In light of current events and the global pandemic, public speakers are forced to adapt to the worldwide context. Thanks to the advancements in technology, platforms such as Zoom and Skype have become the new conference rooms. In-person events all around the world have been canceled, and most of them are now taking place online.

If you are hosting a virtual event soon and are planning to continue your work virtually, you need to make some changes. Now that you are going to be virtual speaking instead of public speaking, you need to be aware of how you prepare and deliver your presentations online. Here are some tips on how to best present yourself online and become a better virtual speaker in our current digital world.

 

5 Tips on how to best present yourself online.

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1. Adjust the position of your camera.

While speaking on platforms like Zoom and Skype, you will need either a camera or the webcam of your computer. The position and angle of the camera are vital because they give the image the audience will be seeing. It is best if your camera is not looking up at you. Instead, have it directly across your face or a little above your face. A simple trick you could use is placing your laptop on some books so that it is raised and at the same level as your face or a little higher.

2. Mind your background.

In public speaking, one never bothers about what appears behind them because it is usually theme-based. However, in virtual speaking, you should be mindful of what the audience would be seeing behind you. Try and choose a suitable location around your home or office for the conference. A good location is one that is quiet and without clutter to limit distractions to your virtual audience.

3. Dress appropriately.

Just because your audience is not physically with you is not a reason for you not dressing for the part. As a speaker, you need to ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. The outfit you choose for an occasion usually has a mental effect on you. It would be best if you were appropriately dressed because it would get you in the right head-space for the presentation, and help you feel confident and professional.

4. Do a dry run beforehand.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. When you are speaking online, one of the most important aspects of preparation is practicing your presentation. You will need to do several dry runs with and without an audience. This would help you get a feel of how it is to speak virtually, and your audience might give you valuable feedback about your presentation.

5. Familiarize yourself with your equipment.

Some of the technology used for virtual speaking can be reasonably complex. So it is essential that before you speak virtually, you practice using the software. It would help if you were sure about how the software works. This will enable you to deal with any glitches that may occur during your presentation. Moreover, once you are familiar with the software, you can adjust the settings for better audio and video quality.