And The Golden Globe For Best Presenter Goes To…

Last night’s Golden Globes telecast kicked off this year’s Hollywood award season in the most unusual way — and instead of non-stop glam we got kids, dogs, hoodies, jammies and a big dose of authenticity. The production was a socially-distanced, bicoastal mashup of in-person hosts, a small audience of essential workers and an A-list of presenters and nominees, some live and some streamed from their living rooms surrounded by family. 

And while the results were anything but surprising (Netflix!), I found the event a testimony to what works and what doesn’t when trying to present effectively, especially across digital platforms. 

Here are a few key takeaways:

Practice, practice, practice. You can never be too prepared. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey were a well-oiled machine, and a true pleasure to watch. They knew their routines perfectly, performed them effortlessly and played off each other masterfully. Nothing was left to chance and, despite being on opposite coasts, they performed like they were truly side by side.  

Speak slowly and articulately. This tip may seem mundane but is especially important when presenting virtually with the potential for sound glitches, feedback and echoing. This can be further complicated when you add a presenter not speaking his or her native tongue or with an accent. Both Daniel Kaluuya and John Boyega were difficult to understand as they spoke quite quickly during their acceptance speeches. By contrast, Cynthia Areyo and Salma Hayek spoke intentionally, slowly and clearly and were much more pleasing to the ear.

Don’t experiment with technology – Taking center stage is not the time to be trying something new. Catherine O’Hara’s acceptance speech was overshadowed by her husband’s attempt to play canned applause from his iPhone. The gag had potential to be funny but fell flat and distracted from her big moment. 

Use color to stand out. While black can be elegant, it tends to blend in and can read boring, especially virtually.  Color, on the other hand, we remember. Cynthia Areyo in her gorgeous green, Gal Gadot and Jane Fonda in stunning white (and let’s not forget Jane’s stunning silver coif!), Dan Levy and Jamie Lee Curtis in shocking yellow and Salma Hayek and Rosamund Pike in bold red are outfits, and presenters, we will certainly remember.

Use body language to make your point. The most memorable presenters and winners used effective body language to convey their messages. Jane Fonda did it best. You may have noticed her nodding emphatically to make a point, gesturing with her hands to show passion and commitment, pausing briefly to show thought and leaning in to invite the audience to join in her journey to tell stories and show acceptance.  

Remember storytelling is a powerful tool. Jane Fonda also taught us that stories have the power to “change our hearts and our minds” while reminding us to fight for inclusivity so everyone’s story can be heard. Nomadland director Chloe Zhao used her story to elicit compassion for one another while Chadwick Boseman’s wife poignantly shared his desire to use his stories to “amplify that little voice inside all of us that tells you you can.” And the funny and irreverent Sacha Baron Cohen explained his film’s mission to “preach the danger of lies, hate and conspiracies and the power of truth, empathy and democracy.” 

Keep it real. If appropriate, show who you really are. Many winners seemed to eschew formalities and glamour and showed their true selves. 25-year-old Emma Corrin was giddy and enthusiastic, a perfectly age-appropriate response. Kate Hudson had her whole family on screen while Jodi Foster cradled her dog on her lap wearing her pajamas and Jason Sudeikis wore his finest hoodie. Rosamund Pike ran her hands through her hair, as if glamour simply didn’t matter. These authentic gestures felt very homey, warm and real. 

By now you’re probably wondering… so who did win my award for best presenter? That’s easy – Norman Lear. 

The renowned writer, producer and recipient of the Carol Burnett Award spent his life using television, storytelling and humor to effectively communicate his message. At 98 years old, he continues to shine. 

Last night he employed all of the “do’s” and avoided all of the “don’ts” of good communication. His well-prepared acceptance speech was delivered slowly and clearly and was enhanced by appropriate hand gestures, thoughtful pauses and constant eye contact. His dapper white hat stood out against his classy black suit and he shared messages of love and appreciation that were important to him. And boy did he keep it real, thanking his wife, children, grandchildren and decades of colleagues. He concluded his speech with a subtle tug on his ear, a simple yet powerful homage to Carol Burnett. It was a gesture, and a speech, that no one will soon forget.