Communicado: Business Communications Blog

I don't know about anyone else, but doing presentations over the web is not something I always look forward to.  Of course, I love the benefits, like not having to travel; not having to worry if the room will be right; and, not having to worry about that tea stain I got on my nice white shirt at lunch. But I really hate not seeing the audience, not being able to make eye contact and not getting all the usual visual clues about how the audience is responding.

Clearly, web presentations and teleconferences are here to stay, so here are some ideas to help you prosper in this new virtual environment.

1. Quick up-front interaction
If you are presenting to a small group (say, maximum 6-8), rather than starting with the typical introduction of yourself, make time to talk ever so briefly with each participant. Ask them what they do and what they hope to get out of the presentation.