What do you do if your virtual speaking skills need to adapt to new challenges and opportunities?

Many well known event hosts were forced to adapt to virtual methods in 2020. It has proven a better way to connect with millions of attendees globally.

Change as Opportunity The Global Audience: No travel costs means you can speak to niche groups worldwide, expanding your reach and potential impact. Skill Expansion = Value Expansion: Learning to engage virtually makes you more desirable to clients, opens up new gig formats (webinars, etc.) Tech is Your Collaborator: Slides, polls, etc., when used well, are even more engaging tools online than in an auditorium. How to Share This Mindset as a Consultant Talent Pipelines Unbound: "Help your company source the best speakers for virtual events, regardless of their physical location." "Done For You" is Appealing: Offer packages where you coach THEIR people on virtual presentation, leveraging your expertise.

En el mundo empresarial actual, la oratoria virtual se ha convertido en una habilidad esencial. Pero, ?qué hacer cuando necesitamos adaptarnos a nuevos desafíos y oportunidades? + Evaluar y Mejorar la Tecnología: Asegúrate de contar con el equipo adecuado. Una buena cámara, micrófono y conexión a internet son fundamentales para transmitir tu mensaje con claridad. + Practicar la Presencia Virtual: La comunicación no verbal sigue siendo crucial. Practica mantener contacto visual con la cámara y utiliza gestos que complementen tu discurso. + Adaptar el Contenido al Medio: Los mensajes largos y complicados pueden perderse en el entorno virtual. Opta por presentaciones claras, concisas y visualmente atractivas. @fernandobastan

Assess Honestly: Is your current setup actively HURTING audience comprehension? That's your priority, even if it's not top-of-the-line gear. Audience Matters: Is this for internal meetings, or high-profile webinars? Tailor your investment accordingly. Software > Hardware: A slightly fuzzy image is forgivable with smooth platform use and well-structured content. "Good Enough" is Liberating: Seeking perfection delays action. Incremental upgrades let you test what makes the most impact for YOUR content. Practice is STILL Key: The best tech won't save you from a poorly rehearsed talk, unclear visuals, etc. As a Consultant: Focus on ROI Demystify the process for clients – simple is often better, easing their tech fear increases buy-in.

If you want to remain effective in the world of virtual presentations, embracing AI tools is essential for adapting to new challenges and seizing fresh opportunities. AI-powered platforms can provide real-time feedback on your delivery, analyzing factors like pace, clarity, filler words, and body language. Look for tools offering virtual audiences, allowing you to practice in simulated environments and gauge audience engagement. AI can even help personalize your presentations, suggesting relevant content and tailoring your communication style to resonate better with your audience. By actively incorporating AI into your skill development, you'll gain a competitive edge and enhance your impact as a virtual speaker.

Engagement is Make or Break, Even More Online The ease of distractions online means you have to actively fight for attention. Consider: Shorter Attention Spans: Break your content into smaller chunks, intersperse activities more frequently than you might live. Participation is Harder (But More Powerful): Make it EASY: yes/no polls, typing one word in chat, etc. Each act of participation re-engages their brain. Exploit the Advantages: Online anonymity lets shy attendees participate! Highlight this benefit, and design activities accordingly. Body Language STILL Matters: Even a small webcam image conveys energy (or lack thereof). Upright posture, gestures, etc., are still key.

Personalization = Understanding, Not Guessing Data is Your Friend: Pre-event surveys, client intake forms... all provide clues to tailor your content, even without in-person interaction. "Micro-Moments" Matter: Brief, individualized examples woven throughout are surprisingly impactful in the virtual setting. Don't Overcomplicate: "This section may be most relevant to those of you in the healthcare field..." Simple but effective. The Follow-Up Advantage: Virtual makes sending a personalized resource mentioned during your talk easier, deepening the connection.

Practice Must Mimic Reality The Full Dress Rehearsal: Tech setup, your actual outfit, etc.— this identifies glitches you'd never catch just reciting your talk. Record AND Watch: It's painful, but the best way to spot distracting habits, audio issues, how your slides translate on-screen, etc. Timing is Tricky Online: People are less forgiving of going over time. Practice with a ruthlessly accurate timer! The "Distraction Test": Can you recover smoothly if your pet barges in, etc.? Simulating this builds confidence Practice the "In-Betweens": How you transition between activities online matters more than in person, where you have body language as a tool.

7. Here's What Else to Consider: - Continuous Learning: Invest time in learning from other great virtual speakers. Attend webinars, watch TED talks, and analyze what makes these speakers effective. - Mindset: Maintain a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles. - Networking: Build a network of fellow virtual speakers to exchange tips, experiences, and support. - Accessibility: Make sure your content is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Use captions, transcripts, and ensure your presentation is navigable for those using screen readers. - Cultural Sensitivity:Be culturally sensitive and aware of global differences, especially when addressing an international audience.