MATCHMAKER

×

Looking for a Public Relations Agency? Use our Free matching service to find the right agency for you.

User login

Communication techniques for the online world

New working practices present new challenges, especially for those not accustomed to communicating remotely.

They may now be expected to deliver a webinar, an e-learning or training workshop; they might need to remotely present a conference speech or take part in a panel discussion or pitch. They will certainly be running meetings and having one to one conversations, to:

·       Exchange or impart information

·       Maintain human connection, build/sustain relationships

·       Lead, motivate, inspire others

·       Make decisions

·       Build profile externally/internally (their or their organisation’s/team’s)

Approached with skill and confidence, these are opportunities not just to keep things ticking over (until normal life resumes) but to deepen existing relationships and foster new ones.

However …….. Just as tennis players adapt their game for each surface, so we need to finesse our face to face communication style for the virtual world. It requires a particular set of tools and techniques, and a unique tone of voice. Normal rules don’t apply.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

Essentially, the fundamental pillars of good communication are amplified because we have fewer tools at our disposal and because the physical environment is more challenging. We are more exposed! The tools we do have must therefore work harder to enable us to achieve our objectives. . Plus, our audiences are in an unusual ‘place’, literally and mentally. Excellent communication rests on:

  1. Content which is relevant and has impact (why should they listen?)
  2. Bringing your ideas to life in a concise, memorable and engaging way
  3. Delivering the content with maximum power and minimum distraction

FORMAT

  • Half-day (4 hour)  group session, comprising 60 minute modules. Combination of theory/tools/techniques and practical exercises.
  • Individual practical assignment: to prepare content (up to 10 minutes) for virtual delivery.
  • Follow-up session of up to 45 minutes (one-to-one with each participant) within 7 days to implement new skills. Participants deliver their content. Detailed feedback and further individual coaching.

 

  • 18 month follow up programme. Series of emails containing clips, articles and links to relevant content, to consolidate and extend the work done in the training. Thereafter, a series of ten 12 minute podcasts, at 6-weekly intervals. Opportunity for trainees to share their progress/experiences/challenges. This on going engagement is, for many people, the key to achieving fundamental change.

 

TOPICS SPECIFIC TO ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Preparation - more important than ever
Understanding and resonating with your audience (especially important in this time of emotional upheaval, reduced concentration/focus, multiple distractions)
Also consider most effective medium for objectives. Long meeting or ‘face to face’ format may not be most productive. 

Clarity and conciseness of message
Being memorable, having impact (why should they care? How is this content of value to them?) NB long periods of screen time are tiring. We must be more respectful of people’s time
Adapting content for online –“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” L. da Vinci 

Structure, choreography and contrast – the key to engaging people
Distractions - huge problem - how to avoid/counter
Using variety of content and digital tools (polls, breakout rooms, white boards, chat function) to bring ideas to life and hold people’s even shorter attention span
Timing – how long, how many breaks? Choreograph as if a piece of TV.

Technical tools – how/where to sit, background, camera angle, size of ‘shot’, lighting
Being as familiar as you can with the technology.

Tone - finding your authentic ‘note’ online
‘Structured informality’ (it’s a more intimate setting, in people’s homes, so need to reflect that in style and language)
Communicating with presence/professionalism, even when not present in the room
Exuding warmth, even when you’re remote.

Clarity and conciseness of language
Being concise – in your questions and your contributions (avoiding rambling and repetition)
Eliminating filler words/phrases which belittle your content and distract others
Giving space to others, avoiding interruptions/overlap (quick fire banter doesn’t work).

Energy – one of the most important keys to holding an audience’s attention

Demonstrating enthusiasm on a small screen

Using the voice to maximum effect to encourage ongoing engagement

Body language and eye contact.

 

Getting your voice in the virtual room

The value of pre-meeting small talk

Techniques for contributing ideas with authority and impact.

 

Rehearsal – its value in preparing to speak into the ‘void’

Warm up exercises for face and voice.

 

Nerves - practical tools to manage them.

 

Leading a session – practical techniques to manage an online group interaction

Setting boundaries/protocols, clear agenda and objectives, avoiding distractions Managing conversation flow and controlling the ‘ramblers’.

 

JAYNE CONSTANTINIS
Jayne has spent 25 years fronting live/studio/location programmes on TV, on radio and for corporates. She is highly experienced at presenting to camera. She spent 8 years as a live voice over announcer on BBC television and continues to work as a voice over artist. Her vocal technique and skills are therefore second to none. She has spent decades moderating conference panels and Q&A sessions and is therefore skilled at leading and controlling conversations with multiple contributors.

Her BBC series on Mexico was nominated for a BAFTA; voice over credits include Sony and Channel 4 and she has written for Condé Nast Traveller and Good Housekeeping. She learned journalism at the London College of Printing; has an acting diploma from the Royal Academy of Music and a Modern Languages degree from Cambridge University. She started her working life in PR and advertising and at one of the world’s leading branding agencies – Wolff Olins. She has been training others to become skilful communicators for 20 years.