85th Annual International Conference
October 27 to 31, 2020
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
Video content by Jay Fullmer and D. Joel Whalen.
Tips and Tricks:
- Enable “Do Not Disturb” on your computer, cell phone, and other devices while recording in order to avoid interruptions/noise. Consider a “do not disturb” sign on your door, too.
- 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.
- Minimize feedback and noise. To minimize the opportunity for 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 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 all viewers 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. Test using a desktop lamp or a ring light positioned so light illuminates your face.
- If recording using your smartphone, always make sure your smartphone is set up horizontally rather than vertically.
- 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 to the conference platform.
- Don’t compete for bandwidth. If you are taking part 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 that it is accessible for all of our 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.
Equipment & Software
Some basic equipment is recommended for optimal sound and quality. While ABC does not recommend a particular brand, you may find these links helpful:
- Google Chrome - You need to use this browser with Pathable (our conferencing platform)
- Wireless Headset and Microphone
- Microphone - best if you're recording in a large room and/or in a room with others
- Tripod - you can use this to hold your smartphone horizontally for recording
- Ring Light
- Webcam with built-in mic
- Pictar Video Chat Kit - best if you want to record a presentation without a video of yourself
Video Recording and Editing Software
While ABC does not recommend a particular video program, you may find these links helpful:
Free video editing programs in the Google Chrome Webstore include:
A general overview of many video capture software programs is available HERE.
The following options are available for purchase:
Produced by Techsmith, Camtasia is listed at $249. Excellent editing features such as zooming capability, transitions, effects, and other add-ons.
Educational discount might be available - more information here.
Screencast-O-Matic has a free version, deluxe version, and premier version. The free version is good for basic video production.
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.
Recording Your Presentation
ABC recommends using Zoom to record and save your presentation. 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
7. Then, the file will begin converting. This may take a few minutes and you will see a progress bar.
8. Select the folder where you wish to save your recording, which will be named zoom_0.mp4
9. Rename your recording using this format: LastName.FirstInitial.Track.2020
10. Upload your pre-recorded presentation to Pathable.
If you are submitting for My Favorite Assignment and/or How Do You Teach Diversity, you will NOT upload to Pathable, and instead, upload directly within your ABC submission. You must upload your presentation and transcript by October 9.
Uploading Your Presentation
Once inside virtual platform, click Schedule, then My Schedule. From your desired agenda item:
- Click MANAGE (upper right) (Depending upon your browser, you may need to scroll up.)
- Click Video (next to files and above Good to Know) DO NOT upload your video to files.
- Note pre-selected Setting indicating, “Release uploaded video on meeting start time.” (This allows video to be played on-demand. Attendees can switch between the videos that they choose to watch.)
- Click ADD NEW VIDEO
- Follow prompts to upload and save. (2GB video limit.)
Consider providing a transcript (in a Word doc format) with your presentation so your content is 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 Pathable, and instead, upload directly within your ABC submission. You must upload your presentation and transcript by October 9. You will receive more information via email.
Expected Schedule
Tuesday, October 27 and Saturday, October 31
New Attendee Welcome, Workshops, Opening Reception, and Virtual Welcome
Wednesday, October 28
Opening Plenary - ABC President and ABC Second Vice President
Committee meetings
Sessions begin
Awards
Thursday and Friday, October 29 to 30
Committee meetings continue
Sessions continue
Saturday, October 31
Workshops
Sessions conclude by noon
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."