1. When giving a remote presentation do you feel like you're speaking into the void because there's no feedback? Some advice.

First. Any time you see a talking head on TV, this is what they are looking at (or #pandemic equivalent). Speaking to 10000s, but ZERO people there.

2. This means no one is going to be giving you energy - you have to bring your own. It's not that hard. Imagine a lovely audience - really, start by visualizing them. Friendly coworkers. Past audience you've loved. Put that in your head.

Then present to them.

3. This seems odd but it's in a way what good speaker coaching gives you: confidence in what you're saying. Not "fake it" confidence, but the real kind.

If you prepared right (1. know your audience 2. know the problems you're solving 3. practice) they WILL be a good audience.

4. A common area for growth in speakers is enthusiasm: if you seem like YOU care, it's easier for ppl to follow.

This is more important in remote talks.

Take a moment to ask yourself: why is teaching this important? How much do I want them to learn this? Let that energy out.

5. Don't yell at the camera or anything, but being a little box on a flat screen takes sooooo much energy away. Be bigger, friendlier and more enthusiastic than you think to compensate.

Think of the best/worst remote speakers you've seen. Some seem alive.. many seem half-awake.

6. Another approach: all the tools have some interactivity built in, but it's up to you to use it.

If you NEED energy from them, YOU have to make it possible.

Divide your talk into parts and go interactive inbetween. Do a poll. Ask a Y/N question. Anything. Make it fun & easy.

7. This seems goofy but it helps. Staring at cameras feels like HAL is trying to kill you. But our brains relax when we see friendly faces, even ones like this. If it makes you relax 2% it's worth it. Put a picture. A joke. A standing ovation image. Whatever works for u.

8. If u want my remote working & speaking advice, here's a recent talk I gave. U can hire me to do live for your org: just DM me.

- how to present/pitch
- the common mistakes & how to avoid
- working remotely with teams

#ignite #speaking
@ignitesea