Whether you’re a pro at live presentations or a novice, here are some tips to ace your online presentation.
1) Prepare your talk with a power point presentation. Write an outline of key points. Vary your slides with bold, color, underlining, cartoons, graphics and photos. Include a title page, bio page, summary of key points at the end and one last page with your contact info. Remember that to be effective a power point should use only 6 to 8 lines per slide and 6 to 8 words per line. Anything more and your listeners will fall asleep.
2) Practice – After you are happy with the presentation, practice in front of a mirror, record on your phone, or practice with a friend so your presentation sounds natural, relaxed, and conversational.
3) Your space – Pick a place that has a neutral background, quiet without any background noise. These may include a blank wall, or a wall with one or two pictures, or a bookcase, or a screen. If you are presenting from home, try to be in a separate room to avoid outside noise or inside noise such as music, crying children, dogs barking.
4) Lighting – Make sure the light is facing you, not behind you or you will be in the dark. If possible, face a window during the day.
5) Sound – Check your sound in advance to make sure you can be heard. Use a microphone or headset if you can.
6) You – Dress professionally. Do not wear busy prints, stripes or herringbone. Stay away from white or black which will wash you out. Wear neutrals such as light blue, navy blue, grey or tan. Look at the camera, Smile, Do not play with your hair or your face.
(c) 2021 Amy Geffen All rights reserved.