Online Speech Delivery

Online Delivery Considerations

While the previously mentioned delivery aspects apply if you are presenting face to face or virtually, some important differences must be considered while presenting virtually. This section will discuss those considerations.

Woman talking to computer camera
Eye Contact
Perhaps one of the biggest differences between online and face-to-face presentations is effective eye contact. Do you look at your notes on the screen? Do you look at the faces of the people on the screen? Do you look at the camera? Watch the following video for tips on how to engage in effective eye contact virtually.https://youtube.com/watch?v=2Tg9vBPUXtY%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26rel%3D0 

 

What to Wear

While you should strive to appear professional and a “step above” your audience no matter if you are face-to-face or virtual, there are additional considerations when presenting virtually. The following video discusses how to look your best on camera.

 

 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aiVsc43db8w%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26rel%3D0

 

How to Look Your Best on Camera

Everything in the camera shot is communicating nonverbally to our audience, and remember you are center stage. What is your nonverbal communication saying about you? It is amazing how just a few small things can make such a huge difference in our professional appearance on camera. Watch this video to learn tips a few tips on how your nonverbal presentation delivery can be improved.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XD0VIyygkFw%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26rel%3D0

 

Where Do I Put My Speaking Notes?

A final note about online delivery. You may be tempted to pull up your speech transcript on your computer so you can read your speech. DO NOT DO THIS. You may think that your audience will not know you are reading your speech because you are looking toward your screen. You are mistaken. It is obvious to the audience when you are reading versus presenting your speech. Everything about your delivery is different – nonverbal and vocally. If you read vs presenting it comes across as if you are disengaged, your vocal variety is not conversational, and you are not making eye contact. All of this is apparent to your audience and you lose credibility as you appear to be unprepared for your presentation. Even more importantly, you will not earn delivery points if you are reading your speech!

As an extemporaneous speaker, create your speaking notes and practice with them so you can use them effectively during the actual presentation.

Pro Tips

  • Tape your note cards to the top of your computer screen, hang them on something behind your computer, or place them on the side of your computer.
  • DO NOT use a word for word transcript of your speech – take the time to create effective speaking notes.
  • Refer to the reading on speaking notes for tips on how to create and use speaking notes effectively.

 

License

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Communication Competence: Developing Skills for Your Personal and Professional Life Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.