Since 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of video call software for conducting business meetings. While it offers a lot of advantages, it does change the way you make a presentation. Because you have one shot to make a good impression, you need to learn how to make your virtual presentation effective.
Invest in Lighting and Audio Equipment
For your presentation to be effective, your audience has to be able to see and hear you. Your custom Google Meet background won’t do you any good if you are sitting in the dark. It may be worthwhile to invest in some professional lighting equipment, especially if you make virtual presentations often. You may also want to invest in an external microphone. The mic on your device may be muffled, or it may amplify ambient noises such as the click of your keyboard keys over your voice. While lighting can be a significant investment, an external microphone is a cost-effective upgrade.
Preparation & Practice
While you don’t necessarily have to memorize your presentation, you do have to practice using your notes so that it sounds natural. You should practice speaking slowly and clearly and have someone listen to you and critique your performance.
You should also run a rehearsal on a video call to identify and correct any technical issues that may arise with your audio, lighting, virtual backgrounds for Teams, etc.
Look Professional
Once you’ve made sure that your audience can see and hear you, you need to make sure that you look the part. Virtual office backgrounds help you project a professional image even if you are making your presentation from your kitchen table. Be sure to dress and groom professionally as well. Don’t dress casually from the waist down on the assumption that no one is going to see your lower body. There have been many documented cases of people being publicly embarrassed because they made that assumption and the camera showed more than they expected. Dress as though you were standing up in front of your audience and making a presentation in person.
Position Your Camera Correctly
How you look on camera affects your presentation. An unflattering camera angle can be a distraction and may even decrease your credibility. No one wants to be looking up your nostrils while you are talking, so position your camera so it is at eye level or slightly higher. However, don’t position it so high that you have to crane your neck up to look at it. This is uncomfortable, especially if you have a long presentation, and could lead to an injury.
Execute On Your Vision
Give yourself enough time to prepare completely before the date of your presentation. Then make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before. It has been said that driving while fatigued impairs your driving ability similar to the way that alcohol does. It can have the same effect on your public speaking ability. You wouldn’t make a presentation drunk, so forgo the late-night cram session so you can be at your best the next day. Find professional-looking backgrounds online ahead of time.
