How to get online presenters to stop talking

Have you ever been in an online event where the presenter just kept talking and talking, waaaay over their allocated time? How was that for you? Boring? Frustrating? Or did you just leave?

It’s a common problem that can ruin the engagement and impact of a virtual gathering.

And of course, when early speakers go beyond their time, something’s got to give. Too often, it means that speakers later in the programme – perhaps those who aren’t “big names” – find their slots cut short. That’s just not fair!

But why does it happen? And what can you do to prevent it?

One reason this happens is that speakers may not be aware of how different online communication is from in-person communication. They might be used to giving long presentations or lectures in front of an in-person audience, where they can see the reactions and feedback of the listeners. Applause, laughter and eye contact help them to gauge the interest and attention of the audience.

But online, these cues are often missing or muted. Speakers may not be able to see or hear the participants, or they may only see a small fraction of them on a screen. They may also feel nervous or uncomfortable with the technology, and try to fill the silence with more words.

So, when you’re planning to invite a presenter to your online event, how can you make sure they run to time? These tips work well:

• Invite them to “spark a conversation”. The invitation makes all the difference. Invite them to give a ten-minute “provocation” at the start of an hour-long conversation, for example. Then use breakouts and other engagement approaches to make the session buzz.
• Prepare them well. Make sure they understand the goals and expectations of your online event, and who’s likely to attend. Provide them with guidance and best practices on how to design and deliver engaging online sessions. Offer them coaching or feedback if needed.
• Make sure they have a plan. Check that they are clear about what they intend to say, including any stories or examples.
• Agree time signals. Discuss specifically how they will be made aware that they are close to the end of their allocated time, and that they have reached the end of their time. Will you wave green/amber/red cards? If so, how will they ensure that they can see you during their talk? It’s easy for them to get engrossed in their slides!
• Ask participants to keep their cameras on. When the speaker can see people’s responses, they are much more likely to stick to time.
• As facilitator, be brave. Rehearse, perhaps with a colleague, how you will interrupt if the speaker does not stop. Will you go so far as to mute them?
• Get feedback and evaluation. After each session, ask your speakers and participants for feedback on what worked well and what could be improved. Use this information to learn from your experience and make your next online event even better.

By following these tips, you can help your online presenters to stop talking and start engaging. And that’ll be more fun for everyone involved.