A good virtual presentation depends on preparation and presence: a dry run on the same technical set-up, a clean professional background, eye contact with the camera and a clear external microphone. Presenters should speak with energy, keep content brief and use polls, quizzes, chat and breakout rooms to keep the audience engaged, then review a recording to improve.
Last updated · Bodhih Insights team · reviewed by Siddharthan VGJ, Founder
There are many best practices which apply for both in-person and virtual presentations and expert trainers understand the importance of customizing the approach to match with the current medium.
Below are some key points to keep in mind during a Virtual Presentation:
- It is very important to choose the right background that enhances your professional image. Avoid using a background that can be distracting. Most of the online platforms enable you to use virtual backgrounds, your background can add to your professional presence.
- Knowing the technology is very important, a dry run is essential so that you’re comfortable with the platform features. Make sure you practice with the same technical set up that you will use when you deliver the presentation.
- While presenting, look into the camera and not on the screen this makes the viewer feel as if you are looking right at them.
- Practice your position and distance before the presentation.
- If possible, use a standing desk or position your laptop so you can stand at eye level with your computer. Standing while presenting increases your energy level and puts you more in a presenter mode.
- Just like in a live presentation, you should present with energy and animation. The monotonous tone makes the audience disengage.
- Make sure your voice emits clearly. Using a headphone or any external microphones works better than computer audio. It works differently with different platforms, checking the sound quality is very important.
- Kindly ensure that internet connection stable.
- Record the session and take the time to playback and look at the areas that worked well and areas that you might want to improve upon.
- Be brief and use interactive activities to keep your audience engaged like, take a poll, give quizzes, or ask audience members for their opinions via chat, group discussions through breakout rooms.
- Just like in face to face presentations, audiences would prefer connecting with the original you, so be yourself! Enjoy yourself while presenting so the energy and the enthusiasm will pass through to the audience.
Quick answers
How do you keep an audience engaged in a virtual presentation?
Keep the content brief and build in interaction: run a poll, give a short quiz, ask for opinions in the chat or use breakout rooms for group discussion. Present with energy rather than a monotonous tone, look into the camera, and be yourself so your enthusiasm carries through to the audience.
