It’s safe to say, that almost all of the working population is now familiar with online meetings and virtual events, but making the transition from the real-world to online can bring added challenges.
Back when physical events were an everyday occurrence for us, a number of our clients at Elevate PR were regularly called-upon as exceptional and experienced public speakers, often participating in expert panel events and chairing live debates. Today, some of our most dynamic clients such as Camilla Dell of Black Brick are pivoting to the online world; developing new skills and techniques to connect via their screens. As a result, we’re sharing our top tips on how to maximise PR opportunities through virtual platforms.
Get technical
We accept that this might sound very basic, but a stable internet connection, a clean camera on your computer and familiarity with the platform that the event is hosted on is key. Keeping track of comments or questions on the live audience board will enable you to adapt and tailor your talk to the interests of the audience. This will make the event feel much more ‘two-way’ rather than being a talking head on a screen. And of course, know when to mute and unmute!
Plan, plan and plan
When that red button is flashing on-screen and the event is live, there’s no time for floundering with sheets of paper or pages of notes. Understand exactly why you have been invited to participate in the event and understand your position relative to the other invited speakers. Plan what you want to say and think about how you might respond to specific questions ahead, so that you can speak succinctly and on-point. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask an event host for a technical check before the event and a ‘dummy run’ of the Q&A.
Location, location, location
We all love an impromptu visit from a small person when an online event is live, but aside from these heart-warming moments, a calm and controlled physical location is key. Due to the fact that our clients are highly successful in the property world, it’s always a treat to get a glimpse of their stylish homes, but it’s also important that their audience is focused on what they are saying, so we always suggest avoiding distracting items on book cases or glaring light through a window.
Ask the event host for a recording of the online event
This means that you can review your performance and constructively refine your style for future online events, but it also means that you can share a link to the event for your social media followers to view it in their own time.
Provide specific examples to illuminate your points
In order to keep an audience focused, it’s helpful to offer specific examples which can reinforce a point. Reference recent data or research that has just been published and figure-out your take on it. Even better than that, speak about your first-hand experiences and anecdotal insights which support your point. Paint a picture using your words to bring to life a property or development, so that your audience is inclined to look it up themselves.
Excelling in the virtual world of PR events