How to choose speakers for a virtual event

They are able to present themselves properly, on a well-lit background

Of course, you can’t judge a book by its cover and content is more important than form, but when it comes to virtual events, unfortunately, form is not an option. There are great intellectuals, who have contributed enormously to the advancement of their field and yet, during online events, were unable to hold the attention of the audience for more than five minutes because their connection was poor, because they spoke from a dark room or with unflattering lighting, because it was difficult to read their facial expressions through a dark, grainy image. If your guest of honour is unfamiliar with this kind of technology, it is worth offering them adequate assistance to enable them to present their content to the best of their ability. Or, alternatively, change speakers.

They treat virtual audiences the same way they would treat traditional ones

This is a problem that many people have, even during ordinary online meetings. When we are not physically in the presence of others, we feel tempted to fall back into the same behaviours we adopt when we are alone and this is not the right way to handle an event. A good speaker for a virtual event never appears excessively ‘relaxed’, not because they are tense, but because they are aware of and respectful of the audience, even if they cannot see it. They don’t let themselves sink into their chairs, they use body language and facial expressions to communicate, they don’t stare at the screen when they are not speaking, they don’t get distracted, they don’t look around, they don’t interact with their physical surroundings unless it is instrumental to their speech.

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They can convey complex concepts in a concise manner and have rhythm

The contents of a virtual event cannot be presented in large blocks as is the case with in-person conferences. In order to keep the audience’s attention, it is necessary to alternate information with Q&As and interactive moments, in which the audience can relax, unfocus, and then return to focus on the presentation once their minds are clearer again. When choosing a speaker for a virtual event, look at their previous online presentations. Do they know how to pace their speech? Can they summarise concepts by expressing them concisely and clearly, without mincing words? Can they keep the speech moving, alternating the most intense moments with jokes or audience interaction? Then they are the right speaker for you!

Conclusion – how do I choose the right speaker for a virtual event?

The best way to know if a speaker is right for you is always to watch their previous presentations. If the speech enthralls you you, if it makes you want to know more about the topic in question, if it sparks your interest and curiosity and makes you forget to look at the notifications on your phone, they are probably the right fit for your event.

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