What are the best ways to practice your presentation skills remotely?

1 Choose the right tools

The first step to practice your presentation skills remotely is to choose the right tools that suit your needs and goals. You will need a reliable internet connection, a good microphone and camera, and a platform that allows you to share your screen, audio, and video with your audience. Some of the common tools for remote presentations are Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Skype. You should also consider using a presentation software that allows you to create engaging slides, such as PowerPoint, Keynote, or Prezi.

2 Plan and rehearse your presentation

The second step to practice your presentation skills remotely is to plan and rehearse your presentation before you deliver it. You should have a clear structure, message, and purpose for your presentation, and tailor it to your audience and context. You should also prepare your slides, notes, and handouts, and make sure they are clear, concise, and consistent. To rehearse your presentation, you can record yourself using your tools, or ask a friend, colleague, or coach to watch and give you feedback. You should also practice your timing, voice, body language, and eye contact.

3 Seek and apply feedback

The third step to practice your presentation skills remotely is to seek and apply feedback from different sources. Feedback is crucial for improving your presentation skills, as it helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and learn from your mistakes. You can seek feedback from your audience, your peers, your manager, or a professional coach. You can also use online tools, such as Toastmasters, Menti, or Slido, to collect feedback from your audience during or after your presentation. You should also review your own performance, by watching your recordings, or using analytics, such as Zoom reports.

4 Experiment and innovate

The fourth step to practice your presentation skills remotely is to experiment and innovate with different techniques and formats. Remote presentations can be boring, monotonous, or distracting, if you do not engage your audience and keep their attention. You can experiment and innovate with different ways to make your presentation more interactive, dynamic, and memorable. For example, you can use polls, quizzes, games, stories, humor, visuals, or demonstrations to spice up your presentation. You can also use different formats, such as webinars, podcasts, videos, or live streams, to reach a wider audience.

5 Learn from others

The fifth step to practice your presentation skills remotely is to learn from others who are experts or experienced in remote presentations. You can learn from others by watching their presentations, reading their blogs or books, or attending their workshops or courses. You can also join online communities, such as LinkedIn groups, Reddit forums, or Facebook groups, where you can network, share, and learn from other remote presenters. You can also ask for advice, tips, or mentorship from someone you admire or respect in your field or industry.

6 Celebrate and reward yourself

The sixth and final step to practice your presentation skills remotely is to celebrate and reward yourself for your achievements and efforts. Presenting remotely can be stressful, exhausting, and nerve-wracking, so you should acknowledge and appreciate your hard work and progress. You can celebrate and reward yourself by sharing your success with your team, family, or friends, by treating yourself to something you enjoy, or by setting new goals and challenges for yourself. You should also be proud of yourself for developing and enhancing your presentation skills remotely, and for making a positive impact on your audience and team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?