Presenting at virtual events can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Whether this is your first presentation at a virtual event or you've been in the game for a while, improving your confidence is guaranteed to lead to a better presentation if you:
How can you boost your confidence during virtual events? It comes down to two things:
Here we will discuss 7 practical ways you can do both.
Virtual presentations require just as much practice as in-person ones. If you don't know your material it's going to negatively show in your presentation.
Research, practice, and rehearse until you are COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE with every aspect of your presentation. Run through your presentation multiple times, recording yourself if possible.
Utilize visually appealing multimedia elements to enhance your presentation:
A well-designed visual aid can captivate your audience and gives you a moment to breathe and reset.
It's difficult to keep your thoughts straight when surrounded by chaos. A clean, well-lit, and quiet setup will automatically make you feel more calm and increase your confidence.
Get to know the technology you're working with. Familiarize yourself with the event platform beforehand.
Before the virtual event, take a moment to visualize yourself delivering a successful presentation. Imagine yourself speaking confidently, engaging the audience, and receiving positive feedback.
Remember that you are speaking to real people even if you can't see them in person.
Address your audience directly by focusing on friendly faces or even pinning a specific person or group you are presenting to.
If you feel nervous before your presentation, take a few minutes to practice:
This approach can help calm your nerves and center your focus before you start speaking.
After the virtual event, take time to evaluate your performance. Acknowledge your strengths and identify areas for improvement.
A bad setup can cast a negative shadow over any presentation, no matter how confident you are feeling.
Follow good ergonomics when setting up your workspace including raising your camera to eye level and sitting in a chair with solid back support.
Good Posture - Sit or stand straight with your shoulders back. Avoid slouching.
Appropriate Eye Contact - Look directly into the camera lens as if you are making eye contact with your audience.
Even though you might be nervous, try to act as naturally as possible.
Confidence when presenting at virtual events doesn't always come naturally. But by following a few simple steps you can greatly boost how you look and feel during your next presentation.
Nothing will give you true confidence during your next virtual event like knowing you have a solid support team watching your back. The team here at Virtual Velocity is made of experts designed to do just that.
Shoot us a message today and we'll make sure that you can walk the walk and not just talk the talk.