Since COVID, more clients want virtual presentations instead of in-person meetings. Just finished a Zoom call where I presented $124K in findings to a hospital system - went pretty well but I'm still learning the best practices. How do you all handle screen sharing, keeping engagement, technical details over video? Any tips for making remote presentations as effective as face-to-face?
Remote Presentations - Best Practices?
Greg, I've found that shorter segments work better virtually. Break your presentation into 10-15 minute chunks with pause points for questions. Attention spans are shorter on video calls. Also, send the detailed report in advance so they can follow along - makes the technical sections easier to digest.
Make sure your charts and graphs are extra large and clear - what looks fine on your monitor might be tiny on their laptop screen. I now use bigger fonts and bolder colors for virtual presentations. Also test your screen sharing beforehand with the actual presentation file.
Interactive elements help a lot. Instead of just presenting, ask specific questions: "Looking at this demand chart, what month do you think the problem started?" Keeps them engaged and makes it feel more conversational than a one-way presentation.
I started using the annotation tools - drawing arrows and circles on shared screens to highlight specific numbers on bills or point out problem areas on graphs. Much more effective than saying "see the number in the third column of the June bill." Visual pointing keeps everyone focused on the same thing.
One thing I learned - record the session if they agree. Helps when they have questions later about specific findings, and you can refer back to what was discussed. Also useful if some key stakeholders can't make the live presentation but want to review it later.
I've had good success with hybrid presentations - start with 20 minutes of key findings via screen share, then switch to a more interactive discussion without screen sharing. Feels less formal and allows for better back-and-forth conversation about implementation and next steps.
Make sure to get confirmation that key decision makers are actually present and paying attention. Had one presentation where I thought I was talking to the facilities manager but he was clearly multitasking. Now I ask direct questions periodically to ensure engagement: "Does this match what you've seen in your monthly reports?"
Great thread Greg! One more tip - always have a backup plan for technical difficulties. I keep a simplified PDF version ready in case screen sharing fails, and I've learned to present the key findings verbally first before diving into the detailed visuals. Technology fails when you need it most!