This Fast Company article by Bob Bejan, VP of Global Events at Microsoft nails key points that resonate with me. Click to read the whole article. Here are the main 8 points with my take on them:
1. THINK CINEMATIC RATHER THAN THEATRICAL
This is a critical point. As a videographer, I’ve been thinking cinematically for years. Presenters need to stop thinking theatrically and start thinking cinematically. Best examples include talking to the camera (some has put post-its of eyes around camera), gesturing to camera, leaning in and leaning back.
2. GET CLEAR ON SIZE, SCOPE, AND TECH NEEDS
The most powerful question is, “What do you want?”. Surprising, many people don’t really know when you ask. Ask A LOT of questions when you are planning your virtual program.
3. HAVE PRESENTERS ADAPT TO THE FORMAT
Look at what is good and then look at what is even better. For instance, we had space themed conference and a presenter used Snap Camera to turn into an alien to present. While we may not have remembered any content, we were all laughing so hard and completely engaged.
A more productive tip is to turn on Powerpoint or Google Slides captioning feature. As you talk, it auto-generates captions. Even if you have a native speaking audience, the captions can be a help for those who learn in a different style.
4. MAKE IT A CONVERSATION
If you’re just going to present, then make a nice video and send it to everyone. They will all thank you. Do the things in a virtual meeting you can’t do anywhere else, such as have a MEANINGFUL conversation.
5. CATER TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE
I have produced multiple multi-language webinars and meetings. I have presented to people in Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Georgia….the country. it’s not easier than ever to be like the UN and host an International virtual meeting, do it.
6. BE MINDFUL OF THE AUDIENCE JOURNEY
Things are different online. Shorten sessions. Give more breaks. Guarantee your program is engaging. Have empathy for the attendee that everything possibly is new. For instance, I require 2 Tech Checks before a virtual conference so attendees have the ability to test that they know how to get to sessions before the conference starts. Being mindful of the audience journey will win you accolades.
7. ADAPT YOUR SUCCESS METRICS
Look for new success metrics such as high watermarks for the # of attendees logged in for a session to immediate polls on how successful a session was.
The one thing that hasn’t changed is the overall impression your attendees have. Here’s an example of positive review after a virtual conference that I designed and produced.
8. EMPLOY A GROWTH MINDSET
Everything is changing and changing rapidly every day. It’s more than ever important to stay up on the latest changes. Subscribe to the blogs of your top platforms. Set news alerts. Experiment and find successes to allow your virtual meetings to grow.
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