Timing Your Online Class or Presentation.

When we give presentations or teach classes via video, we often use slides. Too many presenters/instructors—familiar with their topic—create the slides they want to use, and feel they are prepared. But merely looking over the slides and running through the material in your head is not good enough. To make sure you don’t overrun your time, or have to cut yourself short, rehearse the presentation or class aloud. 

Start with a draft of the ideas you need to convey.  Decide how many slides you will need. (Remember, every slide does not need to be the same length.) Then, speak it through and time yourself. Most likely, you will need to edit. Once your presentation or class fits the allotted time, create a timeline. {Slide #1: 3pm -3:04. Slide  #2: 3:04 pm – 3:07.}

If questions or a discussion will be part of the session, make sure you deduct that time from your presentation to remain within the overall time allowed.

Before you begin, have your timeline in front of you and start the stopwatch function on your phone. It takes discipline to stay on topic and in the allowed time, but you will convey leadership and professionalism.