Speech Tips

Tips for Successful Web and Videoconferencing Presentations-Part 1
Sheila Allee

Videoconferencing is not new technology, but its popularity has soared in the past year. Thanks to a soft economy and post-9/11 travel fears, businesses and individuals alike are opting to communicate more often through electronic connections. Let's face it. It's less expensive and less hassle than traveling.

Many communicators are reluctant to use this new technology, fearing it will be impersonal and boring. But research is showing that when handled properly, videoconferencing can open the door to more open and meaningful communications.

So how do you take full advantage of electronic communication opportunities, whether they're videoconferencing, web-casting or video-streaming? Here are some tips:

Audience Research

Audience research is ESSENTIAL to success in any kind of presentation. Know the names of conference participants and find out something about each one of them. Use this information as you speak to each participant; it will help establish a more intimate setting.

Dress for Success

Just because you're not appearing in person doesn't mean you can show up in jeans and a T-shirt. Your appearance has a strong impact on the impression you are conveying to your conference partners.

Always wear solid, bright colors, but avoid black, white or red. Many cameras have trouble with these colors and with complicated patterns. If you are wearing a white shirt or blouse, wear a dark jacket over it.

Women should wear makeup, a simple hairstyle and avoid dangling earrings and excessive jewelry.

Men should wear makeup, too. It can camouflage whiskers and minimize receding hairlines and bald heads.

Advance Preparation

There are many things you can do in advance of your videoconference to make it successful.

First, be sure to have a meeting agenda and provide it in advance to all participants. Likewise for handouts and copies of visuals.

Second, spend some time on room preparation. This is your "set," so arrange it with care. Have a solid-colored background -- blue is an excellent color. Avoid white, as it can create a glare.

You'll need good room lighting and top quality presentation graphics capabilities. Spend some time on your visuals and keep the use of words on them to a minimum.

BONUS TIP OF THE MONTH:

When speaking via electronic means, pay particular attention to your voice. Use vocal variety and project your voice into the microphone. Enunciate your words carefully and check with your listeners to make sure they understood you.

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