According to Jessica, there are some really small things you could change to quickly better the way you’re perceived on video. For instance, position the camera at eye level and make sure you leave enough space between yourself and the camera lens to emulate the position of two people in a real-life conversation.  

She also suggests standing in front of a solid monochrome background (like a simple room divider) or at least avoid capturing the space behind you where a family member in PJ’s might be crossing the room. This could seriously distract the audience, right?  

Finally, face the light because as a presenter people need to see you well. Having your face and upper body well-lit will draw the attention to you and your message. 

Being in control of your body language adds gravitas and shows you’re confident in what you’re saying. Jessica says that presenting standing up or sitting down is up to you, the idea is to amplify your message with your non-verbal behaviour. Show you’re relaxed and use your hand gestures to emphasise your key points. Maintain a reasonable distance from the camera and remember to look at the lens as this makes people feel like you’re talking directly to them. 

We know this one is hard, especially if you start the presentation full of energy but suddenly lose your mojo and need to quickly put yourself together. The audience will spot the change in your voice, as a monotone voice will inevitably kill the vibe you’ve created. Jessica’s advice is to project your voice, to speak with power and vigor, because that very energy will induce audience engagement. 

This tip refers to how clear you are about you goals and intentions. Before the presentation, try to let your audience know what’s in store for them. Is it to make a Decision or maybe you’re asking for their Input? Or maybe you’re inviting them to Share some feedback? Whatever it is, you need to put yourself in the audience’s shoes, so that everything you say relates to what they care about. Tailor your message to the audience’s needs and expectations. 

Finally, Jessica talks about bringing your content full circle, being proactive and checking with your audience what their thoughts are. She has some nice tips on how to retain the audience’s attention, what’s the moderator hat and what to do when you start losing your energy voice. Take it from an EMMY-winning pro and watch the full session for all the details.