Chapter 19: Presenting and Recording Speeches Online

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All right, welcome back to the Deep Dive.

Today we're diving into something I think we all deal with pretty regularly, and that's giving speeches online.

Online speaking.

Yeah, and it's interesting, right?

Because we're all so comfortable now with like video calls with family or just messaging friends or whatever, all sorts of online stuff.

But have you ever noticed that when it comes to actually presenting something online, it feels different?

It is different.

There's something about it that's kind of tricky.

Yeah, I think that's a really good point.

And I know for me, I think back to Matthew Reed, the startup founder,

this guy was super confident speaking in person.

But when he had to present his software to a group of librarians online, it just completely fell flat.

He just hadn't quite grasped, you know, the nuances of speaking in this new digital world.

Yeah, I think that really highlights the core idea we're going to dig into today, that online speaking,

it isn't just about taking your in -person talk and just sticking it on a screen.

You need all those core public speaking skills, but then there's this whole other layer, like a whole new set of things to consider.

Yeah.

There's this assumption that if you're good at Zoom happy hours or online meetings, you'll automatically nail online presentations.

But the environment just changes everything.

It really demands a different approach.

So in today's Deep Dive, we're going to break down what actually makes online presentations work, like really unpack it.

We'll look at, you know, what makes this environment so unique, the different types of online speeches you might encounter, and then the really essential guidelines for just nailing your delivery.

We'll also get into the tech because that obviously plays a huge part.

Oh yeah, absolutely.

That's a big one.

And of course, you know, preparation, which is always key in public speaking, but it takes on an even greater importance, I think, when you're online.

So think of this as your guide to feeling confident and effective every single time you have to present online.

Okay, let's get started.

The first thing that really stood out to me in the chapter was how different the online environment is compared to, you know, standing up and talking to a live audience.

Right.

Right.

That immediate feedback you get when you're in the same room.

You're looking at people's faces, making eye contact.

You can feel the energy of the room.

You can pick up on all these little nonverbal cues, and they're telling you right there in that moment if your message is landing or if you need to adjust.

It's so true.

It's like you catch those little nods of agreement.

Maybe see a furrowed brow, you know, like, oh, someone's confused or even just someone shifting in their seat, you use those little signals to kind of steer the conversation.

You know, you can adjust as you go.

But online, that shared physical space, it just disappears.

It creates this distance, right?

That feeling of being removed, less connected.

It's like you're looking through a window.

You're looking at a screen.

And even if you can see the people you're talking to, that direct, you know, palpable connection, it just feels different, filtered.

And that distance makes it really hard to gauge how your audience is responding.

You know, are they actually listening to you or are they multitasking, you know, checking their email, scrolling social media?

You just don't know.

Yeah.

And you lose all of those subtle cues that you would normally rely on when you're speaking in person to adjust your delivery.

Another interesting thing is the types of interference that can happen online.

It's not just the usual things like someone's phone going off or someone walking in late.

Online, you're dealing with technology and technology, well, it has a mind of its own sometimes.

Oh, I know it all too well.

It's like your connection freezes at the worst possible moment or there's a lag in the audio or the video turns into this blurry mess.

And of course, you've got the dreaded software update that pops up right in the middle of your presentation and just brings everything to a screeching halt.

Right.

It's this whole other layer of things that can go wrong that you wouldn't even think about when you're giving a presentation in a physical room.

OK, so now that we understand some of those key differences, let's talk about the different types of online speeches you might be giving.

The chapter breaks it down into two main categories.

We've got recorded online speeches and real time online speeches.

Now on the surface, they might seem similar, you know, someone speaking and an audience is watching on a screen, but the purpose and how you approach them can be totally different.

Right.

So let's start with recorded speeches.

When I think of this, I immediately think of TED Talks.

The classic example.

Exactly.

And they're not just, you know, someone rambling on camera.

These are super polished presentations often developed over months with tons of preparation and feedback.

The speakers work really closely with TED advisors.

Right.

And it's interesting because while they are delivered in front of a live audience, it's almost like that live audience is secondary.

It's true.

The real target audience is the millions of people who will be watching the edited video online later.

So if you're creating a recorded speech, that longevity and that massive potential reach should really influence how you plan and prepare.

Then you've got other forms of recorded speeches, like the ones students do for online classes.

They record themselves often in their own space and then upload it for their instructor and classmates to watch whenever they can.

And in terms of the content and the structure, those speeches tend to be very similar to traditional classroom speeches.

You're focused on delivering the required information in a clear and concise way.

OK, now let's switch gears to real -time online speeches.

These are the ones where your audience is watching you live as you're presenting, usually through video conferencing software.

