Virtual presentations can be just as intimidating as speaking in front of a live audience but once you have a few essentials right, it can actually be less nerve-racking. Businesses worldwide have shifted to hosting their meetings and presentations online to gain efficiencies and maximise their reach. Today, companies are adopting a hybrid modality of in-person and online presentations with Gartner, the research firm, predicting that only 25% of business meetings will happen in person. Most of your public speaking training will come in handy when presenting.

That said, presenting virtually is still very different from speaking live. And you need to get really good at virtual presenting as it's here to stay. Connecting at a distance is a critical skill, so here are a few simple tips to help your delivery be more engaging and effective.

The Top 11 Virtual Presentation Tips

1. Find a Professional Background

When it comes to virtual presentations, first impressions matter; your virtual background should be professional and represent your brand well. Avoid using personal photos or busy patterns that can be distracting. If you’re unsure what kind of background to use, choosing a solid color, a stock photo, or a simple design is always a safe bet. A simple professional background will also keep your audience focused on you.

2. Get the Lighting Right

Lighting is another crucial factor to consider when delivering a virtual presentation. Your face is far more visible than if you were presenting in person, so the light on it is key. Small desk lights at the front either side of your computer, for balance, are usually all that are needed. If you like, you could invest in a portable ring light. For professional lighting, you may want to add some soft overhead lighting too.

Poor lighting can result in a dark and grainy video, making it difficult for your audience to see you. To avoid this, make sure you have plenty of light in the room. You can also position yourself so that the light is shining on your face, not behind you. By getting the lighting right, you can ensure that your virtual presentation is clear and easy to see.

3. Ensure the Sound Quality is good

Investing in a standalone microphone is a must, plugged into your computer, as even the best computers do not have great sound quality and the difference is huge for your listeners. You may need to purchase a small USB 'hub' device to accommodate your extra tech tools.

You should also test the sound quality before you begin your presentation. Set your microphone at a volume where you can be heard clearly but is not so high that the microphone is overloaded when you speak into it. By ensuring the sound quality is good, you can ensure your virtual presentation is distraction-free and clear.

4. Choose a Quality External Webcam

Today, many PCs have a built-in webcam that is suitable for virtual presentations. However, if your computer monitor does not come with a webcam, you will need to invest in a small external webcam that you can mount on the top of your computer for true professional quality. This will give your virtual presentations a touch of elegance.

Webcams will also come with a USB plugin cord, so be sure your computer has enough USB ports for your microphone and webcam. If not, a small external USB hub device can come in handy.

5. Understand How the Technology Works

Virtual presentations require technology, which can be intimidating for some people. However, it’s essential to understand how the technology works before beginning your presentation. This way, you can avoid any technical difficulties and ensure your virtual presentation runs smoothly.

If you’re not familiar with the technology you’ll be using, take some time to learn about it and test it out before your presentation, especially the setting and positioning of your lights and microphone. You can avoid any technical mishaps and deliver a seamless virtual presentation.

You might find yourself using:

Office software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs
Video Conferencing Software like Zoom and Teams
Email Marketing Software to inform your audience about your event
Calendar Apps to help mark the date for your audience
And many other software integrations

Depending on the scope of your virtual presentation, you might find yourself relying on a team for larger conferences and webinars. In this case, it’s important to understand everyone’s role (who will: do the introduction, monitor the chat and Q and A, let latecomers in, record the event). By understanding how the technology works, you can ensure your audience’s virtual experience is smooth and successful.

6. Prepare and Practice in Advance

As with any presentation, it’s essential to prepare and practice in advance. This way, you can familiarise yourself with the material and ensure that your virtual presentation runs smoothly. If the presentation is key, practice with your slides, a minimum of 10 times beforehand. Hit the record button and reflect and review, noting each time which areas you would like to improve further.

By taking the time to prepare and practice in advance, you can deliver a virtual presentation that is polished and professional. You will feel more familiar with each stage of your speech, and you will be able to pace yourself throughout the virtual presentation.

