Promoting a product or an idea virtually in a meeting can be tricky. Here are some of the “do’s” that work to help engage the audience. These aspects helped the members running for office and speaking at the Toastmasters International annual meeting:

• A visually appealing background that aligned with the personal appearance of the speaker.
• An engaging tone of voice and excellent audio sound.
• An engaging personal appearance. Making good color and clothing choices. For women, adding a nice, sophisticated touch of jewelry. For men, wearing a white shirt and a tie that is a good color choice.
• Smiling and use engaging facial expressions.
• Sharing a quick, related personal story (such as when someone asked them why they were a member of Toastmasters).
• Asking the audience to consider how this vote would affect them.
• Giving a pitch to the audience as to why the audience members should vote for them.

I have been a Toastmaster for more than 30 years and was recently asked to be president. Toastmasters is critical for growth not just in the area of speaking but also for developing relationships. There are many leadership tracks to take when presenting. Toastmasters also will help develop your skills at providing feedback. I have learned how to give feedback that is impactful and empowering to the speaker. Visit www.toastmasters.org to look into joining a club.

To help prepare a successful speech or presentation, use the 5 P’s as a guideline. Before beginning, consider the purpose for the speech or presentation. Find your passion for the subject. The “P” for preparation doesn’t just involve preparing for your speech, it includes doing homework about the audience. Without this preparation, the other 4 P’s will not have the intended results. Be sure to practice by running through the presentation until you are comfortable. Your performance and familiarity with the subject will be key as to how your speech is received. Keeping the 5 P’s in mind will help to ensure success.

Meeting on Zoom, GoToMeeting, or WebEx is difficult. Long meetings are especially challenging. Be sure to set up early for the meeting, having the items you need available. Put away any distractions, such as a cell phone or additional paperwork (no multi-tasking). Keeping engaged will help you connect with those in the meeting. Facial expressions are the best way to ensure a personal connection (smiling and making eye contact directly into the screen). Watch for cues to ensure your message is being heard. Always use mute when you are not talking. Be open to dialogue on Zoom and engage in discussions.

Toastmasters is an organization that can help improve speaking skills. They offer templates to craft many different types of presentations or messages to be delivered. One of them is how to deliver a thank you speech after winning an award. Acknowledging those who ensured success is important. An acceptance speech is not a forum to air grievances or promote matters that are unrelated to the award. Instead, adding a succinct anecdote about the journey on the path to success is meaningful and appropriate.

There’s an old saying that “silence speaks volumes.” It’s true in a way. Silence, in response to a question, sends two messages – either the unknown for the viewer or a lack of confidence or unprepared speaker. Silence can also in show power and intimidation in certain situations. Silence and facial expressions will send a message about the speaker’s confidence or lack of confidence. Being prepared, by doing a few exercises, before going into a meeting will help prevent silence when asked a question. I remember watching an interview with a former television anchor. The anchor stated he went through a series of voice exercises by talking out loud and quoting a few tongue twisters before the program started.

Roger Love, the number one singing and speech coach for celebrities, recommends speaking in full sentences to help prevent the “ums” and “aws”. Pauses are a great tool to use to prevent filler words and ramblings. Engaging the audience will also help bring focus to the conversation and help pace speech. Racing to talk causes filler words. It is best to think before you speak, use a pause, or just say “give me a moment to gather my thoughts”. Strong statements build confidence with the audience. Avoid beginning sentences with the words “I think.” Instead, use the end results as a beginning. For example, instead of saying “I think we should use . . . “ say “We should use . . . “ Keeping these communication tips in mind will help build confidence for you and for the audience.

Recently I attended a family function celebration. When some family members were asked to speak, they did not know what to say about the guests of honor. Always be ready to speak at a moment’s notice. Start by either talking about the reason for the event’s occasion (ex. today my parents are celebrating a milestone anniversary) or tell a story that ties into the celebration (ex. we were just looking at their wedding photos together). Wrap up your brief talk with a sentence related to moving forward after the occasion (ex. they have had many beautiful years of marriage, may they have many more ahead of them). Talking for less than a minute is too short; anything more than a minute and a half too long.

The cooking competition show is about more than just the food. It provides a visual of ways contestants and judges work under pressure to deliver successful products and give constructive feedback. The show that continues to give feedback gems is the Kid’s Championship Baking Show.

Duff and Valerie are the judges and it is the way they use the three to one rule that clicks. They look for the three positives and one not-so-positive area to help the contestants achieve success as a baker. The judges balance the fine line on these impressionable young minds. We understand they were chosen for their baking skills, personality, and how they receive feedback.
All us of revert to the child in ourselves when under review and feeling pressured. (Even when we try to toughen up!)

A potential landmine during the season of cheer is the company or client holiday party. This is a time meant to build relationships not destroy or put them on life support.

It is a time not to drink or talk too much. Always remember to smile and refrain from discussing politics or religion. Avoid pouring your heart out or telling secrets to your boss or a colleague. Just build relationships.