Light up when presenting online
In this blog we share a great little lighting hack to make sure you stand out and get your message across effectively when presenting online. There are also other handy tips, tools and techniques to consider when delivering online presentations.
Online meetings and presentations are now a major part of many people’s working lives, and for life outside of work too. Whether it’s via Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams, virtual meetings and chats are here to stay.
To be an effective presenter, you need to focus on how you present as much as what you say. Non verbal communication such as what you wear, gestures, body movement, tone of voice, and eye contact all influence your credibility, as well as whether your audience will engage and understand and react favourably to your message.
Perception is important.
Light up during online presentations
You wouldn’t hide in the shadows or turn down the lights if you were presenting face to face to an audience. People need to be able to see you to know whether to trust the information you are providing.
How do you light up and appear confident and professional online?
Face into natural light where possible.
If this isn’t doable, put a desk lamp or light stand behind your screen so that the light shines toward you.
There are some great, inexpensive and portable lighting products you can use. So you don’t have to take your lamp to airports, hotel rooms, in the car or dim offices. We use the one in the picture below. We simply clip it on to the top of our laptops. You can adjust the warmth and brightness of the light. It charges via USB.
People often comment on how lit up we are - in a good way. Which is music to our ears. It means they are noticing us and it is having a positive influence on their perception of us and ultimately, our message.
Some more tips on how to present at your peak when online
1. Set up
Give yourself at least a five to ten minute pre-check window to prepare and set up before your meeting. This is so important! You need to be comfortable, so adjust the room temperature if needed and make sure you have some water handy if there’s a lengthy conversation on its way. Most platforms allow for a preview screening, so you can quickly check your personal attire and look before you join.
2. Background
Simple or blurred backgrounds are best. Avoid anything too busy or anything that will cause a distraction. For people working from home, online backgrounds give others a sneak peek into your private space, so make sure there’s nothing in the room, on walls, or bookshelves that you wouldn’t want them to see. Choose wisely if using an image background on your screen – bright and flaring images of the cosmos or old holiday pics can be very distracting too.
3. Screen angle
Get this right from the get-go. Your desktop or laptop screen should be at eye level. We all know what it looks like when someone seems to be peering over or down into their camera. The double-chin-tilted-head look is not the most flattering of angles. If you need to raise your laptop screen just place it on top of a thick book or ream of paper.
4. Relax
Your level of presence and demeanour matters – and will be noticed. If you’ve had an extremely busy or stressful time in the lead up to an online meeting, take a few moments (in your set up time), along with a few deep breaths, to get centred and focused. Take another few moments to gather your thoughts and key messages together. Most importantly, set a positive intention for a worthwhile engagement opportunity with your fellow online attendees.
More tips, tools and techniques for effective online presenting
For more practical tips to present like a pro, Peak Presenting offers presentation skills coaching and training for individuals and groups.