Tips for Speakers in Zoom

Draw Attention to Your Face

Make sure you’re presenting in a well-lit room, where the source of light is in front of you. If the light source is directly behind you, you might end up looking like a dark blob.

Check Your Equipment

Make sure you check all your technical equipment to see if everything is working properly. This will help minimize issues like awkward camera angles or a malfunctioning microphone.

Here are a few things you should take care of before your presentation:

Check internet connection. It is difficult to listen to a presenter with laggy audio and video. If you hardwire your computer, that is best. Use a reliable, high-speed internet connection to ensure a smooth Zoom presentation.
Test audio and video. Check if your camera and microphone are working properly by joining a Zoom test meeting. You can also test out your equipment from inside the Zoom app by clicking on Settings → Audio or Settings → Video.
Ensure your laptop is plugged in.
Adjust your camera level. Make sure your audience is looking at your face instead of the top of your head. Decide whether you want to sit or stand during your presentation, and adjust the webcam so it’s at eye level.
Check your virtual background. Here is a tutorial from zoom on using virtual backgrounds.

Keep in mind that technical issues can arise unexpectedly, even if you do everything right. Doing tech prep beforehand, though, keeps the chances at a minimum.

Minimize Potential Interruptions

Find a quiet area to begin with, and lock the door so no one comes in unexpectedly. It’s a good idea to inform your family members or roommates that you’re going to be busy prior to the presentation.

Another tip is to close all other open applications and windows on your computer. Notifications and sounds can interrupt your meeting and distract you. You can also use the “Do Not Disturb” mode on MacOS or “Focus Assist” on Windows 10 to mute notifications.

Stick Your Notes in the Right Place

Just like when you’re presenting in person, you’d likely want to keep notes or pointers nearby in case you forget something important.

During a Zoom presentation, though, you need to be careful about where you place your notes. It can look very unprofessional and awkward if your eyes keep moving away from the camera when everyone is staring at your face.

Avoid keeping a notepad next to you or pasting them on the side of your monitor. A better alternative is to stick a post-it right below or next to your webcam. So, even if you take a peek, you will still be looking somewhat directly at your audience.

Look directly into your camera to engage the Audience

While you’re speaking, it’s just as important to make eye contact with

To make eye contact online, however, you need to look directly at your camera. To make things easier, you can place the video boxes of your audience at the top of your screen, directly under your webcam.

https://visme.co/blog/zoom-presentation/ on June 8, 2021