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Chapter 15
Dr. Junius
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Fortunately, much like you would prepare to deliver successful speeches in a face-face (F2F) environment by following a set of manageable steps,you can use a similar approach when called on to deliver a mediated presentation.
As we discussed in chapter 1... the advent of 21st century technology has enabled an ever-increasing number of channels for communication.
What is
Messages transmitted through either a mechanical or electronic medium.
The options for mediated delivery can be dived into two categories:
Prerecorded & Real Time Presentations.
A prerecorded (also known as asynchronous) mediated presentation is recorded by the speaker for later viewing by one or more audiences.
A real-time (also known as synchronous) mediated presentation is delivered directly to the audience as the speaker presents the message from a remote location.
For example, a video conference or speech presented to a group via Zoom or Skype.
General
Mediated presentations provide flexibility. Contrasted to F2F presentations, where you need to be at a specific place at a specific time.
Also, mediated presentations can be viewed by audiences in different locations and at different times.
There are advantages that apply to both prerecorded and real-time presentations.
Flexibility and audience size are both benefits to presenting a mediated speech to a remote audience.
Prerecorded presentations come with several specific advantages:
do-overs, pause and rewind buttons, and the ability to save.
Do-Overs:
A benefit of prerecorded messages is the opportunity to do another "take" if your speech does not go well the first time.
Pause & Rewind Buttons:
Audience members can have additional opportunities to process your message and reflect on it.
Saving it for the Ages:
Prerecorded presentations create a permanent record of your speech. Enabling it to be viewed by future audiences.
Through platforms such as videoconferencing, webinars, Skype, and Zoom, a speaker can communicate with audience members in diverse locations and also interact in real time.
Audience feedback, audience interaction, and the option to save your presentation are all benefits to real-time presentations.
However, be mindful that real-time mediated presentations cannot create the sense of presence that comes from a speaker and an audience sharing the same physical space.
Our brains are hardwired for F2F interactions. The "naturalness" of a communication medium is determined by the extent to which it matches the features of F2F interaction.
Key factors contributing to feelings of naturalness include sharing the same space, sending & receiving messages quickly, and being able to send and receive both verbal and nonverbal expressions.
The human brain enables us to send and receive messages in our natural F2F mode with minimum effort. However, when we use a less natural medium, we face greater barriers to effective communication.
Diminished Feedback:
When your speech is prerecorded, your audience has no chance to provide real-time feedback.
Managing Distractions
Decreased NonVerbal Communication:
In a F2F speech audience members can observe the full range of your nonverbal behaviors.
In mediated presentations, this is less likely, Especially when the camera is in a fixed position, losing the opportunity for larger movements.
Mediated presentations also alter how listeners see and interpret your non verbal messages.
For example, the flat images of facial gestures that appear on a screen are not the same as the ones that would be perceived in a 3-dimensional F2F environment.
It can be easy for remote audiences to become distracted by multitasking during a mediated presentation.
Therefore, be mindful to constantly engage with your audience through your content.
The key principles of speech delivery, content, and practice discussed thus far in the course apply to both mediated and F2F speeches.
However, there are a few unique considerations to keep in mind for mediated presentations. Which include both delivery and message considerations.
VOICE
To make sure that your speaking voice is effective in a mediated presentation, there are several guidelines to remember:
1. When you are presenting to a
camera, a good general rule is to
speak about the same volume as you
would when addressing a group
seated in a conference room.
3. Maintain an effect
rate of delivery :
There's a natural
tendency to speed up
your delivery when no
audience is present.
To keep your rate
under control, be
sure to pause at
natural stopping
points in your
speech.
Transitions would be
a good place to
insert pauses!
2. Do a voice check!
Record yourself saying your Introduction,
then play back to ensure appropriate volume.
Also remember, if I can't hear you... I can't grade you!
This can be a problem in mediated presentations because you obviously cannot look your audience members directly in the eye.
However, you don't want to appear that you are gazing in space.
You should always look toward the camera while presenting. While speaking, imagine your audience in front of you.
Elements of nonverbal delivery are also impacted by mediated presentations.
On a screen, your gestures will appear more prominent because you are being displayed in a smaller area.
