When we think of public speaking or presenting, we often picture standing on a stage or at the front of a room, connecting face to face with an audience.
But these days, most of our presenting happens online — through webinars, virtual workshops, live sessions, or online training. The stage is now your screen, and your audience could be anywhere in the world.
So how can you be successful in this setting? What simple, practical things can you do to appear confident, professional, and engaging? Here are 10 keys to help you present at your best every time you go live.
10 Ways to Make Sure Your Presentation Works
💡 1. Lighting That Works for You
Lighting can make or break your professional appearance. Always have your main light source in front of you, ideally natural light from a window. Avoid sitting with a window behind you — it’ll throw you into shadow. If needed, use a soft lamp or ring light placed just above eye level for a bright, balanced look.
👁️ 2. Camera Connection
Your camera is your audience’s eyes. Place it at eye level — no looking down at your laptop or towering over your viewers. When you speak, look into the camera lens, not at your own image. It’s the simplest way to create a real sense of connection.
🧍 3. Posture & Body Language
Whether sitting or standing, stay upright and relaxed. A tall posture supports your breathing and voice projection. Use natural gestures within the camera frame to add energy and warmth — and remember to smile. Your posture silently communicates confidence.
🎙️ 4. Sound Quality
Great sound is non-negotiable. Use a quality microphone or headset — it instantly raises your professional credibility. Test your setup before each session and check your background noise. Clear, even sound helps your audience stay focused on your message.
🧠 5. Engage Early, Engage Often
Online audiences lose focus fast. Grab attention in the first minute with a story, question, or surprising fact. Keep engagement alive with polls, chat prompts, or mini-reflections. Interaction keeps people tuned in and connected.
🖼️ 6. Visuals That Support Your Message
Slides should help you speak, not speak for you. Use minimal text, bold visuals, and one key point per slide. Avoid clutter and keep movement or transitions smooth. Your audience should listen to you — not read paragraphs off the screen.
💬 7. Authentic Connection
You don’t have to sound like a news anchor to sound professional. Be conversational, natural, and responsive. Share brief personal stories or examples — authenticity builds trust. If tech glitches happen (and they will), stay calm and human.
🏠 8. Background & Environment
Your background is part of your message. Keep it simple, tidy, and distraction-free. A plain wall, bookshelf, or soft blur works well. Avoid anything that might draw attention away from you — or raise questions about your professionalism.
⚡ 9. Energy & Presence
Cameras tend to flatten energy, so you’ll need to dial it up a bit. Add around 10–20% more enthusiasm than feels natural. Vary your tone, pace, and facial expressions. A little extra energy helps your audience feel your engagement through the screen.
🚀 10. Close with Clarity and Purpose
Don’t let your session just fade out. Summarize your main points, highlight one clear takeaway, and offer a next step — a reflection, action, or resource. Finish strong and with intention so people remember you and your message.
Final Thought
Presenting online isn’t about technology — it’s about connection.
With these ten keys, you can make any online presentation engaging, professional, and authentically you.
At Re-Set Coaching, we work with professionals to build confidence, polish presentation skills, and deliver messages that truly resonate — whether in a room full of people or across a digital screen. Remember, it’s the small adjustments that create a big impact.