When the world went home to work, everyone suddenly began learning about Zoom. Video teleconferencing has been around for many years. Zoom’s simple interface quietly became a favorite of businesses. During the pandemic, Zoom found itself as the platform of choice for business and personal use alike.
Now that so many people have become accustomed to using Zoom regularly, many have Zoom fatigue. Multiple Zoom calls have many remote workers tired of sitting in front of the camera all day. Some attendees may start checking email, reading news, or accessing social media.
If you see boredom or fatigue set in during presentations, or your team isn’t as engaged, it’s time to improve your presentations in Zoom.
Creating The Presentation
PowerPoint is a great tool that many people use for presentations. But, it’s important to avoid overwhelming the audience with it. Remember that it is supposed to support your presentation, not be the presentation.
Background Color
And since most people will see your presentation on a laptop or desktop screen, not a large-screen TV you’ll want them to see everything clearly without trying to enlarge it. A plain white background is ideal for these slides or a single color.
Font
Use a larger font (such as 32-point) so that your presentation is easy to read, even on a mobile device. Remember that this isn’t a Word document—everything must be visible and understandable immediately. A larger font also stops you from using too much text on the page.
Use Bullet Points
Viewers should be able to see and catch the topic at first sight. Avoid the “wall of text” and long bullet-point lists to keep it simple. It’s better to avoid bullet points altogether.
Shareable PDF File
Need to give them the rest of the story? Offer a sharable PDF file with the rest of the information so they can read it later.
Visual Illustrations
Visuals can make information easier to understand, such as:
- Graphics
- Charts
- Illustrations
- Maps (if relevant)
- Photos
- Embedded videos
Of course, any element you use should emphasize your point and add value to the presentation. Using tools such as Visme can help you create presentations quickly and easily.
Start Spectacular
Even in the virtual world, first impressions are vital. There is no second chance. Your attendees may be sitting through their fifth meeting presentation today.
Start your presentation on a high note, and show them that this one is more interesting and engaging than the others. Catch their attention immediately and keep it. If you don’t, you’ve lost them right at the beginning.
Attention-Getting Format Changes
When you present in person, most people don’t do something else while you’re speaking. But during a Zoom presentation, there’s little to stop them from clicking away for a few minutes—or longer.
Combat the attention loss by varying the format of your presentation every few minutes. To keep things moving as well as thought-provoking, you should alternate between different elements:
- Information
- Stories
- Lists
- Data
- Charts
- Models
- Video
Alternating the content keeps your presentation dynamic and stimulating.
Add Video
Consider adding or embedding video into your presentation.
Video can make the same information visually attractive as well as more persuasive. People remember a story better when it’s told with even a short video.
Adding video can catch your audience’s attention right away and facilitate discussion. Beginning your presentation with video helps tell your story and get your messages across better than static images.
Short two- to three-minute videos are ideal. If you’re presenting in a half-day or full-day workshop, somewhat longer videos may be suitable.
Make sure that the video enhances your presentation and encourages conversation, and complements the discussion.
Don’t Just Read To The Audience
One of the biggest complaints about any presentation is “death by PowerPoint.” Many presenters unwittingly cause their audience to doze because they just read from their deck with a monotonous voice. Don’t do that.
Combine your spoken words with visuals, videos, and other elements to bring your content to life.
When planning your presentation, distill your information into parts:
- Introduction
- Point 1
- Point 2
- Point 3
- Conclusion
Create a map, practice it ahead of time, and work on the flow. You’ll have a much better handle on the information and an easier time presenting.
Practice Your Presentation
Practicing ahead of time is a great way to ensure that your presentation goes well. Rehearsing your presentation before the actual meeting helps you avoid “uhs” and “ums” during the Zoom meeting.
Most people sit behind their desks to give presentations. Have you considered standing instead? You may find that standing will help you relax, use hand gestures, and speak clearer than sitting. Use a laptop stand and practice from different areas of your home. See what works for you.
You can also use Zoom to help perfect your presentation skills. Start a meeting just for yourself. Click “record” and start your presentation just as you would for the meeting. Then watch your recording. You’ll see where you’ve done well and where you need improvements on the playback.
Preparation Is Everything
Long before the meeting, prepare for the actual call. Knowing how to use Zoom well can help prevent and reduce tech glitches before and during your call.
- Test your technology—from Zoom itself to your equipment, ensure that everything is in good working order.
- Make sure to plug in your laptop to avoid dropping off during the call
- You can join a Zoom test meeting if you need to practice
- Adjust your camera and find the best angle for you.
- Make sure that the audience sees your face and not just parts of it.
- Make sure your background looks neat, or use a Zoom virtual background.
- Familiarize yourself with Zoom’s host controls
- Have one or two other co-hosts on hand to handle meeting controls, such as muting, screen-sharing, or ejecting someone as needed
- Make “screen sharing” only available to the host to avoid others accidentally screen-sharing sensitive information.
- Learn and use “Mute All,” which prevents distractions from those who don’t turn off their mic
- Turn off the notification chime for joining attendees during larger meetings.
Last year, Zoom introduced the “waiting room” to park attendees before joining. This feature prevents attendees who aren’t supposed to be there. Co-hosts allow you to concentrate on your presentation while they handle the admin functions. If someone does access your meeting that shouldn’t, a host or co-host can manually remove that individual.
Make Zoom Meetings Better With A VOIP Hosted PBX System
Whether your employees are across town or the country, it’s easy to keep everyone connected with a VoIP-hosted PBX phone system. With features like:
- Call forwarding
- Call waiting
- Music or Message on hold
- Caller ID/number and name
- Three-way conferencing
- Multi-site compatibility
- Voicemail to email
All of your hosted PBX hardware and software is provider maintained, keeping you and your virtual team connected. Contact Press 8 Telecom today to learn more about our hosted PBX and VOIP services.
