During the Division D Contests, I found some good examples of our members/contestants who are set apart from other contestants because they put in efforts to use appropriate tools, background, and dress professionally for their speeches. It was stellar performance and professionally delivered! Furthermore, their body language and facial expressions are suitable for online/video presentation.

When speaking, it is important to choose a white/plain background or screen. This reduces the distraction. It is better if you don't have any distracting furniture in the background. 

Use a clip on mic so that your audio quality is perfect and you can move with ease. Don't wear your ear phones to listen to yourself, like what some contestants did.

Dress Professionally. This creates positive branding and impression to the audience, judges and your viewers. Consider wearing make up if necessary. Treat every meeting/speech or "video appearance" as how you would deliver a speech on stage. Dressing well can also give you a psychological boost!

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Some other contrasting examples...

Avoid using background that have clutters and other furniture or painting. These objects can be distracting for the viewers. Unless they are part of your props or related to your speech/presentation.

Avoid wearing your ear phones or big accessories on your face when speaking professionally as it can be distracting to the audience. 

Some people find cameras intimidating and this affects their talk. lf cameras make you nervous, try thinking of a friend. Instead of the camera, visualize one of your family or a good friend in its place. You'll be able to speak naturally and appear to be at ease. 

To enhance your relaxed appearance, sit straight in your chair with your lower back supported. Don't hunch over or twist in your chair - this looks sloppy

For this project speech, prepare, rehearse, and deliver a speech, designed for an on-camera presentation.

When giving your talk, be sure to do the following: 

• Speak while seated at a desk or table. Use a plain background that is not distracting.
   
• Use a script for your presentation. You should be able to give most of your talk from memory, but use the script to help you recall the exact wording. Or you may make cue cards for yourself. Cue cards are large poster boards on which your script is printed. The cards are held near the camera/webcam within reading range. You can glance at the cards as you give your editorial while still directing your eyes at the camera. Should you use cue cards, you'll need an assistant to hold them. 
   
• Establish and maintain eye contact with the camera. 
   
• Video record your presentation if possible. Or test your webcam and rehearse for a group of friends to test the audio and video. lf this isn't possible and cameras aren't being used, set up a chair in front of the desk or table to simulate a camera/web cam, or mount a still camera on a tripod. Direct your talk to the camera. 
   
• Assign a club member/friend or family member to act as "floor manager"for your presentation, giving you hand signals that indicate remaining time. lf your presentation is recorded, play back the recording after the presentation so you and your evaluator can determine how effective your talk would have been were it actually broadcast via a live Toastmasters Meeting or Contest.

Microphones are an important part of your appearance, and it's importanthat you know the varioLls types of microphones and how to use them properly.

1. Before the Toastmasters meetings/online contests begin, arrange for a rehearsal with your friends to check your audio and video. Check which software/platform that the organiser is using. e.g Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeetings, Google Hangout, Facebook Live, Webex etc. Understand the settings and features beforehand and be prepared. Ensure that your wifi connection is strong and stable for good quality audio.
    
2. Speak normally into the microphone and adjust your volume accordingly.
    
3. Use vocal variety moderately. Remember to speak as if you're talking only to one person, not to an audience of thousands. Varying your pitch, volume, and vocal variety too much will only annoy your audience and make you look foolish. 
    
4. During the live session/online meeting, avoid coughing, tapping your fingers, rustling paper, or hitting the microphone or touching the webcam. And watch what you say; always assume the microphone is on. Double check if your mic is mute or unmute from time to time.

TYPES OF MICROPHONES FOR SPEAKING ONLINE

1. Lavaliere microphone. Sometimes called a lav or a lapel mic, this is the most popular of all microphones. lt is small and clips to your blouse, shirt, or lapel, or it can dangle from your neck ona cord. lt should be six to nine inches below your chin. Attached before the program begins, the lavaliere microphone allows you complete flexibility in movement with due regard to the trailing microphone cord.The cord should run from the mic away from you. lf you'll be walking, tuck a loop of cord into your belt or hold it in your hand to give some slack. However, this microphone is sensitive and can pick up heavy breathing or the sound of clothing rubbing against the instrument. This is suitable for online meetings or speech contests.
    
2. Wireless microphone. Wireless microphones are hand-held microphones without a cord. They're battery operated, and ideal for walking around. This is suitable for online meetings or speech contests.
    

OTHER TYPES OF MICROPHONES FOR SPEAKING ON STAGE OR RECORDING STUDIO

Boom microphone. A boom microphone is a microphone suspended from a long pole, which is held over the stage area. A boom microphone can be moved up, down, or across to pick up voices. lt, too, is highly sensitive. Boom microphones are kept out of camera range so the viewing audience can't see them. You don't have to worry about not beinq heard because the boom operator follows you as you move around. This is mostly for TV recording or use in broadcast studios.

Handheld microphone. You hold this type of microphone in your hand. lt's attached to a long cable, so if you plan to move around while you speak, be sure to allow enough cable to do so. Handheld microphones are the most awkward, because one hand must always be holding the microphone, which restricts your gestures. You must be careful not to gesture with the hand holding the microphone, because the sound will fade as you move it away from your mouth. This type of mic might not be suitable for online meetings.

Further tips.... if you go on live TV or a live talk show or programme.

Before the program begins, arrange for a microphone check with the sound engineer. Speak normally into the microphone so the engineer can set the correct volume. Use vocal variety moderately. Remember to speak as if you're talking only to one person, not to an audience of thousands. Varying your pitch, volume, and vocal variety too much will only annoy your audience and make you look foolish. During the program/session, avoid coughing, tapping your fingers, rustling paper, or hitting the microphone. And watch what you say; always assume the microphone is on.
 

