8 Ways To Deliver Better Remote Presentations
Delivering compelling presentations remotely is now an indispensable ability. For many, such a skill does not come naturally — but it can be developed over time. In this article, we’ll share nine tips to help you build and deliver the kind of presentations that will capture the attention of any audience you end up addressing.
Tips For Effective Remote Presentations
1. Think About Your Audience First
Tailoring your presentation to your audience’s specific needs and interests is crucial for capturing their attention and keeping them engaged. Research their demographics, interests, and knowledge levels to customize your content accordingly and include relevant examples or anecdotes that resonate with their experiences and challenges.
For example, if your audience is a group of virtual students, you should focus more on fun, interactivity, and participation. But if you’re delivering to a corporate client team, you’ll want to remain composed and poised.
2. Make Great Visuals (It’s Easy Now)
Stunning visuals are paramount in remote presentations because they act as an anchor for audience attention. They also ensure accessibility and comprehension for all attendees, as well-designed slides with clear graphics can help bridge language barriers, accommodate different learning styles, and ensure that information is conveyed effectively, regardless of participants’ backgrounds or technical capabilities.
Creating slides from scratch may initially appear challenging, but pre-designed templates can simplify the task and elevate the quality of your presentation. Numerous online platforms offer free PowerPoint templates that can quickly streamline your process.
3. Ask Your Audience Questions
Remote presentations can feel impersonal, but incorporating interactive elements helps keep participants engaged. Polling options, chats, or breakout rooms can all inspire participation and discussion. You can also pose thought-provoking questions, share real-life examples, or conduct live demonstrations to make your presentation more interactive and dynamic.
For instance, if your topic is entrepreneurial success, ask the audience to list their favorite entrepreneurs or name startups that create an impact.
4. Master (Video) Body Language
Nonverbal cues play a major role in virtual communication. Pay attention to your body language during presentations to convey confidence and enthusiasm, as effective use of body language can help you establish rapport and create a connection with your audience despite the physical distance.
Maintain good posture and make gestures when emphasizing points. Smile, look into the camera to create the perception of eye contact, and vary your tone of voice to keep listeners engaged and attentive. You must also wear suitable attire and dress according to the formality (or informality) of the presentation.
5. Pay Attention To The Audience’s Responses (& Adjust)
When presenting remotely, pay attention to the audience’s response to gauge how they’re receiving your message. Watch their facial expressions and body language. Respond promptly to their questions or comments and adjust your presentation to clarify key points if you notice any confusion or concern.
6. Prepare And Rehearse
Imagine delivering your presentation to thousands of people from across the globe. Suddenly, the mic stops working. Your connection drops. What a nightmare! You want to avoid such situations — that’s why it’s vital to prepare properly.
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the platform you will be using. Test your audio, video, and screen-sharing capabilities to ensure everything works smoothly. Additionally, practice your presentation thoroughly to refine your delivery, timing, and transitions between slides or topics.
You can also do a dry run for your friends and family before the big day to ensure a good experience for the audience.
7. Practice Time Management
Plan your presentation carefully to allow sufficient time for each section or topic, allowing for transitions, interactive activities, and audience engagement. Practice delivering your slides within the allotted time frame to stay on track and avoid rushing through essential points. You may want to use visual cues such as timers or agenda slides to help participants track their progress and stay engaged.
8. Seek Feedback
After your presentation, solicit participant feedback to gain insights into their experience and identify areas where you can improve. Use their reviews to refine your content, delivery style, and technical setup for future presentations.
Consider conducting post-presentation surveys or scheduling follow-up meetings to gather input and engage with your audience further. Remember to embrace feedback as a chance for growth.
You might also draft a follow-up email summarizing the main points and inviting further discussion. Share relevant materials, links, or recordings of the presentation for participants to review or share with others. Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing engagement can help reinforce the impact of your presentation and maintain momentum beyond the initial session.
