We’re using Zoom, Teams, GoToMeeting and other video conferencing tools a lot more right now.
Presenting or giving updates via these can be daunting.
Here are a few tips that might make it that less nerve-wracking …
1) Make it all about the audience
The most important people on the call are your audience. When preparing your presentation or update, think about what they need.
When rehearsing (which you should do in front of your laptop) think about how you’re going to engage everyone on the call.
When online, switch off the picture of yourself and speak directly with the people in front of you.
Not only will this make you a better online presenter but if you do it enough, it’ll get you out of your own head & this will take some of the pressure off you.
2) Prep for mistakes
What’s the worst that could happen? Maybe you mess up? The call cuts out? This really wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Write and rehearse a couple of self-deprecating jokes that you could use if this were to happen.
For example “please bear with me, this went a lot better when I tried it in front of the dog earlier”.
If you’re prepared for mistakes they won’t scare you as much!
3) Channel nervous energy into movement
If you find your hands shaking, gesture. Bring out a prop. Do something new!
Deliberate movement uses up your adrenaline. You’ll not only ease your nerves but engage your audience through a more dynamic delivery.
Lots of people find these calls a little jarring, but practice (and maybe, we daresay, a little coaching?) makes perfect!