Five tips for better virtual presentations
Virtual presentations and meetings have become a part of our everyday lives. Whether you’re running small team meetings, large-scale virtual workshops or anything in between, we all need to get comfortable with virtual presenting.
As a facilitator, I present a lot. However, as we moved to a virtual and hybrid world, I had to familiarise myself with the art of virtual presentations again. It’s a different style, and today, I wanted to share some simple reminders for better presenting in a virtual environment to add to your kit bag that go beyond good lighting, acoustics and background.
#1 Get comfortable
There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable when you present, whether in person or virtually. It can immediately dent your confidence, and there’s a good chance your audience will be attuned to your discomfort.
On the screen, this can be amplified as your audience watches you in a very small space. If you’re constantly shifting in your seat, it will impact your presentation and take the focus away from your message.
So, whether you’re standing, sitting on a stool or sitting in a fully ergonomic chair, make sure you are comfortable. You’ll be a more confident presenter as a result.
#2 Where you look matters!
When using Zoom, we tend to follow the same process we’d do in a face-to-face meeting. We look at the person who is speaking. But, of course, what the speaker sees is you looking off in a different direction.
To make eye contact with the speaker, look at your camera. When COVID first happened, I put a postPost-it with the words ‘look here’ to bring my eyes back to the camera regularly. It worked and quickly became a habit.
#3 Don’t forget your hands
It’s almost like we jump on Zoom and forget we have hands! In an in-person setting, we would use our body language to emphasise points and engage the audience. So, if space permits, move a little further back from the camera and use your hands the way you would in an in-person environment.
#4 Use the tools you have to build presence
In a virtual environment, you need to work harder to make your presence felt. Be mindful of your tone, pace and clarity of speech. Since you’re missing out on the energy of a physical room, consider slightly exaggerating your gestures and variations in your voice to keep the audience engaged.
#5 Practise, practise, practise
The benefit of virtual presentations is that you can practise in a real environment and review a recording. Look for where you are visibly most comfortable and feel you are most authentic; what’s happening at that moment, and how can you maintain that momentum throughout?
Watching a recording of yourself can be an uncomfortable experience, and many of us don’t like hearing our own voices. There are a few common reasons why, and understanding them can help. Here is a great explanation from a surgeon who specialises in voice problems.
Have you tried these tips? I’d love to hear how they went. Reach out to me at rob@phuel.com.au or on LinkedIn here.
