13.4: Tips and Checklist for Your Online Presentation

Experts give a few other preparation tips:

1. Make sure you will not be interrupted when presenting your speech. This can be extremely embarrassing as well as ineffective. You have probably seen the priceless video from the BBC of an interview with an expert on Korea. His children photobomb the interview and then the mother tries to clean up the damage. It is hilarious, but the same situation won’t be for you. Lock the door, put a big sign on the door not to be disturbed, and turn off the phones
2. Have notes and anything else you need right at hand.
3. Along with standing up for your presentation, smile. People can hear a smile even when they don’t see you.
4. Your anxiety does not go away just because you cannot see everyone in your “online audience.” Also, you might not have ever met the people to whom you are speaking. Be aware of the likelihood of anxiety— it might not hit until you are “on air.” As Ron Ashkenas says, “Anxiety in speaking is like static on the radio.”
5. In your use of periodic questions, be specific. The typical “Any questions?-pause- let’s go on” is really pretty ineffective. First, it’s not directed or specific, and second, people need time to formulate their questions and articulate them. Even saying, “What questions do you have?” is better, but even better is to ask specific questions about what you’ve been addressing. Many times you can forecast possible questions, and use those.
6. The issue of a question-and-answer period brings up a logistical question. Some participants will question orally through the web cam set-up. Others, with limited technology, will use the chat feature. It takes time to type in the chat feature. Be prepared for pauses.
7. Remember the power of transitions. Many people think that slides don’t need transitions because, well, they change, isn’t that enough? No, it’s not. The speaker needs to tie the messages of the slides together.
8. Verbal pauses can be helpful. Since one of the things that put audiences to sleep is continual, non-stop flow of words, a pause can get attention.
9. Finally, in preparing, think humor. Humor is a great attention-getter. Cartoons, short videos, funny anecdotes, and visual humor can help you work against the audience’s temptations to multitask or daydream in a webinar. There is a limit and it should be tasteful and relevant, but humor might be one of your best allies. Plus, it might increase your own energy level and fun with the webinar.

Use this checklist as you prepare for your next online presentation!

1. Make sure your camera is set at a good angle and the picture is clear. Make sure your microphone is picking up sound clearly.

2. Make sure you test out the software ahead of your presentation to make sure you are familiar with it, and everything works correctly.

3. Double check presentational aids. Practice using them in your speech.

4. Use note cards or a form of speaking notes that allow you to keep good eye contact with your audience/camera.

5. Ensure you are in a well-lit, quiet area (light should be facing you, behind your camera). Avoid putting a light source behind you.

6. Check that the camera is set up at a good angle—we should be able to see you from about the waist up and camera should be at about eye level.

7. Remember to look at your webcam, not yourself or slides on screen or elsewhere. Avoid reading your speech to your audience.

8. Project your voice and speak clearly. Avoid speaking too fast. Make sure you are projecting your voice.

9. Practice and record yourself speaking. This is the best way to improve you skills and prepare for a successful presentation!