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Very few people like public speaking; it’s one of the most common fears around the world. But what’s worse than making face-to-face presentations? For many people, speaking in online meetings is even harder. But Zoom meetings (or Teams meetings or whichever videoconferencing platform the business uses) have become increasingly commonplace, even after the COVID era ended.
More and more, professionals and small business owners alike need to know how to present effectively in online meetings. Here are seven Zoom presentation tips that business owners can use to make better presentations even when their audience is miles away.
1. Do the homework
How do professionals get good at ordinary presentations? They practice. They take time to learn from accomplished speakers, whether that’s studying the work of a famous orator, asking their boss for feedback, or taking a public speaking class. They learn how their body language communicates, and they learn techniques to keep the audience engaged.
Video presentations might span across long distances, but the basic principles of good communication remain the same. If a professional is anticipating they’ll have to make an online presentation, they need to do their homework to prepare.
It’s also worth noting that a lot of video conferencing platforms (Zoom included) offer free instructional videos that explain how to use their service effectively. If in doubt, it’s a good idea for presenters to peruse those resources so they have a good grasp of how to mute desktop notifications, show their presentation slides, and perform other important actions (every platform is a little different, after all).
2. Focus on the message, not appearances
Yes, appearances do matter; an effective Zoom presenter will make sure they’re illuminated by natural light (or studio lighting if natural light isn’t available), they’ll use a good camera, they’ll wear clothes that look professional, and so on. Those are all good things; after all, neglecting appearances can turn an audience off before the presentation even begins. Look at it this way: how many people remember the infamous internet videos of people who neglected to wear pants and stood up during a video meeting during the COVID era?
But too often, speakers get so caught up in appearances that they neglect their message. And it should be the opposite way around: message first, appearances second. A Zoom meeting is not about the speaker, but rather their message. A good speaker will concentrate on helping their viewers and listeners.
3. Be planned, not canned
Preparation is, of course, important. But good presenters (regardless of whether they’re presenting online or in person) don’t just read from a script or recite memorized lines. They deliver a presentation as if they’re having a conversation with their audience.
It’s wise for any presenter to plan out their presentation: their main talking points, statistics they need to cover, a pithy quote that grabs attention, and so on. But after that plan’s made, they’ll use it as a guide, not a script. During the presentation, they’ll work through their plan, talking naturally as they go.
For most people, this takes some practice. But it’s worth giving a few “practice presentations” to be able to present the information naturally and effectively.
4. Use an attractive, relevant background
Thanks to advancements in video conferencing software, presenters now have a lot more control over what people see while they’re presenting. Some presenters prefer to use their own office, where the backdrop is a bookcase or a wall of the awards they’ve won (talk about building credibility in a matter of seconds). But not everyone has that option. Maybe the presentation is scheduled for a time when they’re traveling, they’re renovating their office, or they don’t have a dedicated office.
In that case, it’s perfectly acceptable for a presenter to use a digital background (usually provided by the software in use). It’s wise to use images that aren’t distracting and still project a professional image, though. While it’s entertaining for a speaker to use the “potato” filter to turn their own image into a starchy tuber, that setting usually leads to internet memedom, not a professional presentation.
5. Use a top-quality external microphone
Most of today’s smart devices come equipped with adequate internal microphones. These mics do a decent job of sending videos and voice memos to friends and family, but the sound quality isn’t always the greatest. Often, these internal devices sound tinny, muffled, or distant. That’s why many accomplished speakers opt to purchase a freestanding mic that plugs into their computer’s USB port. These devices are usually much higher quality.
If someone uses these devices, it’s essential to double-check that the microphone is connected before connecting to Zoom (or whatever platform the presentation is occurring on).
6. Look into the camera
Most professionals are familiar with the idea that they need to make eye contact when they’re giving a presentation. And that’s pretty simple to do when giving a presentation to a live audience in the same room. But it’s trickier when giving a Zoom presentation.
Here’s how to make “eye contact” on a video presentation: look directly into the camera. If a speaker looks at their audience, then the listeners will see them looking down on their screen. It’s better for the speaker to keep their gaze glued to the camera so they’re giving the illusion of making eye contact. It helps keep the audience engaged even when they’re listening thanks to an internet connection.
7. Experiment with video variety
Effective video ads rely on visual interest, including rapid scene changes. Naturally, a Zoom speaker can’t rapidly change the actual scene where they’re presenting. However, it is possible to make the screen look different for listeners on Zoom or other video conferencing platforms. For example, a speaker can start off with just Speaker View showing, so listeners only see their presenter. Later, they could alternate between that setting and Gallery View, which shows all the participants. If used well, these features can create some visual interest.
Another technique is to use the share screen feature to show photos, infographics, or PowerPoint slides as visual aids.
Summary
A speaker doesn’t have to be a tech genius to succeed with Zoom presentations. These seven tips can help anyone feel good about their Zoom presentations, making them beneficial for all participants, even when they’re speaking to people all over the world.
