Presentation advice from the home office

Despite how much of our professional interaction now occurs via webcam, successful moderation remains the timeless art of good conversation.

It’s in how we listen, set expectations, serve as conduit from speaker to audience, prepare for having nothing to say — and for knowing when it’s over.

I’ve compiled my seven essential tips in this video as part of a Microsoft mini-series on the “Digital Transformation of Events”

I’ll practice what I preach this fall, with Season 2 of my University of Washington “Co-Existing with COVID-19” live series, a “Future of Equitable Elections” conversation for Seattle CityClub and a “social media and social responsibility” panel at Seattle University. I’m also developing a session in “How to exercise thought leadership and sense-making through a screen” for the Global Mobile Internet Conference.

Here’s my advice on how to present from home.

I’d much rather do this all in-person. But to connect meaningfully with others right now compels us to rise to the occasion — through any available medium.

Expectations have changed around production quality during this global crisis. It’s a chance to communicate differently, and even more effectively.