About
Speaker guidelines: COVID-19 and development – effects and new realities for the Global South

If you will be presenting in a conference session or chairing a parallel, please take note of the below recommendations. Additionally, we recommend that presentations be pre-recorded where possible to avoid technical issues on the day and assist in ensuring the event runs smoothly. You will still attend the sessions live to participate in the Q&A and discussions.

You can also check the participant guide for more details on navigating the virtual event platform.

Technical guide 

• Ensure you are using an up-to-date version of Chrome or Firefox.
• As soon as you receive the email with the link to the event platform (Hopin) click to sign in and make sure you do not have issues accessing the event platform 
• Check to make sure Chrome has access to your camera and microphone. Mac setup video here and PC setup video here
• Close other programmes (specially Zoom, Teams, Google Hangout or other video apps) and VPN connections or restart your computer before joining the event to ensure these programmes do not interrupt your video or audio. If this is not possible be sure to test these functions in before the session begins
• Use Incognito mode or Private tab on your browser
• Use Presenter View or Full screen if presenting slides. If you are presenting live (not pre-recorded) slides should not contain any videos or animations
• Check your internet speed and network. We recommend a minimum of 5mbps download and 2mbps upload. Ideally, we like to see 30mbps download and 10mbps upload or higher for the best quality
• Some antivirus software can block your device from sharing your camera and microphone. Also, please disable any adblockers in your browser
• Check your browser's and network's compatibility with our streaming software here
• Should you face technical issues, refreshing your browser tab is always a good idea
• Check out general troubleshooting in this guide

Best practice 

• To help avoid any bandwidth issues or last-minute technical hiccups pre-record your presentation and save it to https://go.unu.edu/hzIOp
• Test your audio (best practice is to use headphones; this eliminates echoes and background noise)
• Remember to open your presentation materials ready
• Check your video; put camera at eye level (put books under computer if needed)
• Silence any distracting notifications on computer and phone (Do Not Disturb)
• Have a glass of water nearby
• Make sure that the background is clean, and lighting is optimal. It is recommended not to sit directly in front of a window or strong backlight
• Try not to move your device or rustle any papers while you are speaking
• Mute your microphone when not speaking