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One of the stranger effects of the Covid lockdown is the rapid rise of the Zoom meeting. Almost overnight, all of us became the hosts of our own little TV shows. But is there anything more painful than being trapped in a Zoom meeting with a deadly boring presenter?
Broadcaster Rich “Trigger” Bontrager has years of experience in the art of engagement. The author of “How to Rock the Virtual Stage Show,” he helps everyday people to become better presenters. In a year where we are all forced to expand our skill-sets, Bontrager sits down with Sylvia Henderson to impart his keen insights on making your moment count.
1:20 The Show Must Go On
Bontrager starts by describing the journey that led him into living rooms worldwide. After 30 years in the broadcast industry, the COVID crisis arrived as an entirely new challenge to content creation. More than most, the veteran TV host understood how to make the most of a less than ideal situation. He leverages this practical experience into a career optimizing online presentations as a production consultant, forming a brand new career in just a few months.
3:10 Virtual Realities
On-screen or offline, every outreach effort merits meticulous consideration. For Bontrager, the common perception of virtual meetings is what can often hold them back from reaching their productive potential. Because of its novelty and accessibility, many prospective presenters–and the audiences they aspire to attract–can subconsciously downplay the importance of these presentations. The accomplished master of ceremonies draws this fallacy into focus while emphasizing the development of skills unique to online presentation.
4:37 First Impressions First
Anyone who has ever applied for a job or even been on a first date understands the importance of appearances. When a viewer’s primary experience with you is through connected channels, every aspect of the presentation becomes even more crucial. In Bontrager’s view, a successful online presentation is one that exudes confidence and the presenter’s comfort with the subject matter. At its core, a professional presentation is one of competency, which can foster instant trust between you and your audience.
6:18 Connected and Unplugged
In years past, the phrase “ content is king” defined outreach efforts of all kinds. Today, in the advent of virtual presentation tools, the manner in which that content is presented may be even more important. Here, Bontrager elaborates on connecting with our virtual audiences at an emotional level, drawing them in for a stimulating conversation. For instance, when the lights are on, the camera represents a person or people instead of a machine. Speakers should always direct their words to the camera, never the monitor, to simulate eye contact.
9:53 Conversational Communication
Presentation is the key difference between a boring lecture and a compelling conversation. A proficient presenter, Bontrager takes time and care to underline the factors that separate them. Virtual presentations can get bogged down with an overload of on-screen text, and so visual aids such as graphics encourage engagement. Think of each virtual meeting as a TV broadcast, and the best ways to keep all eyes on your channel will start to come naturally.
11:33 Watch Your Language
Some professionals who are less inclined to appear on camera wonder if the video element of a virtual meeting or presentation is even necessary. Decades as a TV host and keynote speaker have left Bontrager with the indisputable knowledge that body language speaks louder than any other. Seeing the people with whom you are interacting, as well as their mannerisms and reactions, is a central factor in establishing trust. In a time where being present isn’t always possible, presenting well could make or break your professional path.
Connect with Rich Bontrager:
Website- https://www.richbontrager.net/
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-trigger-bontrager-virtualstage-presentationcoach/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/RichTriggerBontrager/
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/c/RichBontrager
Connect with MindTeam Solutions:
Website: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/mindteamsolutions
Email: Info@MindTeamSolutions.com
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/mindteamsolutions