Thought Leadership, from In Person to Virtual and Back | Nick Morgan & Joseph Michelli | 429

During the last two years, speakers, consultants, and thought leaders have moved their presentations from in-person formats into relatively unknown digital space. Now, as we settle back into a face-to-face workplace, we look back and consider the lessons learned from online experiences. What would a new, hybrid style look like?

What better way to investigate these topics than to talk with two doctors, who are both experts in their fields!

Dr. Nick Morgan is one of America's top communication theorists and coaches. He is also a keynote speaker and author who helps people bring clarity to their great ideas.

Dr. Joseph Michelli is a consultant, psychologist, professional speaker, and New York Times Bestselling author. He's been voted a Top 5 Global Guru in Customers Service for more than 7 years!

We start by laying the foundation: discussing what the standard business model looked like, pre-pandemic. Then, we move forward, and explore how each of our guests found ways to deliver great experiences virtually. We talk about their successes, and the hardships they struggled to overcome — such as developing trust and transparency through a computer screen.

The future of keynote speaking and conferences is still uncertain, and many thought leaders are exploring "hybrid" models, moving fluidly between in-person and remote presentations. Nick and Joseph discuss how they believe things will continue to play out, giving examples in the ways their businesses were returning to the "old normal," and how they continue to incorporate digital modalities.

While this interview took place some months ago, the advice on how to build trust with a virtual audience is evergreen!

Three Key Takeaways:

* Virtual relationships can get clogged up and degrade over time – whenever possible renew that relationship in person.

* If you are going to make video work you have to go deep fast. Forge a strong relationship right out of the gate by being honest, trustworthy, and transparent.

* Virtual speaking means having to grab the audience's attention in the first 90 seconds. Speakers who don't have some form of interaction are missing a trick for their