How I Prepared for a Virtual Keynote Speaking Engagement As a Business Etiquette Expert

Last week I presented to a company’s marketing and sales team.  The teams were located all over the world and many were working in a hybrid situation

That is the beauty of offering both in-person and virtual trainings- companies are able to choose the best option for their company. 

This presentation was to a very large group – over 800 participants were scheduled to attend.

The preparation for this event started months ago.  

As a business etiquette speaker, it is very important to understand your audience.  

Calls were scheduled with the team leaders and together we determined their needs and of course, their timeframe for the event.

You might be asking the question, “was I nervous when delivering a presentation to a group of this size”? And here is my answer – no, because I was prepared and honestly, via a virtual platform it is a bit easier than an in-person engagement. 

Preparing for a Virtual Keynote Speaking Engagement 

Preparing for a virtual keynote speaking engagement, especially for business etiquette experts and corporate trainers, involves several steps to ensure a successful and engaging presentation. 

Here Are Key Strategies to Help a Business Etiquette Expert Prepare for a Virtual Training:

1. Know Your Audience: As I mentioned above, knowing your audience is key. Understand their role within the company, interests, demographics and expectations. 
2. Deliver Compelling Content: When you become certified by The American Academy of Etiquette as a business etiquette speaker, you receive all the content to deliver a powerful and meaningful presentation – whether it is a keynote, presentation or workshop/seminar.  You receive the guidebooks and the PowerPoints. Absolutely everything is included in our certification and training program. 
3. A Strong Opening: A strong opener is important and necessary. We train you and give you the ideas on how to open for an any audience. 
4. Engage Your Audience: Whether you are delivering an engagement in-person or virtually, you must be prepared to interact with the participants. Interactive activities are included in our content for you to deliver. 
5. Technical Prep: Aside from the preparation, my concern was the technology. We (me along with my contacts and organizers) tested three platforms to determine the the best platform to use. We tested three and determined Zoom was the best option.  I am very familiar with Zoom and we use it internally to train our licensees that are located all over the world.
6. Professional Set-Up: Your background is key.  Plan ahead.  Is your office an ideal backdrop?  If not, what is available to you locally?  A rented workspace is worth checking into to provide virtual trainings.  Lighting is key as well.  
7. Follow-Up: As you are speaking, you will mention resources, links, books etc.  Make sure to follow with your contact to provide the details mentioned in your presentation. 

By following these strategies, you can deliver a polished and effective virtual keynote (for companies of all sizes and industries) that resonates with your audience and reinforces your expertise as a certified business etiquette expert and corporate trainer.

Related Article: How to Prepare for a Speaking Engagement with New Hires