I participated in a virtual panel for investors today – my first ever virtual event where I’m presenting, and being recorded!

I had never done virtual presenting before, and haven’t done any media or presentation training recently. Except for a presentation training I received ~10 years ago.

And I was representing my company, at a bank-organised event, for potential investors!

So I was super stressed about it. I wrote my Q&A script over the weekend, but the Product guy only reviewed and commented last night.

And I wasn’t sure what are the best practices for online presentations – is it just the head, or head and shoulders, or half the body? So last night I googled best practices, including tips and tricks.

This morning I memorised and rehearsed my Q&A for 1.5 hours – down to the hand gestures I was going to use to emphasise my points. First on its own, then in front of the toilet mirrors, then it front of the screen.

I set up my laptop with my notes in front of me, just so…

I opted for a half body view, because I like using my hands, rather than being static. And I also wanted to avoid close ups. Because I’m quite expressive, and I had remembered reading a long time ago that screen actors have to ‘under act’ because of close ups, whereas stage actors have to ‘over act’ because of their distance from the audience. It was kind of interesting how my presenting style influenced the other panelists, all of whom started using their hands a bit more, even though two of them were more ‘head and shoulders’ shots.

My first response was so professional and obviously rehearsed, that for subsequent Q&A, I added fillers like “erms” and “uhs” into my response, just so I would sound more natural. But then I worried that I would come across as lacking in confidence.

Nonetheless, overall, it went well I think. I was super relieved it was over, after having stressed about it for days, and getting positively complexed. It was a big weight off my chest. But I also quite enjoyed it. I should do more and practice more.