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In an era spent behind a screen, is public speaking still a needed skill?

Today at a Glance:

• How digital platforms are reshaping the art

• The importance of authenticity

• Transcending beyond the screen

The Future of Public Speaking

Digital Platforms Reshaping the Art

The Rise of Virtual Venues:

Public speaking used to mean getting up on stage to talk in front of an audience; this is rarely the case anymore. Virtual venues, from webinars to live broadcasts, have dramatically expanded the reach of speakers. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, googlemeet, have become the new ‘stages’ for people to deliver their presentations - without ever needing to leave their home. These tools not only help broaden the reach, but also create a more inclusive environment for those who may have been restricted from attending in-person events.

The Challenge of Digital Distractions:

Although these tools are great, they present their own unique set of challenges. In a live setting, you may have to deal with the audience whispering or rustling papers. But in these digital environments, your audience may have 20 other tables open.

Being able to hold the attention of a virtual audience requires more then what would normally be needed in person. Engaging with them is vital, whether its through screen sharing or Q&A’s.

The Importance of Authenticity in the Virtual Realm

Being Genuine Amidst the Digital Veil:

Although separated by digital screens, virtual audiences will still be able to pick up on authenticity quickly. A speakers sincerity, passion, and conviction must shine through the screen in order to captivate their audience. This means knowing more than just your topic; it’s about revealing a bit of your personal self. Personal stories, struggles, triumphs, and genuinely interacting with your audience as if they were right in front of you.

The Power of Vulnerability:

With the rise of TED talks and similar platforms, we now have access to a vast quantity of presentations. The most impactful speeches all have something in common; they show a level of vulnerability. This human touch is what will separate you from the ocean of mediocre speakers. It gives your audience something human to resonate with, which is vital when trying to form human connections through a digital platform.

Ensuring Our Message Transcends the Screen

Crafting a Compelling Narrative:

Every great speech, whether delivered in person or online, hinges on a compelling narrative. Digital tools give us the advantage of easily incorporating multimedia elements to enhance our stories.

• Videos

• Animations

• Dynamic infographics

• Screenshare

Just like with all things, balance is important here too. These should be used as tools to complement your speech, not overshadow the message you are portraying.

Perfecting the Technical Aspects:

Good content can be undermined by poor delivery. In the digital era, we have a lot more variables to worry about then just our voice and body language.

• Video quality

• Internet speed

• Microphone clarity

• Lighting

• Background noise

All factors that can make or break your speech. Ensuring that all technical aspects are in order can be the difference between a compelling speech, and your audience clicking off to a different tab.

Conclusion

Public speaking in the digital era is both an exciting opportunity and a challenging endeavour. We have such a wide array of tools at our disposal to amplify our message, but these tools demand proper execution. It is essential to remember the core principles that have always made public speaking impactful - connecting with the audience, being authentic, and delivering a compelling message.

Actionable Tips

1. Before presenting, test all technical equipment. Make sure visuals and audio are clear.

2. Integrate interactive elements into your talk to encourage engagement from your virtual audience.

3. Remember to be yourself; authenticity > perfection.

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- Justin