Vrouw die zit achter een laptop en zelfverzekerd de camera in kijkt.

Seven tips for a successful online presentation

Written by: J.M. Hemsing-Salden (Janou), A.A.M. van Paasen (Angela) 18 December 2023

“Can you give that presentation online so that colleagues from the other locations can also attend?” Of course you can, but it does require a little more effort from you. Because let's face it, everyone occasionally checks their email during an online presentation or meeting. So how can you make sure that you keep your audience's attention online, so that you can get your story across as you want to? The tips below will help you make the most of your online presentation.

1. Check technology, sound, and light

Without well-functioning technology, there is no way you can give a good online presentation. You should therefore test your connection, audio, volume, and camera well in advance. Rather than blindly relying on your laptop's speakers and microphone, invest in good headphones with noise reduction. Check how slide sharing and the chat work, as well as how you can get everyone on screen. Do you have good lighting? Daylight looks the most natural, but a good lamp works too. Let the light come from above and from the front. Do not sit right in front of a window, because this makes your face so white that it will disappear in the light.

2. Make your presentation fun to watch

It is harder for people to keep their attention on an online presentation. So make your presentation fun to watch. Make sure you are clearly visible on screen. It is distracting if the camera is too high or too low, or if you only see part of the speaker's face. Make sure your whole face and a part of your upper body are visible on camera. You can sit, but standing is better. Standing not only makes your story livelier, it also helps you focus and breathe properly. 

Use slides. On your slides, be sparing with text and generous with images. Change slides often to keep your presentation dynamic. Remember to occasionally turn off your slides, for example when answering questions.

3. Present in a calm and neutral environment

Avoid any distractions during your presentation. A cluttered desk or overflowing bookcase, barking dogs, or children running around: these are all distracting and irritating. Create a professional, calm environment with a neutral background. If you choose a virtual background, also opt for a calm and professional image, and avoid sunny holiday photographs. Before you know it, your audience will be daydreaming about sipping delicious cocktails on a tropical island...

Laptopscherm met een vrouw in beeld die aan het presenteren is

4. Tell a story

If you want to hold your audience's attention, tell a story. People prefer to listen to a story rather than to a factual account or a dry list of facts. This is the best way to bring your message to life and make difficult topics concrete. Personalise your story with examples and anecdotes. Dare to use humour, but don't overdo it.

5. Make contact and activate your audience

Make sure you can see your audience; so ask everyone to turn their camera on. This not only makes your listeners more active, it also allows you to see what is happening and be engaged with your audience. Make regular eye contact. This helps keep your listeners' attention. If you want to look at your audience, make sure you also look into the camera, and not just at your screen. If needed, put stickers with arrows on your laptop pointing at your camera, as a reminder.

It is harder, online, to gauge whether everyone is actively listening and understands what you mean. You should therefore activate your audience regularly. Ask a question, or post a statement, and start a discussion. Using the chat and polls will get you a long way. Also involve listeners who are less active and ask them to respond.

Man die een online presentatie geeft

6. Use your voice

Your voice is your most important tool when giving a presentation. This is even more true online than during a live presentation. Make it lively by introducing variation. Let your audience hear your enthusiasm, emphasise crucial words, alternate your tone and speed, and put energy into your voice. Don't make your sentences much longer than 15 words, and pause occasionally. A pause gives you time to breathe and think, and it helps your audience to process the information better and take notes, for example.

7. Dress professionally

This may sound a bit crazy, but it does help. The reason is that neat, professional clothes exude authority, and audiences will be more likely to listen to you. Put on whatever you would wear to an important in-person presentation. Try to avoid bold prints, checks, and stripes. They tend to move on screen, which can be hugely distracting. The same goes for noisy earrings and bracelets, a bold tie, or a shirt with a large print. Try to avoid them.

In short, if you want to make your online presentation a success: Be well prepared, avoid distractions, and keep your audience engaged. But above all, make contact, believe in your story, stay calm, and breathe well. Even if the technology lets you down for a moment, despite your good preparation. Good luck!

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Written by
J.M. Hemsing-Salden (Janou)A.A.M. van Paasen (Angela)
Janou Hemsing is senior communication trainer and coach at Radboud In’to Languages. She provides training in Presenting, among other things. Angela is Content creator at Radboud in’to Languages and regularly receives interesting stories from In’to’s language and communication experts and course participants.