There is a lack of response in virtual presenting that is unnerving. There is no direct eye contact and an inability to read the room which would help you fine-tune your presentation. that increases the anxiety. Many times it feels like you are speaking in a black hole.
In a person to person presentation, one could rely on the audience response that the message has been received., which is lacking in a virtual presentation. Also, there is no way to view the body language which are early indicators of how the presentation is being received. Hence we start feeling that no one is listening and we become anxious and speak as though no one is listening. We speak in a monotone and start rambling and have trouble completing an idea. The more disconnected the presentation the more difficult it is for the audience to listen.
How can one help the virtual audience feel our presence and hear the message? The answer to it would be to simulate the experience of an in-person presentation. The presenter must intentionally issue a call and wait for a response.
There are many ways in a virtual platform that facilitate this. It is understood that virtual presentation would never replace an in-person presentation, it is possible to create a to and fro communication that will relieve the anxiety and get the audience more involved in the presentation.
Use the chat window
Begin with something that gets an audience response immediately. Use the chat window. Begin with a relevant question and ask the audience to respond in the chat window. It is especially useful to the introverts to participate who may not speak up. Readout some of the answers in the chat window and engage the audience. Engaging with the audience raises your confidence level for the presentation.
Polling
Use polling extensively. Remember to take take a break once in 5-6 minutes as the audience tend to get diverted very easily and attend to other chores on their laptop or mobile. Polls help in keeping the attention of the audience on the presentation and also participate. it also keeps the attention focussed in anticipation of a poll wherein they have to share their thoughts on what has been presented. A well-designed poll at strategic intervals is one of the best ways of keeping the audience interest in the presentation and not allow them to drift off.
Keep it conversational.
One way to simulate to and fro conversation is to ask rhetorical questions especially when you share a new idea. It creates an open question in the audience and they are forced to find an answer either by responding or waiting for an appropriate answer. It engages the audience, stay active and connected to the presentation. Asking such conversational questions inviting a response from the audience also reduces the anxiety while presenting.
Empathize
Many virtual presentations feel unsettling because we can't connect emotionally with the audience. Put yourself in the listener's shoes and understand that it is emotionally draining to attend a virtual presentation. Empathising with the audience helps you divert the attention from oneself and relieve the anxiety you feel. It also helps in moulding the presentation that best helps an audience and serves their needs.
Virtual presentations are inherently awkward. Keeping the to and fro conversation can help one feel more connected with the audience and also make one more confident and connected. Though you cannot see them, they are listening and need attention.
Yes, Virtual Presenting Is Weird
by Sarah Gershman HBR 2020/11
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