I don't think our current situation is entirely what Fat Larry's Band had in mind when they coined the lyric 'zoom, chase the day away' but many of us are now looking for ways to do just that. So, I decided to spend some time adapting my photography talks as Zoom presentations (other video conferencing software is available). It's taken a little time but it was a worthwhile exercise. I purchased a new webcam with a decent microphone and a number of bookings await.
Speaking to clubs in the virtual world is an interesting experience, particularly if, like me, you have a twin-screen set up. I can't help but wonder if the members realise that, even after my screen has been seized, I can still see them sitting at home. It's like some bizarre version of Celebrity Squares. So far I've witnessed lots of eating and drinking, a little bit of dancing and one instance of mild canoodling.
The other interesting diffference is that clubs mute everyone other than the speaker to avoid the issue of conflicting sounds blocking one another out. This means you get no aural reaction whatsover. So, if you have a joke or two built in to the presentation (and I do) it feels a bit like tumbleweeds and crickets. (Mind you, it can be like that in person too. Perhaps I just need some better jokes?) A quick glance at screen 2 does reveal if some are laughing but it's not quite the same. Also, when judging I imagined it would be a bonus not to be abe hear the gasps for a low score. However, I miss that too.
There is one bonus though. A gin and tonic looks very much like sparkling water.
So, if you'd like to spend an evening listening to me witter on a bit (either as a lecturer or a judge), please feel free to get in touch. My contact details are elsewhere on this website. Perhaps I can help your club chase an evening away.
The talks I currently have available can be seen here.
Speaking to clubs in the virtual world is an interesting experience, particularly if, like me, you have a twin-screen set up. I can't help but wonder if the members realise that, even after my screen has been seized, I can still see them sitting at home. It's like some bizarre version of Celebrity Squares. So far I've witnessed lots of eating and drinking, a little bit of dancing and one instance of mild canoodling.
The other interesting diffference is that clubs mute everyone other than the speaker to avoid the issue of conflicting sounds blocking one another out. This means you get no aural reaction whatsover. So, if you have a joke or two built in to the presentation (and I do) it feels a bit like tumbleweeds and crickets. (Mind you, it can be like that in person too. Perhaps I just need some better jokes?) A quick glance at screen 2 does reveal if some are laughing but it's not quite the same. Also, when judging I imagined it would be a bonus not to be abe hear the gasps for a low score. However, I miss that too.
There is one bonus though. A gin and tonic looks very much like sparkling water.
So, if you'd like to spend an evening listening to me witter on a bit (either as a lecturer or a judge), please feel free to get in touch. My contact details are elsewhere on this website. Perhaps I can help your club chase an evening away.
The talks I currently have available can be seen here.
RSS Feed
