How to Present, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 19Delivering your message virtually

COVID-19 lockdowns and the subsequent need for more flexible work practices have resulted in a changing workplace. Most people in business are moving to a hybrid model of working — where they work a few days in the office and some days from home. And most of us now have occasion to present online. We're using platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams, WebEx and a whole lot of other technology to stay in touch remotely.

We've used these virtual platforms mostly because we've had to. As a result our successful use of virtual platforms to present our ideas can still be a bit hit and miss. The other day I had the opportunity to watch someone in a very high-profile executive role commenting on television about the passing of a world-renowned celebrity. And although this person is a very savvy media personality and indeed a professional speaker, she had weirdly positioned her camera so that everybody was looking up her nose while she was talking! And I thought to myself, What's going on here? Is it not obvious that the audience doesn't want to look up your nose? I imagine she just didn't think about this.

Sometimes, of course, virtual presenting works brilliantly. One of my clients pitched for a $700 million project. The 27 people in the pitch team had no choice but to embrace virtual presenting, with the whole pitch process taking place on Zoom. I trained them in presentation and pitching skills on Zoom, I coached people individually on Zoom, they ...