Entrepreneur Magazine Interview and "I Can't Share My Screen"

In 2016, I was interviewed for the article linked below in Entrepreneur magazine. The content remains relevant today because these tips support the skill of public speaking. I expect the content will remain relevant forever, because any skill requires regular practice supported by helpful tips, a knowledge base and developmental feedback. 

 

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/283385

 

“I Can’t Seem To Share My Screen”

A core skill for presenters these days is the ability to present online. The best athletes in the world consistently practice core skills, and similarly, people who wish to be very good public speakers need to find opportunities to exercise their core speaking skills and receive feedback to refine their abilities.

If I could add one item the list published, it would be advice on the use of slides, particularly in this time of Zoom, Teams and other online platforms.  

There has been tremendous growth in the quantity of meetings conducted online, and the skills of online presenters have advanced. However, I still see presenters wait their turn at the virtual podium only to discover once introduced that they are unable to project their screen or display their slides in a manner that works well for their audience.

In the article I mention to arrive early, and now I will add to test the online setup before the meeting formally begins. Arrive early, share your screen before the meeting begins, ensure you can advance your slides, and then stop your screen share.  

When I present online, I arrive early and I won’t ask for permission, I will simply and quickly share, confirm that the material displays, that the slides advance, and then I’m ready.  If I do require some assistance, I can request that as the meeting has not formally begun. If I don’t require assistance, my hosts and I are comforted that I am ready to present when called upon.

Use of Slides In General

In most cases, when I’m using slides to support my message, I will request that someone other than me manage and advance my slides during the meeting. This way I can send the slides to another attendee well in advance and then I only need to say “next slide please” for the slides to advance.  It’s like magic.

I like this approach when presenting online, but also in person.  While I will have my laptop available just in case, if I can rely on someone else to manage projectors, cables, online platforms, battery strength, wi-fi, and other aspects then my life is simplified.  

Conclusion 

Public speaking is a skill. Skills require regular practice, a base of knowledge and feedback on strengths and opportunities for development.  Technical tools related to public speaking will continue to evolve, and skilled speakers will continue to stay informed and develop their capabilities.

 

Other Content

Here’s another valuable article from Entrepreneur magazine

https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/leadership/five-tips-to-communicate-better-as-a-leader/276637