As you prepare for your virtual Annual General Meeting, ask yourself: What’s within my control and what’s beyond?
Make the most of everything within your control by preparing well. For an eAGM, or any online shareholder meeting, these small steps can make a huge difference:
Warm up your voice. You may not have spoken much before the meeting; and you don’t want your first sound to be throat-clearing. Humming a tune is the simplest way to do this.
Stay lubricated. Place a cup of warm water nearby (yes, a classy cup, not your trusty water bottle which lacks executive gravitas). Warm water is best for the throat, and a slice of lemon provides even more benefit. Give yourself a bonus point for throat lozenges.
Choose your most sound-proofed room. Close windows and doors; turn off fans. Now is a great time to ask family members to keep the sound low in nearby rooms.
Wear earphones. They not only help you to hear clearly, but most good ones block out external noise. Wireless are best for aesthetics. Sync them to your computer and check the videoconferencing app’s settings as well – sometimes two steps are required.
Set up other resources in advance: the agenda, annual report, financials, committee reports, FAQs, speaking notes, pen and paper, even tissues.
The bottom line for your eAGM preparation is this: eliminate risks. If anything can go wrong, you can bet it will go wrong. Control your own appearance, comfort and ability to deliver. Then you’ll be able to bring your best self to this important spotlight moment.
Red Shoe coaches boards and management for a successful virtual AGM. This article is part of a series on executive presence in an eAGM.
Comments