5 easy ways anyone can feel confident and be more impactful in online meetings
Here are 5 simple tips I've learnt from 10,000 hours of presenting shark stories online.
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1 - Your voice matters (more than your video)
Ensure your audience stays engaged with clear and crisp audio.
In a world full of distractions and short attention spans, it's easy for your audience to tune out.
Unclear audio is frustrating and tiring.
Your next great idea needs everyone’s attention.
Here's how:
Use a plug-in microphone (the headphones that came with your phone work great).
Or, consider buying a lapel or USB microphone for portable, high-quality sound.
Use your regular computer speakers - the built in echo cancellation is magic!
I use the Rode Lavalier GO
Avoid:
'Standard' wireless headphones as microphones; they're great for listening but not for speaking.
2 - Frame yourself properly.
Avoid awkward angles or distracting backgrounds.
Our eyes are drawn to 4 main points in any photo or video.
Create a more pleasing view by dividing our screen into 9 boxes as below.
Use the Rule of Thirds
Align your eyes with the top horizontal line, ideally just off centre with one eye on the top left, or right intersection
(It's okay if the top of your head is slightly cut off.)
Position your webcam at head height,
and place your head near the top of the screen.
3 - Stay connected and powered up.
Plug it in. All of it!
Always keep your devices plugged in for maximum efficiency. Relying on battery power reduces computing capacity.
Use direct cables like ethernet and chargers for your laptop, microphone, and continuity camera (iPhone, Android, or DSLR).
4 - Use a backlight for ambiance.
Invite attendees into your space.
Enhance your virtual environment with a soft, inviting glow placed 2 meters (6 feet) behind you.
Tip: Orange or blue hues, like those from salt lamps, work best.
Use an ultra-low-energy bulb or a cardboard sleeve to reduce brightness.
5 - Use a Vignette
(rather than, or with, a blurred background).
Download this vignette to bring your audience into your world - it removes distraction and directs attention.
You can add a vignette (and a text overlay, such as your name / position or logo) with powerful free software like OBS Studio.
Bonus: My packing list
Rode Go Lavalier Microphone (plus phone adaptor)
Laptop and charger (+ free OBS Studio / paid Ecamm live software)
Ethernet cable and adaptor
LED Video lights (x2) (±$40 each on Amazon)
