| When it's time for your fifteen minutes of fame will you | | | | clothing, and large, bold patterns. Keep another shirt or |
| be ready? With videoconferencing becoming common | | | | blouse in the office for late day videoconferences. |
| place in 21st century communication, executives, | | | | Perspiration stains and wrinkles will be noticeable on |
| entrepreneurs, and leaders need to be media savvy. | | | | video. Keep powder handy for shiny noses and bald |
| Here's how to put your best face forward: | | | | spots. |
| | | | |
| 1. Prepare. It's not enough to show up to speak. | | | | 6. Create a Connection. Begin with hello. The wave is |
| Practice with the technology an hour before your | | | | a standard greeting in videoconferencing. Use the |
| presentation and rehearse your message points. Don't | | | | zoom function on the camera to establish eye contact. |
| wing it. | | | | It's difficult to communicate without viewing facial |
| | | | expressions from the remote site. |
| 2. Pause and Listen. Expect time delays. A weak | | | | |
| video signal could cause a delay or echo. Allow ample | | | | 7. Minimize Distractions. Keep noise down by restricitng |
| time for your message to reach the other site and | | | | movement in and out of the room. Turn off all beepers |
| wait for a response before you resume making new | | | | and cell phones at the beginning of the meeting. Place |
| remarks. | | | | a "Do Not Enter" sign on the door and change activities |
| | | | frequently to maintain attention and avoid the boredom |
| 3. Use Small Gestures. Actions are amplified on | | | | factor. |
| videoconference. Wild, sweeping movements can | | | | |
| result in distorted, fuzzy images. | | | | Nothing can replace in-person communication. But if |
| | | | you master the techniques of online communication, |
| 4. Appoint a Moderator. The moderator facilitates the | | | | videoconferencing is the next best thing to being there. |
| meeting, introduces guests, and keeps the presentation | | | | |
| movoing. The moderator or a designated person | | | | Copyright Diane DiResta, 2004. All rights |
| operates the technology to free speakers to focus on | | | | reserved.Diane DiResta is President of DiResta |
| the message. | | | | Communications, Inc.,a New York City based |
| | | | consultancy. |
| 5. Dress for TV. Avoid distracting jewelry, shiny | | | | |