Online Presenting : It's Not Just About the Background

Online Presenting/Networking
We're all doing it now.
Most of us have got over our fear of switching on the camera.  In fact, many of those who were camera shy just can't get enough of the camera now and love sharing their logo, company name, etc.  But we'll come to that in just a moment....
Public speaking, presenting and networking have all taken a completely different form as we well know.  We didn't ask for this, but here we are, months into lockdown.  We're attending more events on line which is great in many ways, we save money on fuel, it saves the mileage on the car, it reduces the need to use public transport, the environment has benefitted.............but there's still something that I see every week that for some, is not an improvement I'm afraid to say.  Fear not!  Some simple pointers can make all the difference.
Before lockdown, we'd attend meetings or carry out presentations and unbeknown to us, our body language, you know, those mannerisms you do without thinking, would do some talking for us.  We might even be speaking into a microphone so anyone at the 'back of the room' could hear you.  You'd not be surprised to know how much you actually lipread when you're listening to someone speak.  It's easy to lipread when you're standing in front of someone.  It's not so natural to annunciate better when you're online; it just doesn't feel natural.

With all this in mind, here are my top 5 ways to improve your online speaking and presenting.  I know, they may seem obvious, but isn't it always the obvious things that get forgotten or taken for granted and never actually done?

1. Poise
Sit up in your chair; place your feet flat on the ground.  Sitting upstraight will open up your lungs therefore allowing more oxygen into your body.  The more oxygen that gets to your brain, the better you will perform.  It also helps to maintain better breathing and controlled breathing helps to calm the nerves
2.  Voice
Make sure you speak clearly and annunciate better, especially if you're attending an online event that is in a different area of the country where your's and their accent are unfamiliar and different.  I'm not suggesting you speak the Queen's English; just speak a bit clearer and daft as it might sound, make sure you open your mouth so your words form properly and don't come out like a long string of mumbling!
3. Laptop & Light
Use a laptop riser to raise your screen and camera to your eye level.  It's likely you're looking down at your laptop.  This is not good for your neck, your poise or your positioning for the screen/camera.  You either have people looking up your nose or you're looking down on them!  A laptop riser will make such a difference.
Get yourself a light that can illuminate your face.  Many times we have no choice but to sit in front of a window which provides a silhouette of us and isn't conducive of showing us in a good light.  A small desk or laptop lamp is perfect for highlighting your face and giving light on your lovely looks! It also removes any shadow you get on one side of your face.  
4. Camera
When you speak to someone face to face, do you look at their shoes?  I doubt it, so why do you look at a screen instead of into the camera?  Well, I believe it's because you feel more connected to the person you're speaking or listening to when you're looking at them.  You know you're looking at them but they don't know that; they just see you looking in an odd direction, quite often not where they are!  Use the camera.  Use the camera.  Look into that little lens at the top of your laptop/PC.  It might feel like you're speaking to no-one but the person you're talking to is getting that all important eye contact and is therefore connecting with you, even if it doesn't feel like it!  It takes a bit of time to get used to, but I promise it makes the world of difference to the person you're talking to.  Look into their eyes, not around the eyes!
5. Background
The nation is divided when it comes to those virtual backgrounds.  My personal preference and recommendation is to only use one if your background is clear of obstacles and it's a plain wall behind you.  If you are using one, it's great to promote your logo and company name but you need to be careful of where you're sitting so you don't block part of the name or logo.  For example, if your company name is 'SPARSE Ltd' the last thing you want to do is sit in front of the SP bit of your name!!  Do you really want to be known as 'xxARSE Ltd'?!!  If in doubt, use a banner instead, but again, make sure it's positioned correctly.  I'm sure people don't mind seeing your room, or bookshelves or paintings and pictures behind you.  We are all human so if you don't have a banner and can't use a virtual background, there's no harm in us seeing a bit of the room you're in.  Don't be embarrassed about your room, unless you've got your underwear on display drying!  

I hope this helps and if you would like to know more or would like me to help with some online presentation coaching, please don't hesitate to contact me at kathryn@ignitesuccess.co.uk