On behalf of everyone at the European Society of Cardiology, a profound “thank you” for being a contributor for ESC Congress 2021 - The Digital Experience.
We are committed to showcasing your LIVE remote presentation in the best possible light.
To that end, there are a few simple tips and tricks we can suggest to make your remote presentation stand out.
Preparation Tips
Sit in a quiet room
Mute your phone and computer. Close all programs opened on your computer except the ones needed for the recording.
Laptops are easier
If possible, use a laptop computer. It allows you greater flexibility so you can achieve the optimal height and light.
Make your background simple and neat
Virtual backgrounds are not recommended.
Ideally, have as much depth as possible behind you. But look closely. Remove anything that in any way could be distracting to your audience.
ZOOM "blur background" option is available.
Lighting is key
Identify where most of the light is coming from (including a window) and put your computer or recording device in front of it – as close as you can – so you get as much light on your face as possible. Otherwise, consider taking two lamps (remove the shades) and position them in front of you at 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock so that the sides of your face are evenly lit. You may also wish to purchase two small, professional LED lights which are widely available online.
Put your lens at eye level or slightly higher
You never want to be looking down at your audience. Use a stack of books to prop up your computer or recording device. (Please check: if you see any part of the ceiling behind you, your camera is still too low and needs to be raised further.) If you cannot raise your computer high enough, consider using a much shorter chair. No one will know that you are lower than your desk, but they will appreciate that you are speaking at eye level.
Internet connection
If possible, use a wired internet connection – NO WIFI - If you wish to test your Internet speed: http://speedtest.net/ Upload speed below 0.5Mbps will not be sufficient.
Your webcam - Your window to the audience
Your webcam must be on at all times during the live. Please do not deactivate it when you are not speaking and remember you may appear on screen
Please make sure to look in the camera as it is your window to the audience.
Stay in the Frame
Your webcam will be cropped (see below) on each sides, to ensure we have a portrait rendering, so it is important not to move from left to right
An external microphone
You can then plug it directly into your computer or recording device. It will be money well spent and provide superior audio quality for presentations to come. It will also allow you to abandon the bulky headset.
Consider a desktop microphone you can position beside you or a lavalier microphone you can clip on to your lapel if you record standing up– all available online.
Prepare Your Slides
- Please use the ESC Congress 2021 - The Digital Experience slides template to create your slides.
- Make sure your slides are clean and simple. Do not overwhelm your audience with too much text.
- Just three or four key bullet points, one or two lines each, per slide. (Your talk can flesh them out with context and background information.)
- As a general rule, one or two slides per minute. No more than one data set per slide.
- Ensure the font is large enough – 12 or 13 pt is good – and easy to read. Consider using ESC red (R:174 G:16 B:34) in places to help break up the text.
- Add supporting visuals/pictures to your slides to make them more appealing and reinforce your messages. Help make your presentation memorable.
- Please respect the timing allocated to your presentation as indicated in your Agreement Form.
Assistance with your recording
You may be contacted shortly by members of the ESC production team to provide further details and assist you with your recording.
At any time, however, never hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Speakers can contact scientific@escardio.org
Abstract and clinical case presenters can contact abstracts@escardio.org
Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.