PowerPoint online & offline – challenges for speakers at hybrid events

In the wake of the pandemic, increased digitalization has also found its way into events. Marketing festivals, conferences, trade fairs and all kinds of events that would have filled event rooms with people before 2020 took place digitally. Recently, organizers have been increasingly mixing proven and digital concepts. So-called hybrid events take place on site and are also made accessible to participants online.Speakers are therefore faced with new challenges.Because what is presented must have an impact online and on site.

A new form of stage

If PowerPoint presentations are presented to a live audience, they usually sit directly in front of them. Spectators are interacted with, hands are raised, questions are answered and people's facial expressions are studied for feedback. However, the situation is different with virtual presentations. Speakers and viewers are now faced with barriers.Anonymity is getting bigger, the screen is getting smaller.The speaker is no longer in the foreground, but rather the presentation.

At hybrid events, speakers are on a virtual and real stage at the same time and have to be flexible. It's not just body language that has to be used to convey to both parties that what is being presented adds value. The presentation must also adapt to the hybrid model.Proper preparation of the presentation is therefore crucial for the success of your appearance.

PowerPoint for hybrid events – the challenge begins with the preparation

When designing PowerPoint presentations for hybrid events, the biggest challenge is to appeal to and captivate digital and “on-site” audiences. Even outside of the hybrid model, it is more challenging to offer digital viewers an exciting presentation.With hybrid presentations, it is important to empathize with both groups.

Hold the text of your PowerPoint presentationpragmatic, so your audience's attention isn't constantly switching between you and the text. At the same time, keep in mind that digital viewers will see your presentation on a small monitor or even smartphone. Therefore, make sure that your slideskept simple and easy to read(little text, sufficiently large font, etc.Animations and videosmust be smartly integrated, as they tend to cause problems, especially with online transmission. We would be happy to help you set design highlights for a hybrid audience as well as the important onesred threadthrough your presentation so that everyone watching remains captivated.

"Hello? Can everyone see the presentation?" – On-site support

We were allowed with ours“on site” servicealready accompanying some speakers in hybrid presentations. Even for self-proclaimed technology professionals, the challenges on site should not be underestimated.Hybrid presentations are a breeding ground for many avoidable errors.Find out about the location in advance. Keyword: understandable sound! Check whether your moving images create the desired effect digitally and on site.

We are also happy to offer you support on site. Especially when it comes to important events such as annual press conferences where sensitive data is handled. For example, our PowerPoint experts can provide support by adding important information to your presentation in the last few minutes. We would be happy to arrive the day before the event and check technology etc. so that you can concentrate completely on your performance.

Follow-up with added value

Good follow-up is primarily done in the interests of the digital audience. Because while the on-site audience is focused entirely on you, the digital audience is exposed to various distractions. WhatsApp, coffee, checking emails, other events. The temptation is great.
One possibility is,Record your presentation. This means you can even make your appearance accessible to interested parties who were unable to attend.Don’t forget digital handouts. For lean presentations, this can already be made available unchanged. Leave anyContact details or social media linksto get in touch with viewers.

Hybrid events bring opportunities as well as challenges. The core of a successful hybrid PowerPoint presentation is to empathize with both target groups. With our team of experts, we will be happy to support you with the creation as well as preparatory and follow-up work and, if desired, we will also be at your side on site.