While you should strive to appear professional and a “step above” your audience no matter if you are face-to-face or virtual, there are additional considerations when presenting virtually. The following video discusses how to look your best on camera.
Everything in the camera shot is communicating nonverbally to our audience, and remember you are center stage. What is your nonverbal communication saying about you? It is amazing how just a few small things can make such a huge difference in our professional appearance on camera. Watch this video to learn tips a few tips on how your nonverbal presentation delivery can be improved.
A final note about online delivery. You may be tempted to pull up your speech transcript on your computer so you can read your speech. DO NOT DO THIS. You may think that your audience will not know you are reading your speech because you are looking toward your screen. You are mistaken. It is obvious to the audience when you are reading versus presenting your speech. Everything about your delivery is different – nonverbal and vocally. If you read vs presenting it comes across as if you are disengaged, your vocal variety is not conversational, and you are not making eye contact. All of this is apparent to your audience and you lose credibility as you appear to be unprepared for your presentation. Even more importantly, you will not earn delivery points if you are reading your speech!
As an extemporaneous speaker, create your speaking notes and practice with them so you can use them effectively during the actual presentation.