How's Your Virtual Presentation?

What is it about virtual presenting that can feel so terrifying?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, when you presented in person, you could rely on the audience response to confirm that your message was being received. In virtual presentations, however, you lack audience feedback and you no longer see body language. You often don't see people nodding their heads (or nodding off if they are bored). It's much harder to make eye contact too.

As a result, it can feel like no one is listening. Unfortunately, this makes you even more anxious about speaking. And because you feel as if no one is listening, you speak as if no one is listening

How can you relieve some of your anxieties about this - while helping the virtual audience feel your presence and hear your message?

1. Keep it conservational, even though the audience can't respond. One way to simulate the back-and-forth nature of a conversation is to ask lofty questions throughout your presentation. Even if people can't respond to you, they create open loops in their brains and become more active and engaged.

2. Make use of the chat function. Kick-off your talk with a relevant question and ask people to type the answer in the t. For instance, you might ask everyone to post questions or additional points regarding the presentation.

3. Empathize. You have to work even harder to connect when presenting virtually. Take a few moments to put yourself in your listener's shoes.

Adapted from "Yes, Virtual Presentation Is Weird" by Sarah Greshman.

Design: Shinju Shaji