Tips for a successful virtual presentation

It is more important to pay attention to how your presentation is delivered technically when presenting online than when presenting in person. It is important for your audience to be able to focus on your content without being distracted by avoidable technical problems. You need basic, reliable equipment to accomplish this.

A good microphone makes it easier to be heard and understood.  But what kind? Ideally, you should avoid using internal microphones on laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Their sound tends to be either too quiet or too boomy, and ambient noise can cause interference. A headset or, even better, an external microphone will be necessary. Microphones used for external use can be free-standing table microphones that are typically used for podcasts or on the radio, or clip-on microphones that allow you to move around freely during your presentation. The closer the microphone is to your mouth, the lower the risk of distracting ambient noise. Keep a constant distance when giving your virtual presentation to avoid too many fluctuations in volume. You can use a lapel microphone to achieve this. Prior to your presentation, make a test call to a colleague to test the sound quality.

You should pay attention to the camera you use and how you position it so that your audience can see you clearly. Today, you can find affordable, high-quality webcams. If needed, there are also apps that can turn your smartphone into a webcam. People now expect HD resolution for virtual presentations. Positioning yourself within the picture frame is more important than the camera's resolution. It is important to be the focal point of the presentation, but at eye level with your audience. Make sure the camera lens is positioned at eye level. Ensure that the camera is vertical, and that you are as close to the center of the frame as possible. Depending on whether the camera (and therefore your audience) is looking down on you, you may appear smaller or "lost"; if looking up at you, you may appear overbearing.

The lighting should also be considered. Dim lighting and low contrast rooms should be avoided. Your face should be well lit. Your light source should be warm and intense. Lamps can emit light that appears yellowish, while office buildings tend to have only harsh halogen lights. Ring lights and photo lights are now readily available. By using dimmable lights, you can control the intensity of your light source, ensuring that you do not over or under light. The light should be aimed at eye level or below. This prevents any unwanted shadows from appearing on your face. A second source of light positioned slightly to the side will give an even more professional appearance. This minimizes the risk of shadows on your face that are unflattering.

People who wear glasses should take care to avoid glaring reflections in their glasses. Instead of directly lighting your face, it's better to use indirect lighting that covers a large area. Find a bright, reflective surface - like white walls - in a bright room.

Stand out from the crowd!

We have provided a detailed introduction to digital presenting in the points above. The three key factors separating virtual presentations from in-person events are the location of the presentation, the speaker, and how the speaker interacts with the audience.

Presenting today requires flexibility. Suddenly, you must move presentations from a large conference room to your home. Our tried-and-tested advice will never let you down. We've discussed how to set up your space, your backdrop, your equipment, and yourself. Your next virtual presentation will be a success if you use the right lighting, the right microphone, and encourage multimedia interaction with your audience.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like advice tailored to your specific situation. PowerPoint is our specialty.