Let Zoom Work for You
When Zoom was first introduced, it was an interesting, edgy, tech-savvy fad. Made a user look smart and ahead of the curve, so to speak. But there was little audience interaction. Most of the time one simply sat in front of a computer – like usual – and feedback was possible only via the screen. It was hard to judge how a presentation was received.
Then the pandemic descended upon us, with its many restrictions, and we were forced to rely on Zoom. Remote meetings were no longer a luxury, but a requirement. And the drawbacks were further highlighted.
Audience participation didn’t improve much. Distractions intruded (children, pets, internet connections, personal issues, unfamiliarity with the technology). It’s not easy to run a successful Zoom meeting under stressful conditions. But Zoom, or something like it, is here to stay and we need to get control of it.
Speakout is here to give you 3 simple and easily implemented tips to make Zoom your friend!
1. Set your audience at ease.
The Zoom chat feature is a very good way to get people involved from the beginning. And it serves to make sure things are working on both ends. Ask a question to start, such as – ‘What would you like to learn from this presentation, and how can I best help you with that?’ Avoid questions with only a Yes/No answer, because you want interaction rather than glassy states. Right?
Invite your audience to comment via the chat, during the meeting. Perhaps they need clarification of a point, or would like to add to it, or even disagree. Interactive learning is the best of all possible methods.
Provide helpful links to illustrate important points or methods. The chat transcript will also be useful for future reference, on both sides. You want your Zoom session to be actionable rather than static.
2. Initiate a conversation.
Remember those boring lectures in school or on the job? The presenter droned on and on, with no opportunity for feedback. You could hardly wait for it to be over so you could forget it.
While your Zoom session may seem remote, it’s more intimate than we believe. You’re invited into each living room, corner desk, kitchen table or patio. With reliable internet connection, you can even find yourself in the car with someone.
So, you create the expectation. When your attitude is one of conversation, as though over a nice steaming cup of tea or coffee, people are more likely to want to hear what you have to say. Always remember to set the tone to what you’d like to experience, yourself.
Remember! Presentations are never one way communication processes. Observe the reactions of your audience and adapt to their needs.
3. Expect distractions and work around them.
Everyone has a life. And in these times, more often than not life has a way of insisting on immediate attention. A toddler suddenly announces that she HAS to go potty right NOW. The cat jumps onto a keyboard. There’s an unexpected knock on a door. Someone’s battery goes dead.
Aside from the embarrassment of suddenly being the center of attention, none of these things is life threatening. Usually. Those incidents can actually tune you to the present moment. When you are under stress you might become less observant of distractions in a zoom call but your audience that is not stressed is actually able to perceive everything. Reacting to an interruption is a great opportunity to tune with the vibe of the conference room. Let your participants see that you’re ready for whatever happens and willing to work around roadblocks for their benefit.
In Summary
To wrap up your session, invite questions, either via the screen or the chat. Many times, we gain valuable feedback from comments and Q&A.
As a presenter, it’s your job to take your knowledge and pass it on. You want to help others to do the same, and teach them how. Don’t fear the Zoom. It can be a powerful tool. Make friends with it and stand as a great example on how to master it.
