Public Speaking Online, Part V
The other fundamental question is
about your audience. Who are they? Where are they? In fact, in some cases the audience is in a
different time zone! And that really matters in how a listener responds.
Other
experts suggest the following:
1.
Along with standing up for your presentation,
smile. People can hear a smile even when
they don’t see you.
2.
Your anxiety does not go away just because you
cannot see everyone in your “web 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.”
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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.
6.
Look at the camera, not the screen. You will appear more professional in those
cases where the audience can see you.
Ending the presentation
As
mentioned before, webconferences and webinars can go long—don’t let it. End on
time. Allow participants to email you
questions if needed, but don’t take advantage of people’s time by entertaining
questions longer than the scheduled time.
Software allows for recording and archiving, so the audience should know
how to access the recording.
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