Presentation Skills HQ

For 13 weeks each year starting in March, I teach at Swinburne University in The Media and Communications Department. Covid and teaching in lock down has meant that lectures needed to be recorded and tutorials done online in 2020 and face to face in 2021. So, what did I learn? Lots of things, but one of the most powerful tools was the use of video.

Five things to know about video

1. Show your face.  This doesn’t mean all the time but at the beginning or end is important
2. Make sure each video doesn’t go for any longer than 10 minutes.
3. Be prepared to do a lot of editing the first few times through.  You’ll pick up a lot of delivery and content issues you didn’t know you had!
4. Production quality is important.  Put time and effort into working with your camera, lighting, and sound quality – your audience will appreciate it.
5. Write a script – if only for an opening few minutes.  If it’s important – script the whole thing.

In a corporate context, think about how any applications there may be.  Here’s  list by Shahan Zafar from Vidizmo: 10 Ways to Use Video for Your Company’s Internal Communications

1. Conduct live CEO broadcasts and announcements
2. Modernize and streamline corporate governance strategies
3. Announce regulatory updates and policy changes
4. Administer safety, health and organizational training sessions
5. Broadcast organizational events live
6. Take charge of corporate transition communication & change management
7. Record and share team meetings and presentations
8. Promote social learning, collaboration and knowledge transfer
9. Reform your recruitment and induction strategies
10. Manage departmental communication and realignment

But why video?

1. Accessible – you can listen, read (subtitles) and watch anywhere at any time.
2. Engaging.
3. Adds life to the subject matter.
4. Cost effective.
5. Easy to do.
6. Gives you clarity on the subject.

If you haven’t already – give it a go, you might surprise yourself as to its effectiveness.