The novel coronavirus has forced us to shift our business practices to connect virtually.  And in this environment, how do you make sure you are communicating effectively?  That was the question that the ULI Washington Leadership Institute class explored as it met virtually on April 16.

Communications strategist Liz Wainger, President, The Wainger Group, discussed how to communicate and present online and off.

The foundation of any communication no matter what modality is to understand who your audience is and what matters most to them.  What are their concerns, aspirations, and needs and how can your product or service help address them.  Think about framing your messages and outreach through these two questions:  What are you bringing to your stakeholders that adds something positive to their business? And what challenges or burdens are you eliminating or reducing?  When you message through this lens you are communicating through a prism of value.  It’s not about you but about them.

The message is half of the equation.  The other half is delivering it.   Liz then shared a few tips for presenting virtually.  These included:

1. Having a clear agenda for your presentation.  What outcome do you want?  Are you providing information or asking for a decision or other action?
2. Facilitate and lead.  Ask questions.
3. Cut down on meeting time.  We are all spending much more time online than before and our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter.
4. Turn the video on.  It helps you be more present. Otherwise all people see is a black box.
5. Check your background.  Make sure it is uncluttered and won’t distract.
6. Smile and keep your energy up.   Smiling warms you up.  You need more energy in virtual settings

The class went into a discussion about changes they see at their workplaces. Some examples include:

• – More relaxed nature in communication. Conversations are still very engaging but working over virtual space allows for brainstorming that didn’t happen before.
• – Technology is enhancing communication, can share in real time.
• –  Sense of empathy has been developed among professional relationships. Able to connect with people in a way you didn’t have an opportunity to before.

The class will continue to meet virtual in May and will present their mTAP projects over the summer.

You can find more information about Liz Wainger and how approach to working online, here. And for more tips on effective communication and developing your brand, check out her book.