Since COVID, most of my client presentations are over Zoom or Teams. Finding it much harder to read the room and engage the audience. Anyone have strategies for making virtual presentations more effective? Just finished a PSE&G audit with $92K in findings but felt like the presentation fell flat.
Remote presentations - tips and tricks?
Alice, I've found asking more questions helps. 'Does this make sense so far?' or 'Any questions about the demand charge analysis?' Forces engagement and breaks up the monologue feeling. Also shorter presentations - attention spans are worse on video.
I always do a tech check 15 minutes before - screen sharing, audio levels, backup connection ready. Nothing kills credibility like technical difficulties. Also learned to look at the camera, not the screen, when speaking. Makes better 'eye contact'.
Randy, the camera tip is huge. I put a sticky note arrow pointing to my camera as a reminder. Also found that standing during presentations, even virtual ones, changes my energy level and voice projection.
Lori, standing is a great tip. I also share my screen AND send the presentation in advance so they can follow along on their own devices. Helps with engagement and they can take better notes. Plus backup if there are connection issues.
Brett's right about shorter presentations. I now limit to 15-20 minutes max then open for discussion. Also use more visual slides - big numbers, simple charts. Text-heavy slides are deadly on small screens.