Online speech is a vital skill for public speakers, especially in the era of remote work and virtual events. However, delivering an online speech can pose some challenges, such as maintaining audience engagement, conveying your personality, and avoiding technical glitches. How do you keep your online speech authentic and professional? Here are some tips to help you succeed.
The first step to delivering an online speech is to choose the right platform for your purpose and audience. Different platforms have different features, such as video, audio, chat, polls, and slides. You need to consider which ones will best suit your message, your style, and your interaction level. For example, if you want to give a formal presentation with visuals, you might use Zoom or Google Meet. If you want to have a casual conversation with a small group, you might use Skype or WhatsApp. If you want to reach a large and diverse audience, you might use YouTube or Facebook Live.
I was part of the Pro Bono Society at my law school, and we were tasked to present our findings on gender wage-gap across certain trades. Once the presentation was made, I suggested we use Microsoft Teams to present because of my previous experience with the platform. It is very easy to share content with the people in the call, also I had various links embedded in the slides. MS Teams allows for seamless transition between "screens", which makes the entire presentation not only smooth, but presentable. Know what you want to use prior to using it, it will help in the long run.
The second step to delivering an online speech is to prepare your content and delivery. You need to craft your speech with a clear structure, a compelling story, and a strong call to action. You also need to practice your speech several times, preferably with feedback from someone else. You need to pay attention to your voice, your body language, and your eye contact. You need to speak with confidence, enthusiasm, and clarity. You need to avoid filler words, jargon, and slang. You need to adapt your speech to the online format, such as using shorter sentences, pauses, and questions.
Prepare for an online virtual speech by creating an interactive experience. Incorporate polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats to actively engage your audience. This not only breaks the monotony of one-way communication but also makes your presentation more memorable and participatory while impeccably enhancing the impact of your message. When crafting your speech, use the "Inception" method. 1. Start with a compelling story that illustrates your message, drawing the audience in emotionally. 2. Transition to the core content, providing valuable insights. 3. End off by revisiting the story, showing how your message creates positive change. This method keeps your speech engaging, memorable, and drives your call to action home effectively.
The third step to delivering an online speech is to set up your environment and equipment. You need to ensure that you have a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit space to speak from. You need to avoid distractions, such as background noise, clutter, and interruptions. You need to check your internet connection, your microphone, your camera, and your battery. You need to test your platform, your presentation, and your sound before you go live. You need to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong, such as a phone number, a chat window, or a recording.
The fourth step to delivering an online speech is to engage your audience. You need to acknowledge your audience, address them by name, and thank them for their time. You need to show your personality, your passion, and your humor. You need to use stories, examples, and anecdotes to make your speech relatable and memorable. You need to invite your audience to participate, such as by asking questions, soliciting feedback, or conducting polls. You need to monitor your audience's reactions, such as by reading their comments, observing their expressions, or listening to their responses.
The fifth step to delivering an online speech is to follow up with your audience. You need to provide them with a summary of your speech, a link to your presentation, or a recording of your session. You need to thank them for their attention, their input, and their support. You need to ask them for their feedback, their suggestions, and their testimonials. You need to offer them additional resources, such as your website, your blog, or your social media. You need to keep in touch with them, such as by sending them emails, newsletters, or invitations.
The sixth and final step to delivering an online speech is to improve your skills. You need to review your performance, your feedback, and your results. You need to identify your strengths, your weaknesses, and your areas for improvement. You need to learn from your mistakes, your challenges, and your successes. You need to seek out new opportunities, new platforms, and new audiences. You need to keep practicing, learning, and growing as a public speaker.