T.S. Elliot would be amused but for the judge, not so much. A Texas attorney was in a virtual courtroom proceeding with his hearing, when an animated cat picture appeared on his Zoom screen. (You can’t make this up). The judge told him to remove it but the lawyer didn’t know how to do it. The judge told him he thought it was a problem with the video filter. The lawyer said his assistant was trying to remove the photo but without success. He then said to the judge,
“I’m prepared to go forward with it. I’m here live. I’m not a cat.”
Good grief! Did he really say that? This could be a scene right out of the movie “My Cousin Vinny.” The judge continued to trouble shoot. Did they solve the problem? Who knows?
I do know this. The lawyer lost credibility and it didn’t have to be that way. How often do we hear, “You’re on mute,” “We can’t see you.” “There’s noise in the background. Please mute your microphone”?
I’ve had enough of bad virtual presentations!!!! When will people learn that virtual presentations are different from in-person speaking? As a certified virtual presenter, I see so many poor presentations but this one goes to the top of the list. I’ve witnessed senators and famous actors bomb on the virtual stage. And that’s why today I work with clients to translate stage presence into screen presence.
What should the lawyer have done?
1. Check the laptop and Zoom software BEFORE the presentation. Maybe a child was playing on the computer earlier. Too many people log on at the meeting time instead of 10 minutes early. Why 10 minutes? You’ll discover any glitches and will have time to fix them.
2. Choose your filter. Go to the video icon on Zoom, click on the menu. It will show you the backgrounds you’ve already uploaded. Choose your desired background or click on NONE. That will bring you to your real world background.
3. Have a back up plan. The lawyer could have ended the call and rebooted. Or he could have called in by phone.
4. Don’t state the obvious. He should have ended with “I’m prepared to go forward.” Period. The end. But he added, “I’m not a cat.” REALLY? He lost credibility once again. This was fodder for Saturday Night Live. I laughed out loud.
When poet Carl Sandburg said, “The fog comes on little cat feet”, he wasn’t referring to a Zoom filter. Mistakes happen. Most can be prevented with preparation, rehearsal and a back-up plan. Your presentation is your brand, reputation, and credibility. Don’t let technology bring you to your knees. Call me to learn how to give a knockout virtual presentation.
My presentations, training and coaching are available virtually. It’s easy to find me to discuss your needs. Email diane@diresta.com. DM me at twitter @speakingpro. Or call: 917 803-8663