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in navigating stage presence on Zoom, it’s may not always be possible. All of us have
equally important to develop those skills in a now met people from other parts of the
live setting. United States and around the world through
When I visited my clubs, I was surprised at Zoom, so in one sense the technology has
how much I had to learn in addressing not enabled us to become more connected to
one but two audiences, the live group in front each other in ways that would not have been
of me as well as those people attending on possible even a few years ago. Likewise,
Zoom. There’s an old rule among television holding events like the Toastmasters
and film actors: Never look at the camera. Leadership Institute online can help eliminate
For our club members, however, it’s the a lot of the logistical issues in putting on these
opposite: Be attentive to your audience, and events. I will never suggest that we give these
when possible, play to both groups. Some conveniences up. By the same token, even
clubs have the computers set up in such a when the technology is present, I believe the
way that you can see both audiences at the best lessons in public speaking can be learned
same time, with the computer on the podium through stagecraft. I highly encourage all
and the live audience just beyond it. In other public speakers to take the opportunity to
clubs, the computer screen might be just learn that craft in a live environment at the
off to the side, meaning dividing attention earliest opportunity as it brings a wealth
between both groups becomes paramount. of opportunities to you that an online
In either case, learning how to be cognizant experience can’t necessarily convey. Good
of your audience becomes more challenging luck, and I hope you enjoy the experience!
at first in a hybrid environment, but the result
is that you become more comfortable and
proficient at presenting yourself and your
subject matter in a way that speaking online
may not always convey.
I want to emphasize that meeting in person
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