Think about job interviews you've done online.

That initial, tell me about yourself, that's like a mini real -time presentation.

Or training sessions you might lead for colleagues who are in different locations.

Even those presentations to a board of directors or clients that happen remotely, like the one Matthew Reeves struggled with.

Right, and the interesting thing here is that element of immediacy.

You have to be able to adapt on the fly even though you don't have all those in -person cues you'd normally rely on.

So while the lines can get blurred sometimes, a real -time presentation might be recorded and shared later.

The key difference really boils down to who your intended audience is and how you're delivering your speech.

The chapter makes it very clear.

If you're presenting live via a webcam,

your audience has certain expectations.

They expect a speech that is designed for that online environment.

You can't just deliver a stand -up speech while sitting down.

And that brings us to some really important guidelines that apply whether you're recording a presentation or delivering it live.

And the first one that's crucial is controlling your visual environment.

OK, this is huge.

I can't tell you how many times I've been on a video call and been totally distracted by what's going on in someone's background.

It can be really unprofessional.

I mean, we're used to a certain level of casualness on the internet.

But for online speeches, you really need to step up your game.

Absolutely.

You've got to remember that what your audience sees in that little box on their screen, it shapes their perception of you and your message.

Think of your background as like a silent co -presenter.

It's either helping you or hurting you.

So the chapter breaks down the visual environment into a few key elements.

First, you've got the setting.

Choose a quiet space where you won't be interrupted.

And seriously consider what's visible behind you.

Clutter is a big no -no.

So, you know, stacks of papers, random household items, anything that's going to pull the focus away from you and your message.

Same goes for posters or artwork that's too busy.

Ideally, you want a clean, neutral backdrop.

Lighting is another big one.

You don't want to be hidden in the shadows.

Your audience needs to be able to see you and connect with you.

Right.

But you also don't want to be washed out by overly bright lighting.

And the chapter specifically warns against having windows directly behind you.

Yeah, because then the background gets all blown out and your face is in shadow.

Right.

Good lighting online, it's not just about being visible.

It's about conveying energy and trustworthiness.

Soft frontal light, that's what you want.

It mimics natural interaction and it just helps your audience connect with you.

Then there's framing, which is particularly important for real -time presentations.

You don't want to be so far away from the camera that you look tiny and distant.

Right.

But you also don't want to be so close that it feels like you're in their personal space.

Yeah, like an awkward selfie.

The recommendation is to position yourself about two to three feet away from the camera so that you're framed from about the chest up.

There's a helpful diagram in the chapter, Figure 19 .1, that shows you what this looks like.

And then we have eye contact.

Now this is something that's different between recorded and real -time speeches.

For recorded speeches, the speaker is usually making eye contact with the live audience and the camera just captures that.

But when you're doing a real -time presentation online, you really need to train yourself to look directly into the webcam lens, not at your own image on the screen or at the faces of the people you're talking to.

It can feel a little strange at first, like you're talking to this disembodied eye, but it's the way to make that direct eye contact with your online audience.

There's another figure in the chapter, Figure 19 .2, that shows you exactly what this should look like.

And pay attention to the height of your webcam, too.

You want it at or slightly above your eye level so you're not looking up at the camera.

Right.

That's not a flattering angle for anyone.

And finally, we've got personal appearance.

Even though you're not physically in the same room, dressing professionally is still important.

It shows respect for your audience and for the occasion.

Plus, when you look professional, it can make you feel more confident.

And that confidence will come through in your presentation.

Stick to solid colors.

And the chapter recommends avoiding pure white, bright greens, and purples.

They can sometimes look strange on camera.

Busy patterns are also distracting.

And anything too glitzy or reflective can be a problem, too.

So you know, dress like you would for an important in -person presentation.

It'll make a difference.

There's another really helpful visual in the chapter, Figure 19 .3, that shows side -by -side examples of effective and ineffective visual environments.

It really highlights how all these elements we've been talking about come together.

Okay, so once you've got your visual environment set up for success,

the next big guideline is adapting your nonverbal communication.

Now, this is really interesting because the camera, it acts like a magnifying glass for all your nonverbal cues.

Since you're usually seen in a close -up view through the webcam,

your gestures, your facial expressions, even just little shifts in your gaze, they become much more noticeable.

Oh, it's like you're under a microscope.

Exactly.

So your posture becomes really important, especially if you're sitting down, which you probably will be for most online presentations.

You want to sit up straight, look engaged and professional, but don't be stiff.

Be relaxed.

Yeah, the goal is to project confidence and approachability at the same time.

And your hand gestures,

they need to be a bit more deliberate and controlled than they would be in person.

