I'm getting *so* used to virtual conferences now. I still feel slightly awkward as I love seeing and connecting with my audience (how else can I know if my lame joke landed?!) but here are some tippy tips that help me keep improving! 🌻🗣️🎥 [a thread] 
Tip 1/9:
A 2nd screen is a must-have (also very helpful for finicky slide deck prep).
If you feel comfortable having notes in front of you, enter presenter mode and add the full screen slides to your 2nd screen (and share that on the webinar software). No one will ever know!
A 2nd screen is a must-have (also very helpful for finicky slide deck prep).
If you feel comfortable having notes in front of you, enter presenter mode and add the full screen slides to your 2nd screen (and share that on the webinar software). No one will ever know!
Tip 2/9:
A good mic goes a LONG way. Some may cost >€100 but once you've got more into online events, there's nothing stopping you from doing podcasts / webinars in the future! 🔥 My favourite is the RODE NT-USB (€179), but there are many decent cheaper ones out there too!
A good mic goes a LONG way. Some may cost >€100 but once you've got more into online events, there's nothing stopping you from doing podcasts / webinars in the future! 🔥 My favourite is the RODE NT-USB (€179), but there are many decent cheaper ones out there too!
Tip 3/9:
I never personally worried much about my background (living in a small space means I don't get to choose :D). You could try to spice up talks with a fancy screen or a whiteboard with personalized message, but don't feel pressured into having a bookshelf wall behind ya.
I never personally worried much about my background (living in a small space means I don't get to choose :D). You could try to spice up talks with a fancy screen or a whiteboard with personalized message, but don't feel pressured into having a bookshelf wall behind ya.
Tip 4/9:
Set yourself up with good lighting 💡 Natural lighting in front of you is good but if that's not possible or you're recording in evenings, a nice LED ring light costs very little and looks very fab! See the difference:
Set yourself up with good lighting 💡 Natural lighting in front of you is good but if that's not possible or you're recording in evenings, a nice LED ring light costs very little and looks very fab! See the difference:
Tip 5/9:
Practicing speaking in a virtual environment helps you feel way more comfortable giving talks from your desk. What helped me was hosting webinars for clients and internal workshops for colleagues that gave me good practice! You could also record sessions for yourself!
Practicing speaking in a virtual environment helps you feel way more comfortable giving talks from your desk. What helped me was hosting webinars for clients and internal workshops for colleagues that gave me good practice! You could also record sessions for yourself!
Tip 6/9:
Always record your talks! ⏺️ G Hangouts, Zoom, etc. all have this function. Not only is this excellent, easy content to publish, but you can also use it to keep growing your subscription lists. Also: try to rewatch the recordings to see how you can improve even more!
Always record your talks! ⏺️ G Hangouts, Zoom, etc. all have this function. Not only is this excellent, easy content to publish, but you can also use it to keep growing your subscription lists. Also: try to rewatch the recordings to see how you can improve even more!
Tip 7/9: People love knowing who's speaking so sharing your webcam is usually good (your laptop's built in one should be fine). I usually make a bit of effort for my makeup and outfit (I'll likely switch from sweatpants to jeans 😅) just so that I feel a tad more confident.
Tip 8/9: Obvious but necessary: have a pee break first, and stock your desk up with water or fave quench-busting beverage. Longer talks can leave you with a dry throat! 😖 Random story: I always brush my teeth before speaking. The minty freshness makes my throat a bit clearer 😂
Tip 9/9:
Entertain and converse with your audience 👭 WFH can be lonely, so webinars these days should also be more personable. Be open, ask questions, and engage listeners with polls or quizzes (e.g with Mentimeter). Having these personal moments really makes talks shine!
Entertain and converse with your audience 👭 WFH can be lonely, so webinars these days should also be more personable. Be open, ask questions, and engage listeners with polls or quizzes (e.g with Mentimeter). Having these personal moments really makes talks shine!
P.s. @techseowomen often hold virtual meet-ups which is a fantastic community and the perfect place to start your speaking career <3
Did I miss anything? Feel free to comment or ask questions!
Also - if you have an online conference / meet-up / webinar series and are looking for speakers - let it be known! 😊🔥
Also - if you have an online conference / meet-up / webinar series and are looking for speakers - let it be known! 😊🔥
One thing I forgot to add to: To avoid any potential connection issues, always try to connect your device directly to the router with an ethernet cable (+ mac adaptor if necessary)! My router is in another room so I have an annoying long cable but it's worth it just incase.
