During the Corona pandemic we were forced to give presentations online. Because from an efficiency point of view we experienced its usefulness, this is still done a great deal today. We are on the road less, sit in the car less and therefore have more time left over to do other things.

A first introduction, a first presentation of the company, services and products therefore often happens via an online meeting (Teams, Meet, Zoom, ..) too. An important presentation where we want to make an impact in order to get further in the sales process. So this must be just as good and high-quality as a physical presentation. That is why it is important to pay attention to the PowerPoint presentation you use and the way you use it.

An online presentation is short, to-the-point, visual and specific: 1 subject, 10 minutes and 20 slides.

1. Powerful storyline - Your audience's attention span is shorter in an online presentation than in a physical presentation. Colleagues (or children) walking around, a smartphone, a second screen, … are all competitors for the attention they have for you. Because of this you will have to be more specific and direct in the build-up of your story. Give your audience a clear frame of reference from the start. Begin with your core message (see previous posts). Indicate which problem you are going to solve for your potential client.
2. Visually attractive slides - The slides must support what you as the speaker tell. As the speaker you are not, or almost not, visible during the presentation. Nice visuals, icons, images, … provide a visual amplifier of your message. In addition, provide quick alternation of slides and good dynamism. The more you alternate, the more happens on the screen, the higher your audience's / conversation partner's attention will be.
3. Text on your slide - No one can listen and read at the same time. If there is too much text on the slides, your audience will try to read it. In this way they immediately lose their attention for you as the speaker. Because your audience follows the presentation via Teams or Zoom on their computer screen, the PowerPoint will not fill the entire screen. So also make sure the text on your slides is easily legible. You do this by, on the one hand, not putting too much text on your slide and, on the other, using a font that is large enough.
4. File size of your presentation - Check that your PowerPoint file is not too large/heavy. Large files can load slowly and cause problems during sharing. That is also immediately the danger of integrating video files into your presentation. They make the file heavier and increase the risk of delay or even freezing during playback.
5. Animations and transitions - Moderate the use of animations and transitions. These too can suffer a delay because of the internet connection and therefore give a totally different impression. The desired effect is lost.
6. Provide variation - Because you as the speaker disappear into a small window in the corner when presenting (sharing your screen), the slides will take up the largest part of the display. Make sure there is enough variation here. That will keep your conversation partner's attention high. Variation is the quicker switching of slides but also stopping and restarting the sharing of your screen. It requires some skill in managing Teams but is very effective at keeping attention high.

Other important points of attention in an online presentation:

• Look into the camera - This is perhaps the hardest thing for many people in an online presentation. After all, we are very used to looking at people directly and looking people in the eye. But your conversation partner's eyes are in your computer's camera and not on the screen where your conversation partner appears! A tip to remember this: stick a post-it to the left and right of your camera. Put a big arrow on it pointing to the camera. In that way you will almost be forced to look at the camera
• Sound and microphone - The built-in microphone of most laptops is sufficient to transmit good sound. With a separate microphone your sound comes across a little better still. If you are not alone in a room it is handier to provide a separate headset (earphones) to avoid noise.
• Facial expressions - Because you are not in shot with your whole body, you will have to use your face for the supporting non-verbal communication. So be aware of your facial expression and provide enough variation
• Follow up your online presentation immediately - Make sure you provide a follow-up immediately after finishing your online presentation. You can best do that by sending an email to the people you have spoken to. Give them a short recap of your message. Refer them to your website or to downloads you offer. You can also send on a shortened version of the presentation (hand-out in a PDF file - above all make sure your core message is clearly included in it) as a reminder of what you have shown.

You see that giving a presentation via Teams or Zoom has many similarities but also a few important points of attention. It deserves just as much attention as a physical introduction or first meeting. Use this valuable moment to come a step closer to a next step in the relationship with your prospect.

A next appointment but then in a real meeting room or perhaps even making a concrete proposal and quotation. Every contact moment with a customer and certainly a potential customer is valuable and must therefore be well prepared.

Need help with your next presentation and determining the core message of your presentation?

Take a look at our references and get in touch with us quickly.

Good luck Harald