How to Touch Your Audience When Presenting to Them Online

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By Kellie McCord, Toastmasters International

For many people who now have to join online meetings, the worries created are rather more than the usual jitters you might get before giving a business presentation.

However, the biggest obstacle has been: “How to connect with an online audience?” With technological advancements, people have been concerned with how many gadgets have taken over all aspects of our social and personal lives. We no longer have to leave the comfort of our homes to date (use a dating app instead), to watch a film (subscribe to Netflix and Amazon Prime), to shop (Amazon and online grocery shopping), to the bank (banking apps) and to speak to our friends (WhatsApp and social media sites). Work was thus a place that forced people to interact, in person, on a day-to-day basis. But, because of the pandemic, many of us are working from home, and with that, people’s need for connection and touch has been amplified.

Image: Yay Images

Yet, despite the change in platform, the question: “How do I connect with an online audience?” has a similar answer to the other question, “How do I connect with an audience in person?” The only difference is that a screen sits between you and the people you are speaking to. Rather than seeing it as a barrier, I like to remember that if our eyes are windows to our souls, then a screen is a window into someone’s world. We can now take a peek into the home lives of our colleagues, employers, and employees. If you are willing to allow it, this is a great way to connect on a deeper personal and professional level.

So, how can we create a connection with an online audience?

Be real

As Ivan Sutherland, renowned American computer scientist and Internet pioneer stated, “The screen is a window through which one sees a virtual world. The challenge is to make that world look real, act real, sound real, feel real.”

So, what does that look like in reality? Well, it means that as tempting as it is to alter your background to a cool, nifty backdrop, don’t do it. Instead, use your own background. Of course, if it is a business meeting, then make sure that the background is presentable by not having a pile of dirty dishes behind you. Equally, it is not a social occasion, so you do not want your DVD and gaming collection in view. But there is nothing wrong with someone seeing your living room wall, or your study wall. If you have photos up, that is fine. It makes people feel relaxed because it makes it real.

Have refreshments at hand

With the above in mind, do not be afraid to have water or coffee at hand. Many people seem to feel uncomfortable sipping water over online meetings. If you are were in a face-to-face meeting, you would probably have something to drink on hand, so why not during an online meeting? If you are chairing the meeting, start five minutes beforehand and ask your audience to make a quick cuppa; or, grab some water before the meeting commences, so they feel comfortable.

Allow for comfort breaks!

This leads me to a more crucial matter. Comfort breaks. I’ve attended many online meetings that seem to go on and on, with people losing focus because they desperately want to use the bathroom. If you do not want people to get up during a discussion or presentation, then make it clear that after 45 minutes to an hour, there will be a small break. If your meeting is only 45 minutes to an hour long, then make it clear when you are going to end the session, so that people are not left wondering when they will be able to relieve themselves.

Gauge interest

Before a meeting, set up a poll to ascertain what people would like to discuss. Knowing your audience is the best way to connect with them. Why? Because it allows you to create a message that is designed for them; to speak directly to them.

If, for example, you need to discuss a particular subject and it is not up for negotiation, then you could email a PDF of the agenda for the meeting. This primes everyone involved. They know what to expect and when so that when they come to the online meeting, they are better able to focus and concentrate since they have had an opportunity to mentally prepare.

Body language

Many people think that because the meeting is online, they have to be glued to their seats and sit perfectly still. Not so. It’s OK to move, it’s OK to see more than just your face. Consider news anchors. How much of their bodies do you see? It varies slightly, but almost always, even if there is a close-up, it will include their arms, so that the audience can see their gestures. Doing this makes it more real and intimate because, in our everyday communication, we use our bodies. So, don’t be afraid to move about.

Notes

Similar to face-to-face meetings it is NOT okay to read from your notes. It is so disengaging. People want to see your face; they want eye-contact. If you need notes, make cue cards, so that it reminds you of what you want to say next, but does not become stifling.  And remember – look into the camera not at the screen. Think of the camera as the ‘the eyes of the audience’.

Be interactive

Many online presenters seem to take on the leading role in the online meeting. By that, I mean they talk and talk and talk. They think they are the stars of the show! Just because you are online, it does not change the purpose of a meeting. The meeting is taking place to serve your audience. Therefore, make it interactive by doing some of the following:

• Ask questions
• Ask for feedback
• Ask someone to demonstrate an idea/concept
• Ask someone to define a term
• Ask the audience to imagine something

For longer meetings, create (if the software allows) break-out rooms, so that members of the audience can discuss topics or particular items in smaller groups, and then feedback to everyone as appropriate.

You already know a lot about presenting so don’t ignore your existing knowledge and experience. Use the tips above to adapt where necessary for online presenting and speaking. You’ll find it is possible to connect with people and you’ll get to know them in a different and potentially deeper way.

   Kellie McCord is a member of Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit organization that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland.

Members follow a structured educational program to gain skills and confidence in public and impromptu speaking, chairing meetings, and time management. To find your nearest club, visit Toastmasters International.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post or content are those of the authors or the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company.