Your appearance in video speeches/visual media affects your credibility and your image, so it's important that you look your best.

When speaking online, you can take note of these tips:

For Women, wear a medium-colored suit with a light blouse, or a dark-tone dress. Avoid ruffles - they're distracting - and slit skirts that need to be held closed when you're seated. Don't wear flashy or noisy jewelry and bright hair ornaments. These, too, are distracting. Avoid print, plaid, or checked clothing, as these can affect video quality. Also, don't wear white or bright red colors; they also affect video quality. 

Men should dress in medium colored suits are best, with a light blue shirt and conservative tie. Wear matching knee-length socks and shoes that complement the suit color. Avoid shiny print ties, jeweled tie tacks, and gold chains and bracelets - they reflect light. Also don't wear striped or white shirts, since they affect video quality. 

lf you wear eyeglasses, don't wear them on camera unless necessary, because they reflect light. Never wear photosensitive glasses on camera because the lights will make them turn dark. Makeup is essential, even for men. Used properly, it can enhance your appearance, since bright lights can make you appear pale and tired. Makeup should have a matte finish and be the same color as your skin. Powder is necessary for both men and women - it reduces shine and glare. Women should avoid heavy blue eye shadow and red rouge;orange, browns, and tans look best on video. Apply makeup carefully and sparingly. Don't exaggerate your makeup or you'll look like a clown. 

(For TV) The camera can make you look '10 to 20 pounds heavier than you actually are. Dress in clothes that are slimming - dark colors, no horizontal stripes, and simple lines - if you want to appear thinner. 

Visual aids can greatly enhance any presentation. Visuals can illustrate your points and add emphasis to your message. Just be sure that any visuals relate to your subject and will be seen and understood by your audience.

When speaking online, you can take note of these tips:

1. Keep slides simple and clear. 
    
2. Keep your visuals simple and uncluttered. Too much detail won't be seen. For print visuals, leave plenty of space between letters and lines. Since glossy surfaces reflect light and cause glare, all visuals should have dull surfaces. Colors should contrast. Each visual should emphasize only one point.
    
3. Display three dimensional objects so the audience can see the actual size, since the camera can make a small object appear large through close-ups. 
    
4. Make sure the objects are well lighted and don't cause glare. Be sure the object stands out from its background. 
    
5. Rehearse with your visuals before the meeting/speech begins so you'll be able to present them smoothly during the speech. lf necessary, number your visuals so you can easily present them in the correct order
    
6. Remember to speak to your audience, not to your visuals, and don't block them from the webcam/camera's view.

One of the Advanced Manuals that I completed a few years ago remains relevant today. I would like to share some handy tricks and tips from "Communicating on Video" Advanced Manual.

When speaking online, you can take note of these tips:

Firstly,  GESTURES/BODY MOVEMENT 

On webcam/video you want to appear confident and poised, not nervous and tense. Your gestures/body movements and facial expressions all indicate your confidence or nervousness, and all of them are magnified on camera. 

A webcam/video camera can produce a variety of different shots or pictures - close-up pictures, wideangle pictures, etc. - from the same position, so you won't be aware of what shot a camera is taking of you. Most shots of you will be of your head and shoulders. Be careful not to slouch, too. Keep your feet on the ground and put your hands in your lap or on the arms of your chair when you're listening or not speaking. When speaking, lean forward slightly. lf you're seated in a swivel chair, take care not to swivel back and forth. lf you must stand during your presentation, stand comfortably with your shoulders straight and your weight distributed evenly on both feet. Don't shift from foot to foot, sway, or lean on anything. lf you must walk, take slow small steps so the webcam/camera can follow you.

Avoid making quick, sweeping gestures. They make it difficult for the webcam to follow your movements; as a result, your arms or hands won't be in the picture. Use slower gestures and keep them close to your body. Don't gesture directly at the camera or your hands and arms will be distorted. Make sure your gestures are appropriate and natural. Be especially careful of any nervous habits you have, such as tapping your fingers, touching your tie, gr fussing with your hair. Again, the camera magnifies them. 

Also be aware of your facial expressions. A frown, squint, or furrowed brow can make you appear worried, defensive, or tense. Relax your facial muscles and smile whenever appropriate. A smile makes you appear relaxed and friendly. 

lf your presentation involves using props, flipcharts, or a lot of movement, practice before the program with the camera/webcam so they'll be prepared to follow you. Make sure you never walk out of the picture! 

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Relevant Toastmasters Manual: "Communicating on Video" Advanced Manual.

You can access it here.

Your physical appearance is important. How you look affects your credibility and your image.  

When preparing for your presentation or speech for video, remember to:

Tip 1: Dress appropriately. Generally, men and women should dress conservatively in medium colored suits. Avoid wearing bright red or white clothing, flashy jewelry, and thin stripes.

Tip 2: Avoid making quick, sweeping gestures. They make it difficult for the camera/web cam to follow your movements. Use slower gestures and keep them close to your body.

Tip 3: Use vocal variety moderately. Speak as if you're talking to only one person, not to an audience of thousands. Speak'with'your audience, not "at"them. Speak as though you are talking with a friend

Tip 4: Use visual aids carefully. Visual aids can add emphasis to your message. Just be sure that any visual aid relates to your subject and will be seen and understood by your audience.

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Here's my first video experience in 2015 when I did a speech as part of a live Talk Show. Enjoy!