#Presentations #pitching #virtual presentations
Presenting to a computer is not the same as presenting in person. Even though many elements remain the same, presenting online is surely less persuasive. This is because our computer screens create distance and a lack of engagement - all from the safety of our bedrooms.
Since the Covid pandemic, the art of presenting in person might seem anachronistic. Surely, we can hide behind all the full features of Zoom and Microsoft to cover up our deficiencies in presenting properly? So, has the art of a pitch and presentation become secondary and superseded by our ubiquitous online meetings?
Perhaps we should be asking ourselves why aren't we still honing fundamental work skills that set us apart ... and ahead of AI-enabled bots?
What about ad hoc or high stakes meetings in front of high -powered clients and committees of executives? Have they become dodo-like and extinct? What about casual strolls to the coffee shop or even elevator pitches with the big boss? Have these crucial in-person encounters gone out the window?
The central question of "How do we keep people engaged?" has been asked and answered in many ways since the pandemic began. Perhaps your leaders at work are now extolling the importance of getting back to the office and having face-to-face interactions. Or perhaps we feel a need that all work needs to be virtual these days.
We used to see the daily impact that in-person conversations used to have on employees and how these conversations kept us engaged. But these days we still need to recognize the importance of in-person interactions to build and maintain the resilience or our team and community. (Ever felt you or your kids are spending too long in front of screens and that you should be getting out and about more often?)
Yet, for all we've learned about how important face-to-face interactions are, we've also learned that specifically "performing" face-to-face interactions in a way that keeps others engaged is also an indispensable skill set. Therefore, as more companies have moved to virtual work environments (and stay there), how can we ensure that we are presenting, pitching and performing at our peak?
1. What are some of the benefits of presenting well in person?
You can leave an indelible impression on your audience
You can truly interact with your audience to build trust and rapport
You can control the flow of information - no delays with switching screens, intermittent speech or hiccups with losing internet connections at crucial moments.
2. How can you ensure that you can present well in person?
Prepare well for your presentation. Know your material inside and out and anticipate questions from your audience. (Just like the old days before Covid.)
Use your body language to convey confidence. Make sure you make eye contact with your audience, look confident, and project your voice. (Sadly, we are losing this awareness to interact with our audiences.)
Finally, practice your presentation beforehand so that you can deliver it smoothly and confidently. (If things go badly, there's nowhere for you to hide!)
3. Beware - the consequences of presenting badly in person
People may not take you seriously or may not understand you.
Others will see you as nervous or unprepared. Would you want to work with someone like that?
Finally, not presenting well in person can give the impression that you are incompetent.
Let's not make the full switch to virtual just yet. Remember, we have a responsibility to build our team and our community.
So, let's start looking for more opportunities to meet, pitch and present in person. You know everyone enjoys personal contact far more than staring at a monitor. Then we can rebuild our indispensable communication skills. We need to remember that whether we are online or in person - it always pays to be ready. Then, you will continue to show that others can rely on you to communicate professionally - in any situation.
