The key is to remain natural and relaxed. Speak in a normal conversational tone of voice.

There is a tendency to speed up presentation in a televised classroom. In a live two-way session, concentrate on interaction and remember that pauses, questions, and discussion are as appropriate in the televised environment as in a conventional classroom. Pauses are even more important in this environment to give students time to respond if they are using push-to-talk microphones.

It has been said that ninety percent of communication happens in the face and eyes. To establish eye contact with remote participants, you must look into the camera. By "teaching to the camera," often you treat the distant participant as part of the total class.

  • Try to vary vocal pitch, volume, and flow of delivery. As in a conventional classroom, such techniques can eliminate monotony and can be very effective in emphasizing important information.
  • Envision the camera as one of the students sitting in front of you.
  • An occasional glance at the camera will emphasize your acknowledgment of the distance students.
  • Look at the camera when giving directions or responding to distance participants. Eye contact is important in encouraging participant involvement.
  • Don't forget to teach to any on-site students as well. Vary your focus from the camera to the classroom so that no one is left out.
  • For long live presentations, consider showing something visual every now and then that says something about you on a personal note or invites short conversation off the topic. This will break up the information and give you an opportunity to add some of your personality to your presentation.

Remember that people prefer to receive information in different ways. Some prefer visuals. Some are auditory learners. Some pick up more from nonverbal facial and physical clues. The best presentations use a combination of visual, verbal, musical, and facial/physical clues.