Welcome to…
Confidence Corner
If this is your first time on a virtual stage, this page is for you.
Taking the virtual stage for the first time can feel a bit daunting, but we are here to help you shine. This space is designed specifically for first-time speakers who are new to presenting online. Forget those pre-presentation jitters! This page is packed with practical guidance to turn those nerves into excitement. Covering everything from preparation to delivering your presentation like a pro, these tips will ensure you feel completely prepared and confident when your session goes live.
We believe that great speaking is not about being flawless. It is about being authentic and prepared. Remember, every successful speaker started right where you are. Josh from Hynt joined us to candidly answer some of the top questions new, and seasoned, speakers have when preparing for a Fundraising Everywhere event.
Introduction
Drawing on years of experience speaking at numerous FE conferences, this short video explains why these tips matter. Josh kicks things off by introducing himself as a fellow fundraiser and an experienced host. Setting the stage for a series of bite-sized videos designed to help speakers feel totally at ease when they go live for a Fundraising Everywhere event.
Preparation
Success starts long before the “Live” button is pressed. This section explores how to find a personal rhythm, whether that’s writing a full script only to throw it out or building a deck well in advance. It emphasises the power of storytelling hooks and the importance of “milestone timing” to ensure the content is edited down to what truly matters.
Delivery tips
Virtual delivery is about more than just reading slides. It’s about being an engaging, prepared authority. These tips focus on arriving camera-ready to avoid technical fumbles and staying mindful of the clock. Most importantly, it reminds speakers that the audience is there for their unique value, so there is no need for nerves.
Engaging the audience
Engagement should never be an afterthought. It is what makes virtual events feel deep and authentic. This guide explains how to present directly to the camera, how to build in deliberate opportunities for audience participation, and how to weave live chat questions into the session.
What not to do
A light-hearted but essential look at the mistakes that can distract an audience. From bad lighting and poor microphone quality to the dreaded “up-the-nose” laptop angle, this checklist ensures that the speaker’s expertise remains the star of the show rather than their desk setup.
When things go wrong
Even the pros face tech issues, but the audience is always rooting for the speaker. This section provides a mindset shift. Viewers only know what they see, not what was “supposed” to happen. It offers reassurance that the producer is always on hand to help and shares “Speaker Horror Stories” to prove that a slip-up is never the end of the world.
Tech tips
Whether it’s your first time on our stage or your fiftieth, every speaker joins us for a tech rehearsal. This brief walkthrough allows our team to verify your audio/video configuration and slide compatibility. By ironing out the technical details ahead of time, we ensure your transition from the green room to the stage is effortless and distraction-free.
Virtual vs in person events
Virtual events offer a unique level of accessibility and efficiency that physical stages can’t match. This section highlights how speakers can connect with global, high-level audiences from home. It explains how to use digital-first tools like Slido polls to create a session that is just as, if not more, engaging than an in-person talk.
Support
Fundraising Everywhere provides a world-class environment for both new and seasoned speakers. From dedicated prep sessions to the brilliant producers who handle the “Live” transitions, speakers are never alone. The team ensures every speaker is positioned for their best performance.