3 Virtual Speaking Mistakes that Affect Audience Connection

How has virtual speaking been going for you??

Speaking virtually comes with its own set of challenges and concerns that are different from in-person speaking.  And even though online speaking has picked up and become a part of normal everyday life now, I still see virtual speakers struggling with many of the same problems that interfere with the audience connection. Here are three I see the most:

1. Reading to the audience
Let me let you in on a secret: the audience can tell when you’re reading your script to them. We see your eyeballs moving left to right repeatedly without looking at us. Your delivery comes across much differently when you’re reading instead of speaking. Your cadence does not sound the same when you read. You should be focused on your audience and not reading your script word for word. It’s hard to have a connection with people you’re not paying much attention to .

2. No eye contact
I still see speakers who look at their screen instead of in the camera lens. When you’re looking at audience members on your computer screen, it looks like you’re looking DOWN. I know it feels like you’re looking into a black hole or abyss, but when you look in that little lens – your listeners feel like you’re looking and speaking directly at them. And we know eye contact is importance for establishing connection. It’s ok to occasionally look at the audience members on screen (I get that you want to see their reactions from time to time), but you should look in the lens the majority of the time.

3. Having a seat
I’m surprised at the number of virtual speakers I still see sitting down to give their presentation. Now, if you’re just in a meeting where updates are being given and discussions are happening, then sit down by all means. But, if you’re giving a speech – stand up. You will even FEEL different when you stand vs sitting down. You will also project a confident presence to the audience, as if you own that space and moment. Because you do. Trust me, your presence is felt through the screen, adding positively to your audience connection.

Be honest – do you do one of these?? It’s ok, this is a safe space 🙂

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