“Put your cameras on right now…” demanded the first speaker in a virtual presentation.
“Erm…you might consider putting on your cameras…if that is ok with you…” whimpered the second speaker.
The first approach can get more cameras on but it could also create resentment with your audience.
It smacks of the teacher versus student mindset.
The second approach is likely to be ignored by the audience.
The challenge, then, is to get cameras on (with a larger audience) without causing irritation.
Here is one approach to try.
Step 1
Before you share your PowerPoint slides on the screen, invite people to put their cameras on.
I use the word ‘invite’ rather deliberately here.
Be clear, positive and assertive in asking them.
But do not demand it and be aware that some people (for example if co-workers will end up on screen) may not want to do it.
Step 2
Use the ‘invite’ a few times – be aware it can take a few moments for action to occur.
Thank those individually who have done it and encourage (generally) those who have not yet done so.
Step 3
Set out the following guideline.
‘When the PowerPoint is on the screen, I am very relaxed about you turning your cameras off. But when the PowerPoint is off and we are discussing something I encourage you to put them back on’.
The audience will appreciate being able to turn their cameras off for large parts of the presentation.
They will also view you as fair, so are more willing to put the cameras on when asked.
And the fact they were on at the beginning means putting them on later does not feel like a big step.
The reality, too, from your side is that you can barely see them anyway when the PowerPoint is on.
I have seen this approach work really well, across numerous organisations.
I ‘invite’ you to give it a shot!
Check out the following article for more presentation tips – another one focused on conquering further challenges when presenting virtually…