Online platforms offer many opportunities and challenges for presenters. Whether you use Zoom, Teams, Webex, or another tool, you need to adapt your presentation to suit the features, functions, and audience of each platform. In this article, you will learn how to prepare, design, deliver, and engage your online presentation for different platforms.
Before you choose a platform, you need to define the purpose, audience, and format of your presentation. What is your main message and goal? Who are you speaking to and what do they need to know? How long and interactive will your presentation be? These questions will help you decide which platform best suits your presentation. For example, if you want to demonstrate a software product, you might choose a platform that allows screen sharing and live feedback. If you want to deliver a keynote speech, you might choose a platform that supports high-quality video and audio.
1. Understand the platform: Before preparing your presentation, familiarize yourself with the features and limitations of the online platform you will be using, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. 2. Visual content: Use visually engaging slides or graphics that are easy to see on a screen. Consider using larger fonts and high-quality images to ensure clarity. 3. Interactivity: Incorporate interactive elements such as polls, Q&A sessions, or breakout rooms to keep your audience engaged and involved. By adapting your presentation for different online platforms, you can ensure that your message is effectively communicated and that your audience remains engaged throughout the session.
The key is adopting trial and error method to test what works best on what platform is essential. On platforms like zoom it is essential to have a good strong network connection to stream in an uninterrupted manner. The other platforms like google meet have an easy user interface. So selection on which software to go with depends on individual preference.
Absolutely! Defining the purpose, audience, and format of your presentation is crucial before choosing an online platform. Here's how you can go about it: 1. Purpose: Start by clarifying the objective of your presentation. Are you trying to inform or entertain? Understanding the purpose will help you focus on the specific features you need in a platform. 2. Audience: Consider who your target audience is. Are they colleagues, clients, or a larger group? Think about their technical proficiency, accessibility needs, and any interactive features that might enhance their engagement. 3. Format: Determine the format of your presentation. Each format may require different functionalities, such as screen sharing, real-time chat, or polling.
Once you have chosen a platform, you need to design your presentation to fit its capabilities and limitations. You should consider the visual, verbal, and technical aspects of your presentation. For example, you should use clear and simple slides that are easy to read on different devices and screen sizes. You should also use a consistent and professional style that matches your brand and platform. You should speak clearly and confidently, using a microphone and headset to avoid background noise and echo. You should also test your equipment, internet connection, and platform settings before your presentation.
I always use the methodology KISS (keep it simple and short). Also, Pareto efficiency, where, 20% of most important content is presented in ppt, while 80% is elaborated while talking.
The information given in the PPT shall be short and sweet, to the point, concise, precise leaving no doubts in the minds of the audience.
When you deliver your presentation, you need to adapt your style and behavior to the platform and the audience. You should be aware of the features and functions of the platform, such as chat, polls, reactions, breakout rooms, and recording. You should use them strategically to enhance your presentation and engage your audience. For example, you can use chat to ask questions, share links, and get feedback. You can use polls to gather opinions, test knowledge, and spark discussion. You can use reactions to gauge interest, agreement, and emotion. You can use breakout rooms to facilitate group work, collaboration, and networking. You can use recording to review, improve, and share your presentation.
Research your audience beforehand to understand their background, interests, and expectations. This will help you tailor your content and delivery style to better connect with them. Consider the size and layout of the venue, as well as any technical equipment available. For example, if you're presenting in a large auditorium, use a microphone and project your voice. If you're presenting in a smaller room, consider using visual aids or props to engage the audience.
One of the biggest challenges of online presentations is to keep your audience interested and involved. You need to adapt your communication and interaction skills to the platform and the audience. You should use verbal and non-verbal cues to create rapport and connection with your audience. For example, you should greet your audience, introduce yourself and your topic, and set the agenda and expectations. You should also use eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and voice to convey enthusiasm, confidence, and credibility. You should also interact with your audience, using questions, comments, feedback, and activities to stimulate participation, learning, and action.
This is the biggest huedle most people dont overcome - my biggest advice: make sure to directly address people in the room. In physical presentations we naturally do it through eye contact, but in virtual ones this just causes awkward silences. Write down candid & relevant questions beforehand and make sure to ask them to specific people during your presentation(eg David, how do you think C will help project Y). Dont fall into the ?any questions“ - trap
online presentations pose a unique challenge in keeping the audience engaged and involved. Adapting communication and interaction skills to the platform and the audience is key. Using verbal and non-verbal cues to create rapport and connection with the audience, such as greeting the audience, introducing oneself and the topic, setting the agenda and expectations, and interacting with the audience, can help keep the audience interested and involved.?
Interactive tools like live polls, Q&A, and chat in online presentations bring the audience into the conversation. Polls create a shared decision-making vibe, Q&A clears up any confusion right away, and chats get everyone talking and sharing ideas. It's all about making the presentation a two-way street – more like a lively discussion than just a lecture. This way, everyone's part of the story, making the whole experience richer and more engaging.
After you finish your presentation, you need to follow up with your audience and evaluate your performance. You should use the platform and other channels to thank your audience, share your contact details, and provide additional resources. You should also ask for feedback, suggestions, and testimonials from your audience, using surveys, emails, or social media. You should also review your presentation, using the platform's analytics, recording, and chat history. You should identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. You should also celebrate your achievements and reward yourself for your effort.
Yes, following up with your audience and evaluating your performance are important steps to take after delivering a presentation. Here are some tips: 1. Thank your audience: Show your appreciation for their time and attention by thanking them at the end of your presentation. This can help build goodwill and encourage them to remember your message. 2. Encourage questions: Invite your audience to ask questions or provide feedback, and be prepared to answer them thoughtfully and honestly. This can help clarify any misunderstandings and demonstrate your expertise.
One of the best ways to adapt your presentation for different online platforms is to learn from others. You should watch and analyze other online presentations, using the platform's features and functions to observe and evaluate. You should look for examples of good and bad practices, such as slide design, delivery style, audience engagement, and technical issues. You should also join and participate in online communities, forums, and events related to your topic, platform, and industry. You should network with other presenters, experts, and learners, and exchange tips, insights, and feedback.
I try to learn from others, how they deliver, how they make, how they choose the points to discuss. I compare my topic, points, style with those. The presenter also needs to think about the audience. It helps me a lot. Another important thing is that you can ask your friends, colleagues, co-worker for better suggestions to improve.