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Let’s be honest, most virtual meetings are dreadful. Cameras are off. Slides are on. People half-listening while replying to emails, checking messages, or quietly getting on with their “real work.” And who can blame them? When nothing demands attention, attention drifts.
This isn’t a technology problem. It’s a communication problem.
And it’s one of the biggest issues we address in my presentation skills training in Sydney. Now that most meetings are online the smart organisations are realising they’d better train up their people, or they risk losing connection and productivity fast! In a virtual environment, attention is not given, it’s earned, moment by moment.
Cameras change everything
The first rule of effective virtual presenting is simple:
- Cameras matter.
If we can’t see faces, we lose connection. There’s no eye contact, no visual feedback, and no accountability. It becomes a disembodied voice talking over slides.
That’s not a meeting, that’s background noise.
In any well-designed presentation skills workshop, this is one of the first behavioural shifts participants make because visibility drives engagement.
As the presenter or leader, set the expectation early:
“If you can, cameras on because I’d love to see you.”
Say it like you mean it. Not as a demand, as an invitation because when people are visible, they’re more present. And when you can see them, you can read the room – even virtually.
Stop hiding behind your slides
The second rule is just as important:
- Stop hiding behind your slides.
Slides should support you, not replace you. Sadly in many virtual meetings, presenters share their screen and stay there, effectively removing themselves from the conversation. The audience is left staring at static content while the human disappears.
This is something we consistently correct in my presentation training in Sydney.
Instead:
- Be intentional.
- Make a point.
- Show a visual.
- Then stop sharing.
Come back on screen. Look into the camera. Speak directly to people. Call them by their name. Ask them for their opinions.
This simple shift transforms the experience from passive viewing to active engagement.
Interaction beats information
If you want people to pay attention, you need to involve them. The third rule:
- Virtual presenting is not about delivering more content – it’s about creating more interaction.
This is a core principle in any high-quality presentation skills course because without involvement, attention drops quickly.
- Ask questions early and often. Use rhetorical questions to get people thinking and then put people on notice and have them actually answer questions.
- Use the chat function to get people putting their point of view:
“Type in the cha – what’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?”
“Give me a thumbs up if you’ve seen this before.”
- Use names where possible.
“Sarah, what is your experience with this issue?”
This creates gentle accountability. People stay alert because they might be invited in and when people participate, they stay engaged.
Shorten your message cycles
Another common mistake in virtual presenting is speaking for too long without a break.
Attention spans online are short.
If you talk uninterrupted for ten minutes, you’ve likely lost people. Rule number 4:
- Break your content into small segments.
Speak for a few minutes.
Pause.
Ask a question.
Invite input.
Reset the energy.
This rhythm shift – from monologue to interaction – is a key focus in best practice presentation skills training in Sydney.
Variety keeps people with you.
Your presence matters more online
In a virtual environment, your presence carries even more weight. Rule number 5:
- Look at the camera, not the screen.
It feels unnatural at first, but it creates the closest thing to eye contact.
Use your voice intentionally.
Vary your tone.
Change your pace.
Emphasise key points.
A flat delivery is draining in person and even more so online. Energy doesn’t travel well through a screen so YOU have to dial it up.
Acknowledge the reality
Here’s the truth:
People are distracted so acknowledge it. Say something like,
“I know you’ve all got a lot going on so let’s make this practical.”
Then deliver on that promise.
- Be relevant.
Be concise.
Make it worth their attention.
This is exactly what separates my presentation skills workshop from the rest!
Final thought
Virtual presenting isn’t going away so let’s get rid of poor virtual presenting because in a virtual world, attention is fragile.
You don’t get people’s attention by default, you earn it through:
- Visibility
Interaction
Energy
So please let’s turn the camersa on.
Press STOP SHARE and come off the slides.
And importantly bring people into the conversation.
And watch the difference.
To learn more about upcoming presentation skills training in Sydney, presentation training in Sydney, or to attend a presentation skills workshop or presentation skills course, visit:
https://michellebowden.com.au/presentation-skills-training-dates/
