Effective speakers wrap their messages in stories—but few understand what stories are and how they work. This brief guide explores why some narratives connect with listeners and others don’t. Examples—including a few of the author‘s nautical adventure tales—reveal powerful techniques … More ☛
In default mode, as soon as you hit the “play” button on a PowerPoint™ presentation, it takes over your entire screen. This makes it impossible to access your videoconferencing software. Some people try to circumvent this by showing their slides … More ☛
What is a meeting monitor? One of my colleagues and I jokingly refer to that role as “the meeting monster.” When presenting virtually, the speaker all too often ends up arriving early, welcoming guests into the session, explaining the guidelines … More ☛
My client wanted to broadcast my presentation to a satellite office and to some of their team members who were working at home. In the room were about a hundred employees from a marketing and PR firm who were attending … More ☛
Why do I keep a cardboard cutout of King Charles in my green screen studio? Well, no offense to Chuck, but I shopped around and he was the cheapest life-sized cardboard cutout I could find. And why do I want … More ☛
Webcams are light and compact, and quality has gotten better as videoconferencing has become more popular. Most laptops and many new monitors have webcams built in. But have you ever seen serious photographers with massive lenses that cost thousands of … More ☛
You’ve probably been advised to look at the camera when you speak on screen, and in general, that’s good advice. But consider another approach. If you were sitting in a live audience, would the speaker look you in the eyes … More ☛
Virtual backgrounds for on-screen meetings are very popular. Why not hide that messy bedroom and look like you’re in a conference room, sitting under the aurora borealis, or sunning yourself on a beach in Tahiti? Here are a few reasons: … More ☛
If you’re viewing this content in video format instead of reading it, you’re watching the magic of the green screen. The concept is simple: Film yourself speaking in front of a green screen. Some are fabric. Some are painted on … More ☛
Microphones come in many varieties. Choose the right one based on your needs. Cost and Quality: Microphones can cast tens or tens of thousands. Avoid the cheap-o ones because you’re a speaker. The quality of your audio is even more … More ☛
I’ve been videoconferencing for years; this will be easy! I thought as I began my first virtual speech. When it was over, I was surprised at my lackluster performance, and by the number of filler words I used—ums, ers, and … More ☛
You’ve already read at least a dozen articles about ZOOM and videoconferencing that remind you to mute yourself when you’re not talking and look into the camera. Here are eleven important video tips you haven’t read before but should. … More ☛
