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At work, school, and online, I’m surrounded by well-read, educated people who can also write , crunch numbers , solve problems, and code just about anything. These people are motivated, career all-star, mover-and-shaker twentysomethings, but what many (myself included) have in common is a lack of presentation skills.
Don’t get me wrong, I can get through a presentation with a little practice and a powerpoint. Most people can, but most also have plenty of room for improvement in their presentations. We all wish we could be great presenters - the benefits to one’s career are immeasurable. After some thought, I have concluded that the best way for someone to improve their presentation skills is through new media outlets , specifically a podcast or vodcast.
Most people have heard of a podcast, which is essentially a radio show that is broadcast through RSS feed, similar to a blog. A vodcast is the same thing as a podcast, just in video format. Podcasts have been gaining popularity for a few years, but vodcasts are a relatively new phenomenon, even though the technology has been there just as long.
A further look shows vodcasts gaining huge popularity among the teen set. With recent vlogging contests on MTV and TV shows like Nickelodeon’s iCarly (based around these kids who create their own vodcast for their friends), the youngest millennial trendsetters seem to be catching the clue that standalone blogs are oh-so 2007.
So what’s a girl with a brand new blog to do? I guess take a cue from the tech-savvy teens and start figuring this “casting” stuff out!
Why is starting a podcast/vodcast the best way to improve my presentation skills?
I sometimes YouTube my favorite TV shows (the unfortunate side effect of evening grad school classes) and for one of my shows I found a teenage girl who posted short YouTube video recaps after each new episode. I hesitate to say which show because her first video was about seven minutes long and painfully awkward – it hurt just watching it.
I found her again around episode five, however, and was shocked by the difference. She spoke confidently, stood up straight, and got through her points with energy, speed, and poise. If it weren’t for the background setting, this could have been an entirely different girl than I had previously watched.
The learning curve is steep, but worth the investment; in my observation you can make huge improvements on your presentation skills within 3 to 4 ‘casts. How? Well, obviously the practice helps, but there’s something that sets a podcast/vodcast apart from just doing lots of speeches – instant feedback.
Have you ever had yourself videotaped during a speech? I have, and it’s probably one of the most uncomfortable experiences I’ve ever had. People can tell you how to give a speech and you can do reasonably well, but nothing compares to showing you what everyone else sees and letting you critique yourself instead. That’s what a podcast or vodcast allows for, which is why your presentation skills will improve more after a few ’casts than after an entire semester of Required Speech Class 101.
Plus there are other benefits to podcasting/vodcasting, like gaining a larger audience, reaching people who don’t like to read , building authority, and getting more personal with your current audience.
How do I start a podcast/vidcast?
I’m struggling with this question myself, but here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
Tune in. Learn what it takes. sound and resolution quality – understanding how to improve these will show consideration for your audience.Choose topics. subscribe for free and receive notification when it’s posted.)Find people to talk to. you should get a co-host of the opposite sex because there is better chemistry. All of this makes sense to me – not only would I not want to talk for twenty minutes straight, I wouldn’t want to listen to someone else talk for twenty minutes straight. A few different perspectives would mix it up, cause tension, and create a little more drama.Do a test drive.
Should I start a podcast/vidcast?
I question whether each blogger needs their own ‘cast; it might be equally beneficial to partner with other bloggers who already have one going, especially if the technical aspect creates a high entry cost for you.
Another thing to consider is your current commitments. Don’t start something you won’t have time for, won’t do regularly, or won’t do well. There’s not much point because it won’t improve your personal brand – it could even hurt it.
To help with your decision, here are the best resources I found:
If you have any questions about podcasting or vodcasting, feel free to ask in the comments section.
If anyone has any experience with podcasting or vodcasting, feel free to share your thoughts and tips in the comments section.
Tagged as:
Features ,
Personal Development ,
Podcast ,
Presentation Skills ,
Vodcast
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
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Monica – great suggestions, and thanks for the shout-out about 30/20 Vision! – Lindsey
Thanks Lindsey, love your blog. Since you run an online talk show, do you have any other suggestions for someone interested in other forms of online media?
hi, i also find very good tips at http://www.powerpoint-presentation-power.com
hi, i also find very good tips at http://www.powerpoint-presentation-power.com
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