talk so you don't run the risk of any unexpected software upgrades interrupting you. And check you're plugged-in so you don't lose power three-quarters of the way through either.”

Rachelle Michaels

Lighting

“Have any natural light to the front of you. Even better if you have a ring light stand in front of you.”

Kerry Sheehan

“It’s hard to get the lighting right with a webcam. If I have a set up that works for Zoom, it looks awful in Teams. A light either side of the camera and a small catch light above works best. Blocking the natural light should work, but test and test again.”

Stephen Pritchard

Avoid interruptions

“If you’re at home, put a note on your door so you don’t get interrupted by deliveries/anyone else ringing the bell or knocking on the door.”

Jo Brealy

Camera angles

“Try your screen image out well in advance. It may make sense to put your laptop on a thick book to get the webcam level with your eye line.”

Joe Hanley

“Think of your background, practice what it looks like and wear clothes below your waist.”

Elaine Fee

“Keep the window with the person you’re talking to directly below your webcam. Put any points you want to cover on sticky notes on the screen below so you aren’t looking down at your keyboard to check your notes.”

Stephen Pritchard

“Look into the camera as much as possible, not down on your screen at other people's faces or your presentation. Don’t wear thin stripes that might cause the video image to flicker.”

Jesper Anderson 

Body language

“Use open posture and don’t slouch back in the chair.”

Sarah Hird

Overcoming nerves

“Deep breathing before you go on, will help your focus and voice. Maybe have a little sing in advance.”

Joe Hanley

“Use breathing control to calm you down. Specifically, left nostril breathing to really calm the nervous system. Six seconds, inhale. Six seconds, exhale. Use your right hand to block the other side. Three to five minutes before you are about to speak.”

Mark Dye

Hot start and soundbites

“Prepare your opening line. Start well and you’ll fall into your groove.”

Louise Bull

“I try to memorise a few comments from the beginning to get off to a good start.”

David Gallagher

“When it's a panel and no slides, a quotable soundbite is what people will cling to and remember. It’s good to prepare a few points in a clear and succinct format.”

Kristian Hoareau Foged

“Be yourself. No one else can do that better. Practice your opening sentence.”

Alastair Duncan

Prompts

“Stick any key messages on post-it notes around your screen.”

Lucy Thomas

Practice makes perfect

“Practice your talk with a friendly critic. It will help you familiarise yourself with your talk and refine it.”

Rebecca Elisabeth Taylor

“Practise until you know your content inside out. It’s so much easier doing it virtually. You can’t see all the faces looking at you.”

Jenny Woolford 

“Nobody except you knows what you are going to say. It’s impossible to forget your lines. If you do just continue confidently and nobody will know.”

Stuart Bruce

Power of positive thinking

“Most audiences want you to succeed. They’ll be very forgiving.”

Chris Reed

“Channel a feeling of when you felt confident when you felt like you were owning the room. For example, telling a great joke to loads of people or generally holding court. Think about that feeling before you start, and you’ll feel the confidence. And remember to smile.”

Tamara Littleton

Further information 

The Oratore Public Speaking Institute founded by Dagnija Lejiņa, is a platform for developing and improving presentation skills and empowering leadership.