- Carefully choose where you will stand or sit. If the camera focuses on one location, then you need to be within the camera’s viewing range most of the time. If the camera connects to a mat behind the podium be cognizant of how often you step on and off the mat causing the camera to zoom in and out. If you walk around frequently and out of camera view, the camera will show an empty space.
- Some instructors choose to sit in the audience with the participants to encourage more participation. This allows participants at remote sites to see the local participants if there is not a camera positioned on the participants.
- Speak slowly and clearly, in a strong voice.
- Don’t forget the remote sites – include them in your presentation, your discussions, your questions, etc.
- Call on participants by name; request table tent name tags if you have trouble identifying participants on the screen.
- Know that most subtle facial expressions will either be lost or exaggerated.
- If you are using a room-based system:
- Use a document camera, electronic whiteboard, WordPad or Word for on-the-fly writing. When physically writing use a nice sized marker to make the writing as readable as possible for remote participants. Do not use a physical chalkboard or whiteboard.
- For on-screen presentations:
- Use large text.
- Use colors in the middle of the color spectrum. Avoid reds and purples – they may “bleed” on the remote end.
- Use solid color backgrounds.
- Use a high contrast between the foreground and background colors. For videoconferencing, a light (but not white) background with dark print works best. A purely white background will produce too much of a glare.
- Don’t just read your slides; invite participants to comment on what they read.