Understand the Unique Demands of Virtual Delivery

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While much is similar, important differences exist between online and FtF speaking, in both the means of delivery and nature of the audience. As you plan your presentations, apply the traditional techniques of public speaking you already know while making the necessary adjustments to transmit your message effectively in the virtual world.

Review the Equipment

Unlike FtF speeches, online presentations require at least some familiarity with electronic connectivity tools. Well before the actual delivery time, review any equipment you’ll be using, and rehearse your presentation several times with it. Preparation may not always avert technical failure, but it will almost always speed recovery time.

Following are tools used to produce and display online presentations:

Focus on Vocal Variety

In an online presentation, the audience cannot interact with your physical presence, making your voice an even more critical conduit of communication. In place of body movement, vocal variety—alternations in volume, pitch, speaking rate, pauses, and pronunciation and articulation—must hold audience interest. Especially important to eliminate are vocal fillers such as “umm” and “aww.” In place of these, use strategic pauses to help audience members process information. Enthusiasm and naturalness are key (see Chapter 18).

Quick Tip

Sounding Enthusiastic Online

Staring into a computer screen rather than listeners’ eyes makes it difficult to infuse your voice with the enthusiasm and naturalness that eye contact encourages. To circumvent this problem, seasoned online presenters suggest delivering your first presentations with someone else in the room, talking to that person rather than to the screen. Alternatively, experiment with addressing your remarks to a picture, photograph, or even your own reflection in a mirror.1

Provide Superior Visual Aids

The audience might not see you in person, but with presentation aids you can still provide them with a compelling visual experience. Consider how you can illustrate your talking points in eye-catching text form or with photos, animations, and video clips (see Chapters 2022).