How do you deliver effective presentations in hybrid settings?

1 Know your audience

Before you plan your presentation, find out who will be attending, how they will join, and what they expect from you. This will help you tailor your content, format, and delivery to suit their needs and preferences. For example, you may want to use more interactive features, such as polls, quizzes, or breakout rooms, for remote participants, while keeping the in-person attendees involved with questions, stories, or demonstrations.

2 Choose your tools

The tools you use to deliver your presentation can make a big difference in how well you communicate with your hybrid audience. You may need a microphone, a webcam, a projector, a screen, a laptop, a clicker, and a platform or software to host your presentation. Make sure you test all your equipment and connections beforehand, and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Also, familiarize yourself with the features and functions of your tools, such as how to mute, unmute, share your screen, or switch between slides.

3 Design your slides

Your slides should support your message, not distract from it. Use simple, clear, and consistent design elements, such as fonts, colors, images, and animations. Avoid cluttering your slides with too much text, data, or graphics. Instead, use bullet points, charts, diagrams, or icons to highlight your main points. Make sure your slides are visible and readable for both in-person and remote viewers, and use transitions and effects sparingly.

4 Deliver with confidence

Your delivery is the most important aspect of your presentation, as it conveys your personality, credibility, and enthusiasm. To deliver with confidence, practice your presentation several times, preferably in front of a hybrid audience or a camera. Speak clearly, loudly, and slowly, and vary your tone, pitch, and pace. Use eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions to connect with both groups of listeners, and avoid looking at your notes or slides too often. Also, check in with your audience regularly, and ask for feedback, questions, or comments.

5 Engage your audience

Engaging your audience is crucial to keep their attention and interest, especially in hybrid settings where distractions are more likely. You can engage your audience by using stories, anecdotes, examples, or humor to illustrate your points, and by relating your content to their needs, goals, or challenges. You can also use interactive techniques, such as polls, quizzes, surveys, or Q&A sessions, to invite their input, opinions, or questions. Make sure you acknowledge and respond to both in-person and remote participants equally, and thank them for their participation.

6 Follow up

After your presentation, you can reinforce your message and relationship with your audience by following up with them. You can send them a summary of your presentation, a recording or a link to your slides, or any additional resources or information they may find useful. You can also ask them for feedback, suggestions, or testimonials, and invite them to connect with you on social media, email, or other channels. By following up, you can show your appreciation, professionalism, and commitment to your audience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?