“You’re muted.”

Or worse, “Oops, I forgot to mute myself!”

I see someone’s nose hairs.

There is a mirror in a very precarious position.

Messaging everyone when it was meant for one person.

Oops. 

Public speaking and communication have drastically transformed, whether addressing a team in a corporate setting, presenting at a conference, or engaging with an online audience. It’s no longer just about standing on a stage; now, it’s all about engaging an audience from the comfort of your home (or wherever you happen to be). 

Ready to captivate your listeners? Let’s dive into some tips that will elevate your virtual presentations and leave a lasting impression—in a good way.

Do Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is the golden ticket to making your presentation resonate. Who are they? What do they care about? What challenges are they facing? Spend a few minutes doing your homework. Tailoring your content to resonate with your audience improves connection and makes your message more relevant. Try this: Create audience personas to visualize and better understand your listeners. This practice can help you deliver your message as if you are talking to one person instead of a sea of faces. Listeners will feel more connected and engaged if they feel you are talking to them directly. I like to put a photo of an actual person right behind my camera. This way, I feel like I’m talking to that person.

Do Create an Engaging Opening

The first few moments of your presentation are critical. Start with a strong hook that captures attention—this could be an intriguing question, a surprising statistic, or a compelling story. You set the tone for the rest of your presentation by engaging your audience from the outset. Leave the hellos and thank yous until after your hook. Set yourself apart. 

For example, you might start with, “Did you know that over 70% of people experience anxiety when speaking in public? Let’s turn that fear into fuel for your success today!”Now you’ve got their attention.

Don’t Read from Your Notes

Don't read your presentation unless you have a killer set-up with a teleprompter. People will be able to tell by your eyes and will feel disconnected from you. Instead, familiarize yourself with the content and speak naturally to maintain eye contact and connection. It’s ok to refer to notes or an outline. 

Do Use Slides Wisely

In the virtual world, visuals are your best friend. Use slides, images, or a quick video to complement your message. But remember—less is more! Keep your slides clean and engaging; too much text overwhelms your audience. If there is a lot of text, your audience will be reading it and not listening to you. If they can just read the information and you’re not adding value, consider emailing instead. Think of visuals as your co-stars—they should support you, not steal the spotlight. Consider using tools like Canva or PowerPoint to create visually appealing slides that reflect your branding.

Don’t Forget To Test, Test, and Retest

Technical difficulties can derail even the best presentations. Arrive early and test everything. Familiarize yourself with the platform you’re using—whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another tool. Test your audio and video setup beforehand, and ensure your internet connection is stable. Having a backup plan in case of technical issues can help you maintain professionalism. Record a practice session to identify any technical glitches and refine your delivery.

Do Be Aware of Your Surroundings

While testing, look at what is visible and not in the camera. Set the camera to an angle that is attractive to you. Remember, no one wants to see your nose hairs or dinner cooking in the kitchen. Clutter in your background distracts from you. You don’t want the audience to peruse your bookcase instead of focusing on your words. Make sure that you look professional, too. Make sure that you have good lighting. The light should be coming from in front of you. If it is behind you, you will be dark, and people will be unable to see your face. When you record a practice session with your setup, notice your surroundings and adjust accordingly. 

Do Engage with Interactive Elements

Don’t let your audience fade into the background! Engage them with interactive elements like polls, quizzes, or breakout rooms. This not only keeps things lively but also creates a sense of community. Nobody likes a monologue that puts them to sleep. Games are a great way to keep your audience engaged and give them time to interact with each other. Break-out rooms are a fun place for interactive activities. Polls allow for everyone’s input and thoughts. For example: “Quick poll time! How many of you have faced challenges with public speaking? Click ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the chat!”

Do Use Body Language 

Just because you’re in front of a screen doesn’t mean you can slack off on your delivery. Bring that energy! Use body language, hand gestures, and vocal variety to convey your message. Convey your passion and enthusiasm! Don’t hold back. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to fine-tune your delivery. You’ll be surprised at what you can improve!

Do End Memorably

As you wrap things up, don’t just fade into the background—leave your audience wanting more! Summarize the key takeaways and end with a powerful call to action. Encourage them to apply what they’ve learned and try to give your audience one challenge to do today. For example, you might say, “I challenge you to try one new skill you learned today in your next conversation.”

Virtual speaking is an art; with these techniques in your toolkit, you’re well on your way to captivating your audience like a pro! Remember, preparation and engagement are key. As you refine your virtual speaking skills, you’ll find new ways to connect with your audience and deliver powerful messages that resonate long after your presentation ends. When you let your authentic self shine, your audience will feel that connection, making your presentation memorable. So embrace the virtual stage, and let your voice be heard!