You’re passionate about your content but perhaps extroverted and cheery delivery isn’t your style. No worries. You don’t have to be a cheerleader to succeed in running successful virtual meetings.
If this is the case, go a different route.
Act as if you are getting feedback and questions. Ask questions which you hear frequently about your topic. Questions such as: "How much does this cost?" or "How long will this take?" or "What are our competitors doing?"
Ask the question and then provide the answer. This creates a feeling of interaction and participation. But you hold the control of the conversation. After all, you’re asking the question and providing the answer!
With simulated interaction, you’ll create a recipe for success in your next virtual meeting. Now, even if you do have the top guns in the room, you’ll be set for success.
By the way, I know this can feel a little odd at first. You’re asking questions – and providing the answers. And you’re not certifiably crazy. No. You’re up to something else.
Most participants on a virtual meeting or presentation are worried about themselves. They are sitting back and observing. They are thinking about things such as, "Is my boss listening?" "If I ask this question, will I look stupid? And "Am I already supposed to know this stuff?"
So, while you’re worrying about your own performance, you can bet that everyone on your call is thinking about his or hers. It’s human nature.
By asking the questions (which are on everyone’s minds) you’re creating a safe environment. You’re answering all those ’silly’ questions. The ones that everyone is thinking but afraid to ask.
And here’s a tip especially for extreme subject matter experts. Keep your questions super simple. Try to remember what it was like when you first learned your content. Try to recall what was on your mind.
I’ll bet it was simple questions. Questions such as:
"How does this really work?" and "How do the experts make this look so easy?"
If you aren’t sure if your questions are simple enough – do one more quick check. See if it sounds like you are asking a child. A five year old.
Now, I’m not suggesting that we ‘dumb-down’ our culture or society. But, for most non-experts, simple questions are what will work to cut through the ice. The simpler the better.
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