What are the most important video presentation tips for online meetings?

1 Choose the right platform

Before you start your video presentation, you need to choose the best platform for your online meeting. There are many options available, such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, but they have different features and limitations. For example, some platforms allow you to share your screen, use interactive polls, or record the session, while others may not. You should also consider the compatibility, security, and reliability of the platform, as well as the number of participants and the bandwidth required. Choose the platform that suits your needs and objectives, and test it beforehand to avoid any technical issues.

3 Set up your environment

Your environment can have a big impact on your video presentation, so you need to set it up properly. Choose a quiet, well-lit, and clutter-free space, where you can avoid any background noise or interruptions. Adjust your camera angle, lighting, and microphone settings, so that your face and voice are clear and visible. You should also dress professionally and appropriately for your online meeting, and avoid wearing any clothing or accessories that might reflect light or cause glare. Make sure you have everything you need for your presentation, such as your laptop, charger, notes, or remote control, and close any unnecessary programs or tabs on your device.

4 Engage your audience

One of the biggest challenges of video presentations is keeping your audience engaged and attentive. Unlike face-to-face meetings, online meetings can make it harder to read your audience's body language, expressions, or feedback. To overcome this challenge, you need to use different strategies to engage your audience. For example, you can start with a hook, such as a question, a story, or a statistic, that captures their attention and curiosity. You can also use your voice, gestures, and eye contact to convey your enthusiasm and confidence. Additionally, you can invite your audience to participate, by asking them questions, conducting polls, or encouraging comments or discussions.

5 Manage your time and pace

Your time and pace are crucial for your video presentation, so you need to manage them wisely. You don't want to rush through your slides or talk too fast, as you might confuse or overwhelm your audience. You also don't want to drag on your presentation or talk too slowly, as you might bore or lose your audience. To avoid these pitfalls, you need to plan your time and pace carefully. You should allocate enough time for each slide and each topic, and leave some room for questions or interactions. You should also monitor your pace and adjust it according to your audience's response and feedback. You can use a timer, a clock, or a cue card to keep track of your time and pace.

6 Follow up and evaluate

Your video presentation doesn't end when you finish your slides or script. You need to follow up and evaluate your performance and your audience's reaction. You should thank your audience for their attention and participation, and provide them with any additional information or resources that they might need, such as your contact details, a summary of your main points, or a link to your presentation. You should also ask them for their feedback, comments, or suggestions, and respond to them promptly and politely. You can use a survey, a form, or an email to collect and analyze their feedback. Finally, you should reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify any areas for improvement or learning.

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?