Increased desire for tech to connect people in new ways, and greater prevalence of virtual speeches. From a two-minute live speech on TikTok to an elaborate presentation on Zoom, presenters are realizing that virtual speeches can have wings beyond the original audience with multiple shares.
It can be difficult for those who are used to giving face-to-face speeches to bring the same engagement and inspiration into a virtual speech. A virtual speech is different from a speech to a live audience, and some in-person speech techniques do not lend themselves well to virtual speeches. Here are some tips on how to deliver virtual speeches that leave people inspired and engaged.
Plan Your Content
Some believe you can just “wing” it for virtual speeches, as opposed to writing out content for in-person speaking presentations. That isn’t true. Just like for an in-person speech, you need to prepare to share what you’re going to say for a virtual packaging.
The exception to this rule in terms of scheduled content is that you need to make time for greater interaction with virtual speeches since the majority of them do include a question-answer segment, but not all that takes place in-person presentations do.
The other thing is that if you are a participant in a live presentation, there might be the possibility of chat-interacting. Whoever presents in this format must learn to look at the comments and respond to questions or comments if it makes sense during the presentation. They also can choose to respond to the question or comment with their statement; they will answer all questions at the end.
You just have to be able to do this and snap right back into what you were talking about. That means having your content fully laid out and knowing it so finely that you can switch back and forth with no loss of momentum.
Plan Your Production
Visuals are as important for “speeches” over Zoom. This is the moment to use strong visuals to keep the audience looking at you. People on a stage delivering a speech can move around and use arm and body movements. When delivering a virtual speech, in that respect, you are constrained.
And although that activists can be very limited, make sure that you are fully involved in your speech: Using facial expressions and providing reasons visually interesting.
Have a Good Backdrop
Setting up a pretty background will serve for your virtual speech and will keep the people engaged. You can make one up with a banner or photo shoot screen, but most new tech has improved to the point that you can work with a suitable backdrop from a computer app. This also makes your talk look a little more polished than recording with your library or living room in the background.
Look at Production Values
Most importantly, a virtual speech requires more attention on video production than an in-person speech. Both are most importantly about sound. Test for sound levels and make sure the mic (built-in computer mic or plug-in mic) works. That should happen long before the speech is delivered.
Working with camera angles and lighting well in advance of giving a virtual speech is sometimes essential to making this kind of speaking work. Lighting and angles can make you look more attractive or older, which can either add to or detract from your presentation. Test video to see what is ideal for you.
Know that those with darker skin require different lighting than those with lighter skin. To get the right lighting for your skin tone, you might have to do some research.
Make Sure All Tech Works
A tech problem can totally wreck a virtual speech — this isn’t Earth-shattering, I realize. Run through a practice session with a family member or friend to make sure you’re familiar with how to operate the tech program, turn mics on or off, and manage other elements.
An assurance of running the tech will reflect in your virtual conversation, and that will encourage others to come forward and become inquisitive.
Ask Your Guests to Turn on Their Video
When you deliver your virtual speech, you should be able to see those listening to you. This can encourage interaction, keep them engaged, and take some of the pressure to read the room off you. Their faces might tell you to pick up the pace, slow down, or head in a different direction.
Pay Attention to Your Voice
A monotone voice does not go over so well in person, but is wretched in a virtual speech. Pick it up, and slow it down when the moment calls. Vary your pitch, tone, and volume to interest everyone.
Create Fun Interaction
A virtual speech gives the presenter a different kind of fun with the audience than an in-person speaker gets to have. You can add polls and quizzes just for fun, throw questions, and interact with your audience both during your speech and later during a question-answer session. This is an easy way to help make the virtual speech more enjoyable for you and your audience. It will also make it easier to remember.
An in-person speech vs. a virtual speech: Those giving the speech have to see the virtual speeches differently from in-person speeches. They can be their own genre with a lot of production behind them, so factor that into your planning and prep. A virtual speech and presentation that is well-prepared makes you a memorable presenter.