Online presentations are a great way to share your ideas, knowledge, and expertise with a diverse audience. But how do you make sure that your presentation is inclusive, accessible, and engaging for everyone? Here are some tips to help you create an online presentation that respects and values the diversity of your listeners.
Before you start designing your presentation, you need to know who you are speaking to. What are their backgrounds, interests, needs, and expectations? How familiar are they with your topic and your terminology? How will they access your presentation and interact with you? You can use surveys, polls, or interviews to gather this information, or you can do some research on your own. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your content, language, and delivery to suit their preferences and needs.
Understanding your audience is vital for creating a compelling presentation that resonates with them, captures their attention, and ensures a meaningful exchange of ideas, resulting in a more impactful and memorable speaking experience for both you and your audience.
Ask within the registration if they would like / need any special accommodations for example closed captions or even a sign language version of the content. I have been to some great events that are simultaneously signed in a separate video window whilst the speaker talks.
The next step is to choose a platform that allows you to deliver your presentation effectively and inclusively. There are many options available, such as Zoom, Google Meet, PowerPoint, Prezi, or YouTube. You need to consider the features, benefits, and limitations of each platform, and how they match your goals, content, and audience. For example, do you want to use video, audio, or text? Do you want to have live or recorded sessions? Do you want to enable chat, Q&A, or polls? Do you want to use captions, transcripts, or translations? Choose a platform that supports your presentation style and meets the accessibility and engagement needs of your audience.
While selecting the right platform is important, don't forget to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that your chosen platform accommodates various learning preferences, provides seamless interaction, and offers features like closed captions and translations, to deliver a well-rounded and inclusive presentation experience.
Choose the platform based on your true purpose of the event, not based on flashy / shiny engagement features. If you do use engagement tools / apps make sure they support the purpose of the event. But also make sure they are easy to use for everyone, provide detailed written, vocal and visual instructions for how to use. Plan to have a "practise" of these tools within your presentation. For example schedule an ice breaker poll that is none content specific at the start of the event to get people used to using the tools.
When designing your slides for an online presentation, it's important to avoid overloading them with too much information, clutter, or distractions. To ensure that your slides are effective, use a simple and consistent layout, font, and color scheme. High-contrast colors and large fonts will help with readability, while images, graphs, charts, or icons can be used to illustrate your points. Additionally, bullet points, headings, and keywords can be used to highlight your main ideas without long sentences or paragraphs. Animations, transitions, or sound effects should only be used sparingly and when they add value. Finally, check your slides for spelling, grammar, and accuracy.
Consider having content in colour blindness friendly colours / combinations. Red and green are the colours most commonly affected however other considerations should be made based on research. As well as ALT text descriptions underneath images and photos.
Designing clear and visually appealing slides for your online presentation will not only enhance audience comprehension but also keep them engaged and focused on your message, leading to a more impactful and memorable presentation experience.
When delivering your presentation, it is important to ensure that you are adequately prepared and confident. To do this, test your equipment, software, and internet connection beforehand. Additionally, choose a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable location to present from. Dress professionally and appropriately for your audience, and introduce yourself and your topic clearly and briefly. Speak slowly, clearly, and audibly with a friendly and enthusiastic tone. Use eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions to show your emotions and connect with your audience. Incorporate pauses, questions, stories, or anecdotes to keep your audience interested and involved. Additionally, provide captions, transcripts, or translations if needed. Lastly, ask for feedback from your audience and respond respectfully and constructively.
While thorough preparation and confident delivery are essential, remember to remain adaptable during your presentation, addressing any technical glitches or unexpected challenges with poise, as this flexibility and responsiveness will help create a positive and engaging speaking experience for your audience.
After your presentation, following up with your audience is essential for building rapport, trust, and loyalty. You should thank them for their time and attention, and send them a summary or recording of your presentation. Additionally, you can provide additional resources or contacts that might be useful for them. Invite them to contact you for further discussion or collaboration, and ask for feedback or testimonials on your presentation. Finally, stay in touch with them until you reach your desired outcome or goal. With these tips in mind, you can create an inclusive online presentation that respects the diversity of your audience, while also demonstrating your public speaking skills and expertise.