A Champions top tips for delivering virtual Sessions

Nandini Balakumar, a Dementia Friends Champion, gives us her top tips for delivering virtual Sessions.

1) Know your content!

Read the content thoroughly so you’re confident with the structure of the presentation. You’ll need to be multitasking as you’re delivering the Session, so it helps to know the content well. The perks of delivering virtual Sessions means you can have as many notes in front of you as you need. 

2) Practice makes perfect

Practice with a group of friends or family as many times as you need to get your confidence up!

3) Prepare for technical glitches

Be aware that technical glitches may happen. Refer to notes if you need to fill time, but also remember there’s nothing wrong with taking a step back and explaining what’s happening – we’ve all been there!

If you're delivering a Session for an organisation or group who use different technology to what you're used to, ensure you have a thorough run through before, and ask for someone from the organisation to be on hand to help if needed.

4) Be aware of volume and pace

Speak slowly, clearly and keep a steady pace if possible. People won’t mind if you stop halfway through to ask if you’re going too fast, or to take a deep breath and a sip of water to calm nerves.

5) Signposting

Remember, as part of your Session you’ll explain that you’re delivering the Session as a volunteer and not as an expert in dementia, you can signpost people to Alzheimer’s Society with any questions.

6) And lastly…

When it comes to presenting to a large audience, you can always decide not to look at the number of participants, and just imagine you’re talking to someone one on one!