Controlled movements can also be problematic. Ensure that all movement remains within the range of the camera so that you do not move in and out of the screen.
When you are distant from your audience you have a greater challenge establishing common ground and trust.
To compensate for diminished presence, you need to emphasize common ground even more than you would in a classroom setting.
Try referencing specific information from previous speeches that were given. Or attempt to emphasize common goals or principles that are familiar to everyone in the class.
Keep in mind that remote listeners may feel more comfortable multitasking and that you will not be able to see nonverbal cues that may indicate disinterest. Therefore, follow these simple tips:
* Ask your audience rhetorical questions
* Increase the variety of supporting material
* Keep it simple and relevant
* Highlight "Takeaways"
A "takeaway" is a memorable phrase or sentence that captures the essence of your speech and can be repeated at key points in the speech.
You should allocate time to practice your mediated presentation, just as you would a F2F speech presentation.
You should practice/prepare 1 to 2 hours for every minute you are required to speak.
Also, if you are using a camera operator, have this person record your practice, so that he or she can become familiar with both the equipment and your speech.
After you record yourself practicing, play back the recording to see how your speech will appear to your audience. As you watch, note areas for possible change by considering the following questions:
1. Are your rate and volume appropriate?
2. Do you appear to be looking at the audience?
3. Are all your movements and gestures within view?
4. If you are using presentations aides, can they be clearly seen? Also, does the audience have
sufficient time to process the content of each one?
5. Does the setting of your speech look professional?
6. Does the lighting and background work to make a clear picture of you?
This information is valuable for helping you pull together everything we covered thus far so you can have an excellent presentation. Remember, a poorly recorded mediated presentation cancels out all the hard work you put into preparing for this big moment!
Do not go and spend unnecessary money on a fancy top of the line camcorder...
You can make a perfectly good recording with an iPod, iPhone, or Android smartphone camera!
The background of your presentation should look professional. Also, make sure the area you are recording in is neat and clean. You should also be mindful to move distracting stationary items out of view. For example, you do not want a plant behind you to appear to be growing out of your head.
Be sure to avoid background noises that might compete with your speech in the video. For example, silence TV's, electronic items, and gadgets, etc.
Also, if possible, ask others present in the home to be quiet so they do not unintentionally interrupt your speech. Or better yet, ask them to join you and watch your presentation as an audience member.
Also, please do not present your speech outdoors!
There is no need to compete with external noise in your environment that you can not control. For example: cars, buses, loud passers-by, pets, nature, etc.
Remember, I should be able to clearly see you!
* The primary light source should be behind the camera operator and
directed toward you.
* Avoid standing in front of a sunny window or a bright light: otherwise,
you will be in a shadow...
* It is generally better to have more light that less, so be sure to select a
well-lit room! Remember, you can always bring in additional light into
the room if it seems to dark.
While you may be presenting from the comfort of your home... keep in mind that this is still a professional presentation. Therefore, what you wear matters!
If you would not wear it to class, you definitely should not wear it for your mediated speech presentation!
In addition to selecting clothing that is appropriate for public speaking, you also need to choose clothing that will make a good impression on camera.
Keep in mind the following Dos and Don'ts, when dressing for the camera.
Dos:
Single, neutral colors are generally better than plaids or stripes.
Don'ts:
Stripes = can result in a strobing effect.
Checkered Clothing = can cause blurriness.
White Shirts = can make it difficult to see
your face clearly.
Jewelry= avoid bangles or anything that can
make noise.
1. You and your camera operator should check that the camera is trained on the right shot.
2. You should be the only person in the shot for your speech presentation and the video should
capture you from your knees up.
3. If you do have a small audience present, you should only show them immediately before
you present and after you conclude your speech presentation.
4. When recording your speech, make sure the view is wide enough to capture your
movements and gestures. Also, your camera shot should be HORIZONTAL, not
Vertical. You can accomplish this by holding your phone counter-clockwise or sideways.
5. All speech submissions must be one continuous take, NOT multiple edited clips.
6. Also be sure the camera is positioned at the level of your eyes - this will make you appear to be
having conversational eye contact with audience members rather than looking down on them.