By Kellie McCord, Toastmasters International
Because of the pandemic, many of us are continuing to work from home and with that, people’s need for connection and touch is being amplified.
Moving from face-to-face meetings to online has been challenging. Yet, despite the change in platform, the question: “How do I connect with an online audience?” is actually no different than “How do I connect with an audience in person?”. The only difference is that a screen sits between you and the people you are speaking to. Rather than seeing it as a barrier, I like to remember that if our eyes are windows to our souls, then a screen is a window into someone’s world. We can now take a peek into the home lives of our colleagues, employers and employees. This is actually a great way to connect on a deeper personal and professional level – if you allow it.
So, how can we create genuine connection with an online audience?
Start By Being Real
As Ivan Sutherland, renowned American computer scientist and Internet pioneer, stated, ‘The screen is a window through which one sees a virtual world. The challenge is to make that world look real, act real, sound real, feel real.’
So, what does that look like in reality? Well, it means that as tempting as it is to alter your background to a cool, nifty backdrop, don’t do it. Instead, use your own background. Of course, if it is a business meeting then make sure that the background is presentable by not having a pile of dirty dishes behind you. Equally, it is not a social occasion, so you do not want your DVD and gaming collection in view.
But there is nothing wrong with someone seeing your living-room wall; or, your study wall. If you have photos up, that is fine. It makes people feel relaxed because it makes it real.
Comfort breaks
Don’t forget the need for comfort breaks! I’ve attended many online meetings that seem to go on and on, with people losing focus because they desperately want to use the bathroom. If you do not want people getting up during a discussion or presentation, then make it clear that after 45 minutes to an hour, there will be a small break.
If your meeting is only 45 minutes to an hour long, then make it clear when you are going to end the session, so that people are not left wondering when they will be able to take a quick break.
Respect People’s Time
While on the subject of time, make sure you respect people’s time. Because the audience is online and sitting in the comfort of their homes, some presenters seem to think that running over time is not a big deal. It is. It loses connection quickly, as your audience will be left wondering when the session will end; if they will have enough time before the next call; will they manage to finish off the tasks on their to-do list today? Therefore, manage your time. If you begin to run over, acknowledge it and try to wrap up.
Use Polls
Before a meeting, set up a poll to ascertain what people would like to discuss. Knowing your audience is the best way to connect with them. Why? Because it allows you to create a message that is designed for them; to speak directly to them.
If, for example, you need to discuss a particular subject and it is not up for negotiation, then you could email a PDF of the agenda for the meeting. This primes people. They know what to expect and when, so that when they come to the online meeting, they are better able to focus and concentrate, since they have had an opportunity to mentally prepare.
Look Into The Camera
On that note, you also do not want to be looking at your screen, which I know seems counter-intuitive. Instead, look into the camera. This allows you to look into the eyes of your online audience. Therefore, rather than thinking of the camera as a camera, think of it as ‘the eyes of the audience’. You wouldn’t deliberately not look someone in the eyes when talking to them face-to-face, so do not do it online.
Cue cards
Similar to face-to-face meetings it is NOT okay to read from your notes. It is so disengaging. People want to see your face; they want eye-contact. If you need notes, make cue cards, so that it reminds you of what you want to say next, but does not become stifling.
Consider Your Body Language
Many people think that because the meeting is online, they have to be glued to their seat and sit perfectly still. Not so. It’s Ok to move, it’s ok to see more than just your face. Consider news anchors. How much of their bodies do you see? It varies slightly, but almost always, even if there is a close-up, it will include their arms, so that they audience can see their gestures. Doing this makes it more real and intimate because in our everyday communication, we use our bodies. So, don’t be afraid to move about.
Get People Involved
Be interactive. Many online presenters seem to take on the leading role in the online meeting. By that I mean, they talk and talk and talk. They think they are the star of the show! However, the reality is that they are not. Just because you are online, it does not change the purpose of a meeting. The meeting is taking place to serve your audience. Therefore, get people involved – make it interactive.
Ask questions
Ask for feedback
Ask someone to demonstrate an idea/concept
Ask someone to define a term
Ask the audience to imagine something
For longer meetings, create (if the software allows) break-out rooms, so that members of the audience can discuss topics or particular items in smaller groups. When the break-out rooms re-join the main meeting, they can then tell the other audience members what their group discussed.
In conclusion, online meeting and presentations may not be ‘in-person’, but they can be personal if you use these tips and make it real.
About The Author
Kellie McCord is a member of Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit organisation that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland. Members follow a structured educational programme to gain skills and confidence in public and impromptu speaking, chairing meetings and time management. To find your nearest club, visit www.toastmasters.org.
