Remember when “the normal” was when we used to show up in person for meetings and discussions? That’s all changed now, mainly because of the pandemic that shifted organizations to a remote work setup. Now we’re all about the virtual world!

Since we are stuck in front of screens all day, we must learn how to deliver virtual presentations effectively. It’s not the same as standing on a stage and making everyone stare at you. Now, you’re just a floating head on a screen. But don’t worry, you can still make a big impact!

What Are Effective Presentation Skills?

Sometimes, it's hard to get your point across when you are talking to people online. Well, that's where good presentation skills come in handy! In this digital age, it's important to make sure your message is loud and clear, interesting, and leaves a lasting impression. 

Here are some key points to understand about presenting effectively in an online environment:

1. Adapting to virtual format

When you give a talk online, it's different from talking to people in person. You can't see them or move around like you normally would. This can make it hard to get your point across. So, instead of using body language, try to use your voice in a more interesting way. Change your tone and use words that will make people pay attention.

One tip is to practice changing your voice to make important points stand out. Instead of using gestures or walking around, your voice becomes your tool. For example, you can raise your voice to show excitement or lower it to show seriousness.

2. Focusing on clear communication

In virtual presentations, it's easy for people to get bored or not understand what you're saying, especially if you use big words or technical jargon. It's important to be clear and simple so that your message gets across.

Here's a tip: Make both your slides and speech easy to follow. Use bullet points for the main ideas and avoid using too many fancy words unless you need to. 

 3. Maintaining engagement

Getting people interested in what you're saying online is harder than when you're in person. In a real meeting, just being there can keep people paying attention. But online, you need to do things to keep people focused.

One way to do this is to ask people questions or give them short quiz questions. For example, after you explain something, you could ask people how well they understand it. This helps you see if they get it and also keeps them thinking.

4. Incorporating visual elements

Giving a presentation online is talking to a bunch of people who are sitting really far away. How do you keep them from falling asleep? How do you keep them with you throughout the discussion? That's where pictures and videos come in! They break up the boring parts and make things easier to understand. 

Don't overload your slides with text. Keep things simple and visually appealing. Instead of a million bullet points, try using a cool picture or a chart. For example, if you're sharing survey results, a colorful pie chart is way more fun than a boring list of numbers.

5. Leveraging technology wisely

Want to make your online presentations rock? There are amazing tools in your online meeting platforms that can spice things up. Think about screen sharing, breakout rooms, and chat. They can make your presentation more fun and engaging as long as you know how to leverage these innovative technologies wisely.

For example, use breakout rooms for small group discussions! Think of them as mini-workshops where people can talk and share ideas. Familiarize yourself with these tools beforehand so you’re comfortable using them during your presentation.

6. Managing your online presence

When you're on camera, it's not just about what you say, but also how you say it. Your facial expressions, body language, and voice all contribute to how you’re perceived. Your audience can tell if you're confident, excited, and sincere.

Here's a tip that you can consider: Look at the camera like you are talking to a friend. This will make your audience feel like you are talking directly to them. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to see how you come across on screen.

7. Planning for technical challenges

Technical glitches can ruin a virtual presentation. But if you're prepared, you can keep things running smoothly. Have a backup plan, like a second internet connection or a teammate to take over. And always test your tech before you start!

What Not to Do in Virtual Presentation? 

Let's talk about how to rock your virtual presentation. Avoiding some common pitfalls is key to making a good impression. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Being a one-person show: Virtual presentations need some interaction. Think polls, questions, or even breakout rooms. Your audience will thank you for making it feel less like a lecture and more like a chat.
• Overloading slides with information: We're not trying to win a spelling bee here. Keep them simple and visually appealing. Your slides should complement your talk, not take over.
• Forgetting to adapt content for the virtual audience: Remember that virtual presentations are different from in-person ones. Adapt your content to the online world. Use visuals, keep it concise, and make it easy to follow.
• Neglecting your on-camera presence: Your setup matters—bad lighting, awkward angles, or distracting backgrounds can detract from your presentation. So, here's the secret: good lighting, a camera at eye level, and a simple background.
• Ignoring technical aspects: No one wants a presentation interrupted by a sudden internet outage. Test your equipment, get familiar with the platform, and have a backup plan. 
• Speaking monotonously: Speaking of audiences, don't bore them to tears. A monotone voice is a virtual presentation's tragic flaw. Practice varying your tone, pitch, and pace. Show some enthusiasm! Your audience can tell if you're passionate about what you're saying.
• Not being mindful of time: Time is precious, especially online. Stick to the script, leave room for questions, and practice beforehand to ensure your presentation stays on track.

Final Takeaways

Tired of boring virtual meetings? Let's spice things up with the effective skills that we have discussed on how to nail those virtual presentations—from making your slides pop to keeping your audience hooked. 

At Intellezy, we believe in leveling up your team. Our custom training programs are tailor-made for your team's skills. We will help you boost productivity, improve efficiency, and make sure everyone's on the same page.

Ready to see the development happen? Try us out for free! Let's build a team that's not just good, but great. Click here to request your free trial today!