Forecast for 2021: Continued Flexibility Required

As we all experienced, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that 2020 was a year that required resilience and flexibility. Our clients rose to the occasion – transforming from videoconference neophytes in early spring to Zoom ninjas by year end with their lights, cameras, microphones, computer stands, green screens, and virtual backgrounds. 

At the dawn of 2021, we predict that flexibility as communicators will continue to be necessary for professionals to thrive. Here are four ways that leaders will need to be flexible as they navigate computer-mediated communication situations this year and how Spoken with Authority can support them:

1. Videoconference platforms

Zoom and WebEx have become the go-to platforms for many of our clients, though Microsoft Teams, GoToWebinar, Google Meet, and Skype Business are still in the mix (not to mention the wide range of platforms that are used to host conferences). These trends vary by industry and region . . . and are constantly changing. As a result, leaders need fluency in a wide range of platforms to be effective communicators and should enlist the help of our expert coaches to shorten the learning curve with new platforms; use interactivity tools like polls, chat, reactions, whiteboards, and breakout groups; integrate exciting new features like Zoom’s sharing slides as a virtual background; and rehearse with the technology.

1. Live and recorded virtual presentations 

The rise of technology-mediated communication has allowed for flexibility that comes with asynchronous or pre-recorded presentations. Recording a conference presentation ahead of time can reduce stress and the possibility of technical failures on the day of the event. It can free up speakers to be more present to respond to audience questions and facilitate other interactive activities on the day the recording is broadcast. Take for example a panel of inclusion experts who recorded role-play scenarios, shared them during their seminar, and facilitated a robust live discussion with attendees after each scenario. Pre-recorded speeches also can allow for participation by presenters who otherwise could not easily attend an event due to a schedule conflict or time-zone issue. In fact, one speaker I know recorded a conference speech before their baby was born and was on parental leave during the live event.

Whether a presentation is delivered online asynchronously or synchronously, leaders can rise to each virtual speaking occasion by getting help from a Spoken with Authority coach who can guide them through the process of analyzing the audience and situation, setting goals, curating concise and effective content (including slides and handouts), planning interactivity, and rehearsing to present authentically and energetically to a camera.

1. High-profile and last-minute opportunities 

Flexible leaders have more opportunities than ever to reach broader audiences. With videoconferencing, they no longer have to contend with the time and expense of travel. They can attend a high-level meeting with or deliver a speech to people across the country or globe without leaving home. They even may be asked at the last minute to join a panel of experts for a Q&A session or to participate in a media interview.

Excelling in these high-profile and last-minute opportunities requires preparation. Spoken with Authority coaches can offer an expert and outside perspective to inventory and improve online presence so leaders have more impact in meetings and presentations. And, our deep bench of coaches can offer last-minute support, and just as importantly, train speakers ahead of time to manage nerves, distill key messages, and speak confidently in off-the-cuff speaking situations.

1. Hybrid events and masked presentations

As more people receive COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, some professionals will have opportunities to work from an office or attend in-person meetings while other of their colleagues, clients, members, students, etc. will still be joining online. Travel disruptions or spikes in infections may require leaders to transition from in-person to computer-mediated communication at the last second. A return to safe and universal in-person communication will take time and won’t be a linear process – and with the cost and time benefits of remote work, it may never happen.

Therefore, leaders must get comfortable presenting at hybrid events – where some attendees are in person and others participate online, and where in-person speakers will likely need to present wearing a mask. Our coaches can advise presenters on strategies to avoid second-class status for online participants, to increase engagement between in-person and online attendees, to create visuals and handouts that work for both audiences, and to address issues of breath control and projection caused by speaking with a face covering.

We are proud of and impressed by the flexibility and resilience that leaders already have demonstrated when it comes to their oral-communication skills. We can’t wait to support you as you tackle new speaking and leadership challenges in the New Year and invite you to book a time to discuss training and coaching in 2021.