A professional speaker presentation is important when planning a virtual event. Preparing speakers to look and sound their best in a virtual setting is quite different from preparing speakers for live events. A live event speaker shows up for rehearsal ready to speak. The stage they present from is preset with professional lighting, audio, backdrop and supporting production crew. They have the flexibility to stand, walk the stage, wave their hands or gesture for impact. Unless your virtual event speakers are presenting from a studio, they must manage their own lighting, audio, video quality and movement, with a little guidance from their Virtual Event Planner.
Support your virtual corporate event speakers and presenters
MTR Event Design recently interviewed production experts for a discussion about the steps that event planners can take to help support virtual event speakers on how to deliver an engaging presentation as well as give them the tools needed to feel comfortable on camera.
When planning virtual events conferences or retreats, tech experts begin with a detailed Speaker Questionnaire and Checklist.
The Speaker Questionnaire helps the tech team know what to expect and can include the instructions and timeline for event rehearsals and run throughs to ensure a smooth event.
- What hardware and software will the speaker be using?
- Will they be recording on a Mac or MacBook, Windows PC, or laptop?
- What type of camera will they be using? Is it built in or external to the computer?
- Will they be using a headset or earbuds?
- Is the microphone an excellent quality brand
- Is the microphone internal or external to the computer?
A Speaker Checklist is a list of “must-have” speaker kit items. It can cover tips to pre-record presentations and best practices your speakers can access that will boost their presence in front of the camera.
- Lighting and staging suggestions: Camera positioning, background, and surroundings
- Audio and visual best practices: Bluetooth vs wired headphones, dress attire and makeup
Delivering a sound presentation
There are three options for delivery of a presentation:
- Pre-record live locally
- Pre-recorded from your own location with a team of quality technicians
- Conduct your session live during the conference.
- Pre-recorded sessions eliminate technical problems during the event.
- Standby tech teams can test and ensure the recording is high quality.
- Technical issues that might happen during presentation, such as internet problems or equipment failures, are handled before the conference.
- More opportunity to review and prepare for any questions in the chat while session is streaming.
If you do decide to go live, be prepared
- Power failure
- Audio/Video equipment failure
- Family interruptions
- Computer Problems
- Other scenarios
A familiar scenario: If your internet is unstable or fails have the AV team stand by to help with the operation of the presentation slides, presenter will finish presentation via phone.
Online event clients need to be re-assured that they are working with a highly qualified team of virtual event professionals to ensure the delivery of a quality conference. The goal is to create an engaging and educational experience for the speakers, panelists, and attendees.
We hope these event tips are helpful. Feel free to contact us for more information.