7. Dress for the Occasion

Just because you’re virtual doesn’t mean you can get away with wearing your PJs. It’s important to dress for the occasion, even if you’re presenting from the comfort of your own home. Dressing for virtual presentations is identical to dressing for in-person presentations. You want to look professional and put together while still being comfortable. Consider how you want the audience to perceive you and dress accordingly, perhaps adding a bit of personal flair (a bit of true you).

By taking the time to dress for your virtual presentation, you can look professional and prepared. The proper attire will give your virtual presentation a sense of gravity and importance.

8. Make Eye Contact With the Camera

When virtual presenting, it’s imperative to make eye contact with the camera, not the screen. Looking at the camera, that black circle can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to it. However, making eye contact is crucial for delivering an effective virtual presentation.

When you make eye contact with the camera, you’re making eye contact with your audience. This helps to create a connection between you and your viewers. Additionally, it makes you appear more confident and authoritative.

A useful reminder here is to stick a photo of a friend next to or slightly above your webcam or even a smiley face.And a second tip is to buy a stand to place your computer on, so its camera is at eye level. Rather than looking up or down at you, your audience feels like they are talking to you,

9. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Your body language plays a significant role in virtual presentations. Research shows that body language contributes to 55% of how we communicate. This means that your virtual presentation will be more effective if you’re aware of your body language and use it to your advantage.

When virtual presenting, it’s essential to sit up straight and keep your head up. This will help you appear more confident and engaged. Additionally, try to use hand gestures to emphasize your points. However, be sure not to overdo it. Too many motions can be distracting and take away from your message.

It’s also important to smile when virtual presenting. This can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to it. However, smiling makes you appear more approachable and likable. Additionally, it helps to create a connection with your audience.

By being aware of your body language, you can visually strengthen the messages you want your audience to receive.

10. Actively Engage Your Audience

In a live presentation, there are many ways you can directly interact with your audience to keep them engaged. Still, when presenting virtually, you have to pivot your engagement strategies.

There are a few ways you can do this. Additionally, ask questions throughout your presentation. This will help to keep your audience engaged and involved in your presentation.

You can also use features like the chat bar to keep your participants invested in your presentation. You could ask the audience to share an answer to a question you asked everyone in the chat. Or you tell them to type a single word such as "agree" if they are experiencing a challenge or problem your presentation addresses.

Another way to engage the audience is by giving them ample breaks. If you have multiple long presentations, schedule reasonable breaks in between so that your audience can recharge, get a bite to eat, and digest the information you have already shared. If you want the audience to take short breaks during your presentation, you could invite them to take a moment to stretch or do a quick dance to get their blood flowing. A little bit of movement might be just the thing they need to give you 100% of their focus.

Finally, use stories and examples to illustrate your points. This will help your audience understand your message and retain the information you’re presenting.

When virtual presenting, it’s vital to keep your audience engaged. By using humour, asking questions, taking breaks, and using stories and examples, you can ensure your audience is involved in your presentation.

11. Remember to be Your Authentic Self

When virtual presenting, it’s important to remember to be your authentic self. This means being genuine, transparent, and relatable.

Your audience will appreciate your authenticity, and it will help you to better connect with them. Additionally, it will make your presentation more convincing and impactful.

You can ensure that your virtual presentations are effective by following these virtual presentation tips. By being prepared, using technology to your advantage, and engaging your audience, you can deliver a virtual presentation that will appeal and influence others. So, don’t be afraid of virtual presenting; use these tips and tricks to provide a great experience.

Public Speaking Training for Virtual Presentations

The virtual world is here to stay. And with that comes the need to learn how to present virtually. You can no longer rely on in-person public speaking skills alone.

Virtual presentations are very different from in-person presentations. How you prepare, deliver, and engage with your audience is quite different.

That’s why it’s vital to get virtual public speaking training. Virtual public speaking training will teach you how to prepare for and deliver virtual presentations effectively. You’ll learn the ins and outs of virtual presenting and how to engage your virtual audience.

If you want to discuss your organisation’s (corporate, NGOs, Associations and Universities) Public speaking or Presentation skills needs, I offer free 30-minute consultations through my site. I’d love to meet you.

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11 Tips for Delivering Effective Virtual Presentations