Showing Up Online is More than a Zoom Call

By now, we have all experienced the ups and downs of virtual meetings. Chances are you have hosted a few yourself. When we first dipped our toes into the virtual space, the majority of the consideration was spent on scheduling the calls at a time that was convenient for all the participants. This was probably where the maximum effort ended. We threw together a standard slide deck and zoned out as someone read bulleted points line by line. Fast forward a few years and the process has not changed much. I actually feel like we have become a little lazy with our online presence.  We have stopped trying to create meaningful interactions and experiences, while settling for the status quo boring virtual presentations. There is a better way. 

Online learning options have skyrocketed over the last 5 years and are projected to grow into a $848 billion dollar industry by 2030. Plus, the current stock of online facilitators are lacking in the very engagement skills that everyday ordinary classroom teachers do easily everyday. There are several basic technical skills to learn in order to be an online master, but there are low tech elements to improve as well. 

Tip of the Week:

Check yourself…literally. Start with the number one element that is 100% within your control, which is yourself. What’s your look? What’s your posture? Did you plan your outfit? If you were planning to step on stage to deliver a keynote address to an audience full of eager listeners, what are things you would double check? That is what needs to be on your self-check list when planning an online delivery. You are likely only going to be seen from your head down to your upper torso. That means your face, hair, neckline, shoulders and chest will be on full display.

Here are 3 zero-tech ways to start checking yourself for your next online presentation.

1. Make direct eye contact with the camera as if you are making eye contact with a person in front of you. Your audience will feel a personal connection with you immediately. When you look directly into the camera, your chin should lift as well. This allows your breathing to flow easily and your voice to clear naturally. 
2. Stand up straight. When you pull your shoulders back and down, you appear more confident and in control to your audience. That causes them to view you as a trusted expert in whatever the topic is that you are presenting. If you are in a seated position, pull yourself off the back of the chair. If you sit back and slouch in the chair, you will appear disengaged and passive, which diminishes your perceived power to the audience. For those folks that present from a standing position, avoid side to side movement so you don’t make your audience sea sick and nauseous following your onscreen placement. 
3. Get the clutter out of the way. No one needs you to have a completely spotless environment, but you do need to declutter what the camera can see. Take a look at the background that will be visible on camera. It doesn’t have to be fancy and HGTV worthy. If your aesthetic design skills are lacking, just keep it simple. A blank wall is fine. A blank wall with a plant in the background is better. A blank wall with a plant and some artwork is nicer. A blank wall with a plant, some artwork and a quirky element that reflects your personality is super cute.

So many more tips to come, but I hope this helps for now.

See you online!

Akilah