How to Create an Incredible Virtual Futurist Keynote
Now, a couple of months ago I asked ‘Why Virtual Futurist Keynotes Suck!’ as I saw more and more people roll out green screens with the same old content and lackadaisical ideas on the post-corona world.
Then, I was booked to present some keynotes and I learned a great deal about this new virtual world. I still love in-person keynotes 1000% more than online keynotes. Meeting people and getting into deep discussions are my favourite. The adrenaline is addictive as well.
I was humbled by the keynotes I gave and workshops I hosted. After that I shared ‘Pro-tips for world-class virtual futurist keynotes’. Lots of good tips in there. #1 tip was to focus on content, and that still stands. I also shared my dislike for the green screen weather casts I was seeing out there.
“There are a lot of speakers running out to buy green screens and use ‘weather casting’ backdrops to Zoom. While these seem like fun, they really act as distractions and really just look a little hokey. You need a solid laptop, a great microphone and a hi-resolution webcam.”
This all still rings true. But, I’ve had a change of heart about the use of greenscreens. Over the past month I’ve worked with my team to rethink how communication of complex ideas and content can work in a natural and engaging way. And, how technology can really be an ally vs. a distraction.
Good Information Design
Here are the principles I follow to create something that really inspires clients and conference attendees
- Get out of the way of the information — don’t stand in front of a green screen (actually you should sit as it’s more natural). Sit to the side and address the viewer. Avoid pointing as well. You are not a weather person, are you? If you are then carry on as it’s part of who you are.
- Reduce the text you show — In the past I’ve shared quotes, stats and complex information freely. Now I leave these to the post-keynote reports and reduce them down to key stats and 5 words max. Also, split them onto multiple slides.
- Only use Images essential for conveying information — keep neutral tones for background images, and keep the resolution a little lower for embedded images. Question the need for each slide and image you have. Does it truly have a purpose or are you just trying to be oversmart. We’re all guilty of that. Less is more.
- Know what video resolution works — If you show a full-screen video then do not share the screen — get out of the way. If you place a video in the top-third as reference then have no audio and run it as a lowres version (your computer and streaming platform will thank you). Feel free to cut from that to a larger video and back if needed (also, see my comment about being over smart).
- Continuous evolution — seek feedback, work with clients to push boundaries and use features in the streaming platforms — polls, comment sections etc. — and be critical. The key to this is recording everything you do and reviewing. Practice three or four times and practice. Split the slides into sections and work out how to navigate streaming scenes that you set up. There are some great tricks you can employ on platforms like Open Broadcast Software (OBS), or eCamm Live.
- Be patient and work on the craft of information design — It took me about 60 hours to really build out a really compelling 10 minute keynote. That doesn’t include the research. Over time I will amount a library of subjects on the future of how the world will work — from manufacturing to automotive, high-tech to agriculture, banking to urban design. And, everything else in between. My ‘Signals from the Frontline’ post goes into the pandemic areas I’ve been researching so do take a look at that.
Equipment Needed
Warning! My equipment list has gotten a little out of control.
Please don’t be intimidated if you are just starting out. Remember you just need a solid laptop, a great microphone and a hi-resolution webcam. You need good light and zero background noise and you’re good to go, assuming you have amazing content. You can also add green screen muslin as well and pin that on a wall behind you if you want to really jazz things up.
Two and a half years ago I built my first studio in Vancouver and found that the acoustics in my apartment sucked. No amount of dampening stopped the sound bouncing. Cool loft-style apartment, bad studio. So, I hit the road and did most of my vlogs out on the streets, at event venues and with clients. It worked brilliantly well. I still vlog to this day.
Now I have evolved my setup so that I can run everything independently and make the technology disappear to the viewers. That’s the key.
Here is my full list.
- Macbook Pro running 10.15.4 Catalina and Keynote
- Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers — 2.0 Active Near Field Monitors
- Akyta HD Webcam 1080P (Camera 1)
- eCamm Live 3.5.7 Pro Edition to be used with streaming platforms, like Zoom / Google Meet / Gotowebinar, and others*
- 2x Canadian Studio light boxes
- 2x Neewer 45W 110V 5500K Tri-phosphor Spiral CFL Daylight Balanced Light Bulb
- Neewer LED Video Lighting (mobile)
- Lumix G4 DSLR (Camera 2)
- Blue Yeti USB microphone**
- iPhone X (Camera 3)
- Shure MV88 mic
- 2x Joby Gorillapods (one static, and one adjustable)
- Zmuipng 7 in 1 USB C Hub Adapter for MacBook Pro
- Samsung LS27F350FHNXZA 27-inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor
- Sprout laptop stand
- Neewer 6 x 9FT / 1.8 x 2.8M PRO Photo Studio 100% Pure Muslin Collapsible Backdrop (green screen)
- Neewer 6-Pack Set Heavy Duty Muslin Spring Clamps Clips
- MOUNTDOG 2M x 3M/6.5ft x 10ft Photo Backdrop Stand Kit
- Mokphon Headphone Y Splitter Mic and Audio Combo Adapter
- MAC Blot Powder (we all need a little makeup for broadcast)
- USB C Hub, 9-in-1 USB C Adapter with 4K USB C to HDMI,VGA, USB C Charging, 2 USB 3.0, SD/TF Card Reader, USB C to 3.5mm, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB C
And, most importantly, an ethernet cable. You need to know that the majority of the streaming platforms throttle the bandwidth of those people that are connected via wifi. You’ll notice a significant difference in streaming quality by plugging in.
*Note that Skype for Business closes the app on Mac computers after 40 minutes. It is not recommended to use this platform.
**No matter what cabling I tried the Rode camera mic just would nit be recognized by my Macbook. Apple is notorious for making it hard to connect via audio jack. I am super happy with the Blue Yeti mic and it’s hugely versatile for all of my needs — from future-casting from my studio to in-person podcast interviews.
It takes a lot of work and practice to deliver world-class virtual futurist keynotes. Go the extra mile for your clients and they will thank you and you’ll have great content to share online. Contact me if you want to discuss.
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Nikolas Badminton is the CEO of EXPONENTIAL MINDS and an award-winning Futurist Speaker, researcher and author. His expertise and thought leadership will guide you from complacency to thinking exponentially, planning for longevity, and encouraging a culture of innovation. You will then establish resiliency and abundance in your organization. Please reach out to discuss how he can help you, and read on to see what is happening in the world this week.
