Depending on when your community, business, or country issued a stay-at-home policy, it could now be weeks or months since you started working from home.

It’s no wonder the way you “present yourself” to the world has changed as well. As working from home began and communication shifted to virtual conversations, most people maintained a level of professionalism when introducing themselves to calls online.

Fast forward a few weeks and the corporate appeal is now being replaced by t-shirts, no shirts, shorts, sweatpants, and even pajamas. I had a meeting where a client refused to turn on his camera for an 11am meeting because he hadn’t even bothered to dress for the day.

Clearly, people present themselves differently at business meetings. Women are giving up on makeup and men are sporting stubble.

Adapting a relaxed, less groomed appearance may be acceptable when chatting with coworkers, maybe even the boss, but it’s less than ideal for talking to a client or prospect. Before you even turn on the camera, you should ask yourself, ‘What kind of impression am I making right now?

In today’s less meeting environment; it is vital that you do your best during a virtual meeting. If it’s important enough to have a meeting, it’s important enough that you get it right.

To be on top of their game, gentlemen need more than a clean, shaven face and women need more than a little lipstick to deliver a great virtual presentation.

Here are some ways to convey confidence and authority by making the most of teleconferencing technology, the right tools to make your presentation, and some key techniques to consider when in front of the camera.

Improving your technology

You have already heard from other experts about the use of the different conferencing platforms available and the technical aspects of those services. I, on the other hand, want to share ways to improve the delivery of your message with some basic tips that you can apply right now and that will improve your professionalism when presenting virtually.

Dream

Whether you’re giving a big presentation or having a one-on-one, it’s important that you get the sound right. Beware of remote sounds, such as air conditioners, which can affect the quality of a presentation that is being recorded. Turn off all audible notifications on the mobile phone.

Turning on

Avoid windows behind you. Close the curtains behind you to avoid backlights. Take a desk lamp and place it in front of you so that it is well lit. Soft natural light is the best. If possible, sit with a window next to you.

You on camera

The camera sees more than you think. If your visual setting in Zoom is set for a 16×9 aspect ratio, it shows a wider area around you, so avoid having a cluttered desktop.

Know what’s in the background. Take a screenshot of yourself on camera and then zoom in. This will allow you to see what is behind you, to the sides, and even above you. Your camera captures more than you think.

Tools of the Trade

Turning on

If your presentation space doesn’t have natural light, consider investing in a clip-on light that fits your laptop, iPad, or smartphone, such as a chat light or selfie ring light.

Smartphone tripods

Not all presentations are made through your laptop or iPad. You may need to make a presentation via your smartphone. One of my coaching sessions takes place with a client in China via WeChat. Holding the phone for a long period of time means a shaky hand and a distracting presentation. Instead, invest in a tripod stand that frees your hands and allows you to gesture naturally.

Remote Clickers for Laptop Presentations

With technology that allows us to deliver virtual presentations, there may be a time when you are standing up while giving a presentation. You’ll want to avoid moving back and forth within the shot just to advance the slides. It’s worth buying your own PowerPoint remote control clicker.

Teleconferencing techniques

Let’s be honest, our family and friends don’t care how we look or how we introduce ourselves in a personal video call. However, when it comes to business, we cannot be so arrogant.

Today’s conference calls should convey professionalism and you want to be at your best. Doing some of these things incorrectly could potentially make or break the success of a deal.

Practice beforehand

Even today, there are many people using these teleconferencing platforms for the first time. Know how to share your screen and make sure people can hear you.

Practice your presentation. Just because you are not sitting in the same room as the client does not mean that you should not put in the same effort. Having notes in front of you is not your ‘get out of jail card’ that gives you a pass to practice your presentation.

Camera position

Support your computer on some books or a box if your camera is on the bottom of the computer. Nobody wants to be looking up or sagging skin under the chin.

It is important that you speak directly into the camera and are not looking at the screen, especially if you see yourself in a small box at the bottom of the screen.

Body language and gestures

Sit straight. Put a pillow behind your back to help you sit up straight. If you have a swivel chair, avoid the need to rock left and right.

It’s natural for your hands to want to move while you’re talking, so it’s okay to be upbeat. One word of caution and gesture is to make hand gestures close to or in parallel with your body. The camera increases the size of your hands and it may seem strange for your hands to move in and out of the frame.

Don’t eat in front of the camera

Do your best to eat before the conference call. Nobody wants to see you eat, not to mention that people can’t understand you if you have food in your mouth.

Every presentation counts and every presentation has a lot at stake. Make the most of your virtual presentation by doing your best.