Posted on August 17, 2020

How to present a virtual event [The right way]

Knowing how to present a virtual event was not the most required skill until early 2020. But now, virtual events are bringing a taste of instant interaction and engagement between audiences and brands.

But how to be this person that has the ability of transmitting the proposed content and also communicate naturally with the audience?

Trained speakers might be a choice if you’re big on budget. But why not to open up to this possibility of growth at a time when this can be a key differentiator to you as a professional?

Table of Contents

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1. Speaking to the camera

Have you heard about talking to the mirror? It works.

Even geniuses and rock stars like Michael Jackson and Queen used to rehearse a lot.

After going through the content of your speech or presentation a few times, you’ll likely memorize the flow and then things are going to happen on a more candid way at the time you deliver it for real.

Also, adapt your language according to the audience you want to reach.

Use humor. It’s super recommended. If you know someone who’s more outgoing than you, you can invite this person to be your comic relief. It’s a famous Hollywood technique to balance content delivery with entertainment.

2. Camera framing

Framing is essential for your broadcast to have a good image.

For example, if you’re not going to the office and are working remotely, you will do your virtual event in the living room.

So how to use the framing to your advantage to give a professional touch to your broadcast?

We’ve separated some simple tips that can help you take advantage of any camera, regardless if it’s a webcam, DSLR or your smartphone:

• Clean the lenses
• Position your frame horizontally
• Use a tripod
• Use classic composition techniques, like the rule of thirds or symmetry.
• Position the camera on your eyes level.

3. Mic & Audio

What really makes a live streaming look professional is the audio. A crisp image looks good, sure. But audio makes it sound like as if you were in a proper studio.

So you don’t want your virtual event with faults and drops in audio quality.

Instead of webcam or laptop built microphone, choose an external one.

Lavalier microphones, for example, can be attached to a shirt collar and capture direct audio.

Directional models are also a good choice, as well as those nicely designed ones that can serve as part of your scenario composition.

The directional model also usually have furry covers that cover the microphone to minimize background audio interference.

Both are good options for capturing quality, noise-free audio.

An option for those who do not want to buy the microphones is to rent them.

However, when you make a lot of videos the most economical option is to purchase the equipment.

4. Lights

One of the most common techniques is the three-point lighting, which consists of positioning different light sources at three different points in the scene, ensuring a professional effect in a very simple way.

For this, it is necessary to think about these light sources in order of intensity:

• The main light has to be the strongest
• The fill light is supposed to be the second stronger
• and the backlight is the weaker.

You can always play with your lights intensity, colors, etc. But it is strongly recommended that you do it once you start advancing on your lighting knowledge.

Mainly, this is because a simple trick executed in the wrong way could seriously damage your image. For example: setting the back light stronger than the others will give your audience your silhouette – which you’ll only want if you’re doing suspense on purpose.

5. Background

The truth is that choosing the location well must count as one of the essential tools for the virtual event participation. This is because an unfortunate choice can even cause the presentation to lose its functionality.

So take into account that you have to:

• choose a quiet location;
• prepare an environment consistent with the topic addressed;
• avoid agglomerations;
• separate a costume that harmonizes with the background;
• use background elements to reinforce the message of your presentation or your personality. After all, if your one of the speakers, one of the reasons the audience is there is to know a bit more about what you think

Last but not least: the unexpected can be the comic relief your presentation is missing.

If something goes out of control, just make it clear straight away. Your audience will likely relate to the situation and laugh with you.

6. Software

It would be useless to use all the tools for the virtual event above if it didn’t go live, right?

If you’re invited to be a speaker or a panelist, make sure if dealing with tech stuff is a point you’ll have to worry about or not.

Event organizers who hold events with InEvent, for example, have their Control Room to free speakers from having to deal with tech stuff and have their full attention on engaging with the audience.

In the case you’re a host, but also the event organizer, choosing a proper software for your virtual event becomes even more vital.

After all, going live is just one of the steps you’ll have to follow after going through a whole marketing plan to create the perfect experience for your attendee’s way before the event day.

Keep learning! Take advantage of our free and always updated resources:

• What to expect from a post-pandemic world [8 macro insights and possible scenarios]
• How to pitch solid Virtual Events for brands and sponsors [with slide presentation plan]
• Marketing Plan for Virtual Events: how CX makes its magic on attendees’ minds