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.
5 Online Delivery Expectations
It is important to provide students with clear expectations when delivering an online presentation. It is advised that students deliver speeches in well-lit areas without distraction. While it is advised that students wear a headset to ensure clear audio, in most cases, this is not necessary.
Other expectations that you may want to consider communicating with students are below.
- Are students expected to stand or sit while presenting?
- Are students required to use visual aids?
- What is the preferred or acceptable method of delivery? (Notecards, reading from a screen, phone, sheets of paper, etc.)
- The following information can be used to provide students with best practices for engaging online 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.
Eye Contact
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.
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.