Like it or not, many of us spend hours a day communicating via Zoom and other audiovisual platforms.
And whether we're doing it for work, or activism, or volunteering, we're showing up to get something important done. Which typically involves influencing the other people on the call, and those who may later watch the recording.
Unfortunately, our collective Zoom game hasn't kept pace with the growth of the medium.
I mean, most of us have learned how to be presentable in person. We bathe, dress appropriately for the situation, make eye contact, speak clearly, and don't fidget.
But on Zoom, it's pretty rare to find someone really rocking their visuals and sound. And that compromises our effectiveness.
Today's guest, Alfred Poor, is an expert on helping people look and sound great on Zoom. I was a guest on his podcast a few weeks ago, talking about my and Peter Bregman's new book, You Can Change Other People (have I mentioned it lately?). And when I found out that Alfred's passion (one of them, presumably) is empowering people to be more effective and engaging digital communicators, I selfishly thought, "Let me invite him to my podcast to give me a blistering critique so I can get better at this myself."
And so that's what we talked about on this episode. Since it's visually based, I highly recommend watching the video (above) rather than just listening to the audio.
In our conversation, you (and I) will learn a bunch of powerful principles, strategies, tactics, and tricks to be more effective in audiovisual format. Like:
- how to reduce other people's Zoom fatigue through your presentation
- the hierarchy of inputs
- why trying to replicate in-person events online is a mistake, and what to do instead
- what technology you need, and why
- what to watch for instruction and inspiration in being a better presenter
- how to position your camera so you look trustworthy
- lighting secrets
- where to position your microphone
- the surprising Zoom use case for a teleprompter (no, it's not for reciting a script)
- and much more...
Links
SpeakerSpringboard.com
My Gear (Amazon affiliate links)
Camera #1: Canon SL3
Prime lens for Canon: Canon 24mm 2.8 lens
Continuous power supply for Canon
Camera #2: Sony ZV-1
Continuous power supply for Sony
Microphone: Rode NT-1 (kit)
Microphone boom arm: Rode PSA-1
Audio Interface: Behringer U-Phoria UMC2020HD