86th Annual International Conference
October 18 to 24, 2021
Virtual Tips & Information
image by Jay Fullmer. If you are using a screen reader and need additional assistance, please contact abcoffice@businesscommunication.org.
- Presentation Tips
- Equipment and Software
- Video/Presentation Recording
- Uploading Your Presentation
- Expected Schedule
- Conference Contacts
Presentation Tips
- Video Communication Techniques (Jay Fullmer and D. Joel Whalen)
- Tips on How to Video Yourself with an iPhone or iPad (Esther Dillard, video, YouTube)
Other Tips and Tricks:
- Enable “Do Not Disturb” on your computer, cell phone, and other devices while recording to avoid interruptions/noise. Consider a “do not disturb” sign on your door.
- Stay in view - it helps viewers when you leave your camera on while presenting, rather than turning it off. “Frame-up” so that you are not slumping or staring up at the computer. Look at the camera, not yourself.
- Minimize feedback and noise. To minimize potential feedback, keep all electronics such as your phone away from your computer. Consider using headphones and a microphone for best noise cancellation and sound transmission.
- Have drinking water nearby, just in case.
- Use a timer, either on your desktop, on your phone, or with a clock nearby.
- Convey your energy and enthusiasm through your tone of voice, appearance, and organization.
- Say your name when you begin speaking. For example, "Hello, I am...."
- Use inclusive language throughout your presentation so everyone can understand what you are sharing. For example, “This slide depicts…” instead of “As you can see…”. Describe any visual elements you reference.
- Use easy-to-read fonts like: Arial, Helvetica, Lucida Sans, Tahoma, or Verdana.
- Do not use flashing lights or strobe effects.
- Avoid backlighting. Use a desktop lamp or a ring light positioned so light illuminates your face.
- If recording using a smartphone, be sure the smartphone is horizontal rather than vertical.
- Run a speed test to check your internet speed. If under 10 Mbps, you may experience connectivity issues. Help avoid the pitfalls of this hazard by pre-recording and uploading your presentation and transcript to the conference platform.
- Don’t compete for bandwidth. If participating in the conference from a location with consumer-grade Internet bandwidth, ensure you are not competing for bandwidth with others in your household. Someone may have to take a break from Xbox gaming.
- Add captions to your presentation so it is accessible for all participants. You can do this if you present your slides through Google slides. More info HERE.
- Incorporate polls in your presentation to help keep your audience engaged. Learn about polls and more in the virtual conference training (coming soon.)
- Cite your sources for videos, images, research, and content. If music is used, be sure you have permission.
If you would like to add images to your presentation, a site with free, high-quality images is Unsplash.
Recording Your Presentation
ABC recommends using Zoom to record and save your presentation and transcript. Following are instructions for Zoom:
1. Begin a meeting in Zoom
2. Enter full screen if necessary
3. Select Record (at the bottom of your Zoom screen)
4. To save your video on to your computer, select Record on this Computer
5. When you are finished recording, select End in the bottom-right of your Zoom screen
6. Select End Meeting for All
Note: At this point, the file will begin converting. This may take a few minutes and you will see a progress bar.
7. Select the folder where you wish to save your recording, which will be named zoom_0.mp4
8. Rename your recording using this format: LastName.FirstInitial.Track.2021
9. Upload your pre-recorded presentation to virtual platform (Whova).
If you are submitting for My Favorite Assignment and/or How Do You Teach Diversity, you will NOT upload to the virtual platform, instead, upload directly within your ABC submission.
Uploading Your Presentation
Upload your presentation (or add link) using the Whova Speaker Form as sent you by Whova (event-noreply@whova.io) Try to include a transcript (in a Word doc format) with your presentation; this allows content to be accessible to all attendees. You may also upload other handouts.
If you are submitting for My Favorite Assignment and/or How Do You Teach Diversity, you will NOT upload to the virtual platform, instead, upload directly within your ABC submission. Others should upload presentation and transcript by October 15. You will receive more information via email.
Equipment & Software
Basic equipment is recommended for optimal sound and quality. A desk lamp illuminating your face works well; a headset helps produce best sound and eliminates much background noise. While ABC does not recommend particular brands, the links below may help.
- Google Chrome - You need to use this browser with Whova (our conferencing platform)
- Wireless Headset and Microphone
- Microphone - best if recording in a large room and/or in a room with others
- Tripod - use this to hold your smartphone horizontally for recording
- Ring Light
- Webcam with built-in mic
Advanced Video Recording and Editing Software
While ABC does not recommend a particular software, these links may be helpful:
Free video editing programs in the Google Chrome Webstore include:
A general overview of many video capture software programs is available HERE.
Here are some options available for purchase:
- Camtasia Produced by Techsmith, excellent editing features like zooming capability, transitions, and effects. Educational discount might be available - more information here.
- Screencast-O-Matic Screencast-O-Matic has a free version, deluxe version, and premier version. The free version is good for basic video production.
- OBS Studio OBS Studio is free, but not for the novice. Called “the most powerful capture tool money can’t buy” by PC World Magazine in 2020.
- Pictar Video Chat Kit For purchase if you need wide angle view.
Expected Schedule
Monday, October 18
Sessions begin - Global Advances in Business Communication (GABC)
Tuesday, October 19
Regional meetings
Committee meetings
ABC sessions begin
Workshops begin
Wednesday, October 20
Committee meetings
Sessions continue
Workshops continue
Thursday and Friday, October 21-22
Plenary - ABC President and ABC Second Vice President
New Attendee Welcome
Sessions continue
Saturday, October 23
Workshops
First Time Attendee Tips
- Arrive early to settle in comfortably; stay for the entire conference.
- Take time to meet new people.
- Attend the First Time Attendee Welcome Address to hear from the ABC President and ABC Executive Director.
- Participate in a workshop to make even more connections.
- Take care of yourself. Consider gentle stretching and meditation. Make good choices; allow time to process your thoughts and take time for a bit of quiet each day. Enjoy fresh air and exercise. Get enough sleep.
- If you need a friend or mentor, visit ABC Connect during the conference; you will discover seasoned ABC members who are happy to "show you the ropes."
Conference Contacts
ABC Conference Co-chairs
Ryan Fuller and Susan Schanne
GABC Conference Co-chairs
Gail Cruise and Susan Schanne