Too many fast or big movements can be super distracting on camera.

And it can make you look nervous.

Right.

The chapter actually quotes an expert who says, the more defined your hands appear, the more defined your message will appear to your audience.

So use your hands to emphasize your points, but keep those gestures contained within the frame of the camera.

And eye contact is super crucial, too.

You need to be really mindful of where you're looking.

Avoid looking around the room or glancing at other windows on your computer.

Try to maintain steady eye contact with the webcam lens, like you're looking directly at each person in your audience.

I know it takes practice.

And then we need to talk about pacing.

Remember, your online audience, they're sitting in their own environment and they've got a lot of potential distractions.

It's so easy to get sidetracked when you're online.

You know, check your email, browse the web, whatever.

So how do we combat that?

Well, one way is to vary what's visible on the screen, especially for longer presentations.

You don't want to just have your webcam feed up the whole time.

Switch between showing yourself and sharing relevant visual aids, like slides or graphics.

It helps break up the monotony and keep people engaged.

Right.

And regardless of how long your presentation is, the chapter recommends keeping a brisk pace.

Online viewers are used to things moving quickly, so avoid getting bogged down in too many details or long pauses.

It's a balance.

Right.

You need to explain your ideas clearly, but you don't want to lose your audience's attention.

Exactly.

And now for a guideline that might seem obvious, but it's easy to forget when you're online.

Don't forget your audience.

Even though you're not in the same room, you're still talking to real people with their own needs and interests.

Yeah.

I think it's easy to get so caught up in the technology that you forget there are actual humans on the other side of the screen.

So how do we make sure we're keeping them in front of mind?

The chapter reminds us about the importance of audience analysis.

You still need to think about your audience's prior knowledge of your topic, their interests, any potential biases, and why they're listening to you.

Online you've got tools like SurveyMonkey that can actually help you do some online audience analysis before your presentation.

That's a great tip.

It's also a reminder that public speaking is like a mental dialogue between you and your audience.

You have to anticipate how they might react, what questions they might have, and structure your speech in a way that makes them feel like what you're saying is important to them.

Even if they're just watching from their own home or office.

Exactly.

Okay, now we come to the grand finale of guidelines for online speaking.

And it's the one that's always emphasized in public speaking.

Practice, practice, practice.

Oh, this is huge for online speeches, even more so than in person, I think.

Absolutely.

Because we're all exposed to so much polished video content online, you know, TED Talks, professionally produced news segments, our expectations for even informal video presentations are just higher now.

The camera doesn't lie.

It picks up on every little and every awkward pause.

So you need to dedicate more rehearsal time to online speeches if you want to come across as confident and polished.

If you're doing a recorded speech, the chapter recommends recording your practice sessions in the same location where you'll be giving the actual speech.

It lets you see how your visual environment looks from the viewer's perspective.

Some instructors even suggest practicing in front of an imaginary audience, you know, set up some empty chairs and put sticky notes on them to represent your audience members.

It might sound silly, but it can help you stay focused on your audience, even when you're alone in the room.

And, of course, record yourself, watch the playback, and be honest with yourself.

How's your framing?

How's your vocal delivery?

Are you making eye contact?

Are your visual aids integrated well?

And then just keep practicing and refining until you feel good about it.

Now for real -time speeches, a lot of that same advice applies, but there are a few extra things to think about.

Since you're mostly going to be seen from the chest up, pay attention to how you look in that close -up view.

And this is really important.

Practice with the exact computer, webcam, microphone, and video conferencing software that you'll be using for the real presentation.

You need to be 100 % comfortable with how everything works.

You don't want to be fumbling around trying to figure out how to share your screen or mute yourself during your speech.

Use the screen recording feature to see what your audience will actually be seeing and hearing.

That's how you catch any weird glitches or awkward transitions.

And rehearse the whole process of getting your computer ready.

Close any unnecessary programs, turn off notifications,

make sure your software is up to date.

Elizabeth Frick, who's an expert in business webinars, actually recommends starting practice sessions two weeks in advance for important webinars.

Yeah, that's dedication.

It is.

You might not always have that much lead time, but it just goes to show how important practice is, especially in the online environment.

Okay, let's talk tech.

Specifically, the technology involved in real -time online speeches.

Unlike traditional in -person presentations where tech might be an optional extra for real -time online delivery, it's a necessity.

Without the right technology, your presentation just isn't happening.

Exactly.

And while your instructor might tell you which platform to use for recorded speeches, like in an academic setting, for real -time presentations, you're often the one who has to figure out the tech.

There are so many options out there.

