“If something goes wrong and I can’t hear anything, I don’t assume that silence means everyone has nodded off or is doing their emails, I assume they’re riveted and that helps me stay energised,” says Megan. “While they were rebooting, there was a five minute window where I just filled in - I tap danced well in that scenario.” “I was in a webinar and the presenter’s laptop ran out of power,” remembers Megan. But everyone has faced technical mishaps - audio failing, video scrambling, connections dropping. Remember “I’m not a cat”, kids busting in on live interviews, and a cringe-inducing array of embarrassing (and occasionally career ending) virtual faux pax?įortunately none of our rockstar speakers have joined that particular hall of fame (though Imran’s son did launch a paper aeroplane at his head in a live presentation).
But it’s been the least of some people’s virtual problems.
We’ve all been there, our big moment foiled by that pesky mute button. “‘You’re still on mute’ must be the most repeated line of the last year,” laughs Yasas. “It feels more authentic when a speaker makes eye contact with the camera and really connects with their audience, instead of reading a script.” “And take the teleprompter away!” says Megan. The challenge is to find the sweet spot between rehearsing to the point you end up delivering your lines like a robot, and rehearsing so you feel so comfortable with your script that you can talk it like you’re having an off the cuff conversation. The better you know your content, says Derek, the more able you are to riff on it and improvise in a way that makes it your own. Reduce the amount of notes you have to just your key words and engagement moments.” On stage you can’t do that - you’re a bit more vulnerable.
MIC DROP EXAMPLES FULL
“We’ve fallen into the habit of using a full script in the virtual world. “If you can do it on stage without a script, then you can do it online without a script,” says Megan. “Or, conversely, think about what made you lose concentration, switch off or change channels - and then don’t do that!” “I like to think about my favourite shows and what really keeps me engaged,” says Megan. I never get a cancellation for those ones!” Imran’s other strategy for 100% attendance at a roundtable? “I send out a $20 UberEats voucher to attendees and invite them to make it a lunch and learn. And be present to respond to people using the chat function during the course of the presentation.” “If the material is pre-recorded then make it visually engaging with graphics and animations. “Try gamifying a round table or use Kahoot and other digital tools to make your session interactive,” says Imran Khan. “Think about the instant connection that’s made when you respond to a reaction in a live audience - that’s what you’re aiming for.” “But don’t forget to refer to the responses,” adds Vince.
MIC DROP EXAMPLES WINDOWS
How do you do that when you can’t use your old go-to’s of “can I get a show of hands”? Try chat windows and online polls. And that’s the expectation of audiences today - they want to be part of the content.” “When I’m watching something digitally, I want to be engaged and contribute. “If I want to hear information just wash over me, I’ll go for a run and listen to a podcast,” says Vince. One of the benefits of live presenting is that you can respond to what’s current at that moment.” “Imagine if you presented a pre-recorded session that didn’t acknowledge that was happening. “Think about the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that were recently re-introduced across parts of Australia,” says Tina. One thing to be mindful of when creating pre-recorded virtual presentations that have an authentic, connected feel, is the climate and context you’re presenting in. But with proper preparation, it’s possible. Replicating the buzz and energy of a live presentation, even a virtual one, is no mean feat. “That takes a lot of acting skills,” Derek acknowledges. The trick is to use your imagination to create the same response in yourself as when you’re presenting to a live audience. “I’m a big fan of pre-recorded, edited content, which goes against what a lot of people believe about making an experience authentic,” says Derek. But being unprepared is not acceptable when I can see thousands of other people talking about similar stuff.” Sure, everyone has stuff that goes wrong and that’s okay.
MIC DROP EXAMPLES PROFESSIONAL
“Being authentic is about creating a genuine emotional connection, believing in what you're saying, and conveying properly in a prepared and professional way. “Don’t mistake being unprepared or making lots of mistakes for authenticity,” warns Derek.