How can you engage both in-person and online audiences in a hybrid presentation?

1 Know your audiences

Before you design your presentation, you need to know who your audiences are, what their expectations and needs are, and how they will access your presentation. For example, you may have different levels of familiarity, interest, or expertise among your in-person and online audiences. You may also have different technical requirements, such as bandwidth, devices, or platforms, for your online audience. Knowing your audiences will help you tailor your content, format, and delivery to suit them.

2 Choose your tools

Depending on your goals, budget, and resources, you may have various options for the tools and platforms you use to deliver your hybrid presentation. For example, you may use a video conferencing software, such as Zoom or Teams, to stream your presentation live to your online audience. You may also use a presentation software, such as PowerPoint or Prezi, to create and share your slides. You may also use other tools, such as polls, quizzes, or chat, to enhance your interaction and feedback. Choose your tools wisely and test them beforehand to ensure they work smoothly and reliably.

3 Balance your attention

One of the biggest challenges of hybrid presentations is to balance your attention between your in-person and online audiences. You don't want to ignore or neglect either group, as that may affect their engagement and satisfaction. To balance your attention, you need to use verbal and nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, gestures, and voice, to address both audiences. You also need to check in regularly with both audiences, such as by asking questions, acknowledging comments, or inviting participation. You also need to monitor and respond to any technical issues that may arise for your online audience.

4 Adapt your content

Another challenge of hybrid presentations is to adapt your content to suit both audiences. You don't want to bore or overwhelm either group, as that may affect their learning and retention. To adapt your content, you need to consider the length, structure, and style of your presentation. For example, you may need to shorten your presentation or break it into smaller segments to avoid fatigue and distraction. You may also need to use clear and simple language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and use visuals and stories to illustrate your points.

5 Encourage interaction

Interaction is key to engaging and connecting with both audiences in a hybrid presentation. You don't want to lecture or talk at them, as that may affect their involvement and feedback. To encourage interaction, you need to use various strategies and techniques to invite and facilitate dialogue and collaboration. For example, you may use polls, quizzes, or surveys to gather opinions and insights. You may also use chat, breakout rooms, or social media to create and support conversations. You may also use gamification, humor, or incentives to motivate and reward participation.

6 Follow up

The last tip for delivering a hybrid presentation is to follow up with both audiences after your presentation. You don't want to end your presentation abruptly or leave them hanging, as that may affect their impression and action. To follow up, you need to use different methods and channels to communicate and connect with both audiences. For example, you may send an email, a message, or a thank-you note to express your appreciation and share your contact information. You may also share your slides, recordings, or resources to reinforce your message and provide additional value.

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?