WebEx, GoToMeeting, Skype, Zoom, Adobe Connect, Google Hangouts, and they all have different features and strengths and weaknesses.

Some are better for audio and video quality, others have more robust tools for visual aids or for managing chat features.

In a classroom setting, you often see instructors using platforms like Skype, because it's free, easy to use, and it works on pretty much any device.

It's a good option when you've got students who might have different levels of technical expertise and equipment, but if you're presenting outside of a classroom setting, like for a job interview or a client meeting, you'll probably have to use whatever software the organization prefers.

Which means you might have to download and install new software and learn how to use it pretty quickly.

The chapter has a good tip here.

Always check the software requirements ahead of time with your contact person so you're not scrambling at the last minute.

And once you know which software you're using,

take some time to really learn it.

You don't want to be fumbling around during your presentation trying to figure out how to share your screen or mute your microphone.

It just looks unprofessional.

Luckily, there are tons of tutorials and health guides available online for all of these platforms.

You really need to practice using the software, too.

If you're going to be using visual aids, practice swishing between your webcam feed and your slides.

Know how to share your screen and how to stop sharing your screen.

Those little things make a big difference in how smooth your presentation feels.

Okay, we've talked about preparation, we talked about technology, but even with the best planning in the world, things can still go wrong.

That's why the chapter emphasizes the importance of having a backup plan.

Because as much as we try to control things, technology can be unpredictable.

Maybe your internet connection drops out.

Maybe the platform you're using has a glitch.

It happens.

So what are some practical things you can do to be prepared?

Well, one simple thing is to email your audience a brief outline of your speech beforehand.

That way, even if the audio or video cuts out, they can still follow along.

You could also have the option of switching to an audio -only conference call if the video keeps having problems.

Another good backup is to have your speech text ready to go in a document collaboration tool like Google Docs.

That way, if things really go south, you can just share a link and your audience can read along.

And in a worst -case scenario, you could always have a pre -recorded version of your speech ready to upload later if the live presentation just isn't working.

Right.

And sometimes the best backup plan is just to reschedule.

The important thing is to have a plan and to let your audience know that you're prepared even if things go wrong.

And most audiences are pretty understanding about technical difficulties.

It happens to everyone.

To bring all of this to life, the chapter includes a really detailed analysis of a sample speech.

It's a four - to five -minute persuasive speech given by a student who's trying to encourage support for the charity.

It's a great example of how to take all these principles we've been discussing and apply them in a real -world situation.

The commentary in the chapter really breaks down how the speaker uses technology effectively maintains a professional presence and adapts those traditional public speaking skills to the online environment.

Right from the start, the speaker checks to make sure everyone can hear and see them.

It's a little thing, but it's good online etiquette.

And then they structure their speech using Monroe's motivated sequence.

They grab your attention right away with this contrast between a bottle of water and the reality of the global water crisis.

The speaker introduces charity, water, and connects with the audience by letting them know they're a fellow college student.

They also talk about the charity's commitment to financial responsibility, which helps address any potential concerns about donating right off the bat.

To establish the need for clean water, they use some compelling statistics from the World Health Organization.

Very credible source.

Absolutely.

And then they show a slide with those statistics, and then they switch back to their webcam for a more personal delivery.

It's a really nice mix of using visual aids and maintaining that connection with the audience.

Then they explain how charity.

Water works with local partners to develop sustainable solutions.

And they use specific examples from different countries, like Honduras, Rwanda, and India.

They even show some visuals of the projects.

It's very effective.

And they address any potential skepticism about donating to charities by emphasizing charity.

Water's transparency and the fact that private donors cover their overhead.

They even mention endorsements from Charity Navigator and Give .org.

Yeah, they really do a good job of building credibility.

And then of course they end with a clear call to action, urging the audience to donate.

What's really great about the speech is how sincere and personable the speaker is throughout.

You can tell they really care about the issue, and that comes across, even through the screen.

It's a really good example of how powerful online speeches can be when they're done well.

So the main takeaway here is that if you want to be an effective online speaker,

you need to adapt to the unique aspects of this environment.

It's not just about the content.

It's about how you deliver it.

You've got to think about your visual environment, your nonverbal communication, your pacing, and most importantly, your audience.

We encourage you to think about how these guidelines can apply not just to formal presentations, but to any kind of online communication you do, whether you're leading a team meeting or just participating in an online discussion.

It's about being mindful of how you're presenting yourself online.

And here's a final thought for you.

As our world becomes more and more reliant on digital communication,

how do you think mastering these online presentation skills will change the way we connect with each other and share our ideas, both professionally and personally?

It's something to think about.

Thanks for joining us for this deep dive.

We'll see you next time.