The rise of video conferencing, online workshops, and virtual events has transformed the way we communicate. Public speaking is no longer confined to a physical stage — today, your audience might be tuning in from across the world, sitting at their kitchen table in their pyjamas. Adapting your speaking skills to virtual platforms is not just helpful — it's essential.
Virtual Etiquette: The New Stage Rules
Just as you'd dress appropriately for an in-person event, virtual speaking comes with its own set of etiquette. Dress professionally from the waist up (at minimum!), ensure your background is tidy or use a professional virtual background, and position your camera at eye level so you're not speaking down or up at your audience. Mute yourself when not speaking in group sessions, and be mindful of interruptions — let family members or housemates know you're in a session.
Eye contact in a virtual setting means looking at the camera, not at your own image on screen. It feels unnatural at first, but it creates a sense of connection with your audience that makes all the difference.
Pre-Event Technical Checks
Nothing undermines a great speech like technical difficulties. Before any virtual presentation, run through a full technical check:
- Test your internet connection — a wired connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi.
- Check your audio and video quality. A good microphone and adequate lighting go a long way.
- Familiarise yourself with the platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.) and know where the key controls are.
- Have a backup plan — know who to contact if something goes wrong.
- Close unnecessary tabs and apps to avoid distractions and improve performance.
Arriving early to a virtual event gives you time to settle, test your setup, and calm your nerves before the audience joins.
Harnessing Technology to Enhance Your Presentation
Virtual platforms offer tools that physical stages don't — use them to your advantage. Share your screen to display slides, videos, or documents. Use the chat function to engage your audience with questions or prompts. Polls and breakout rooms can create interactive experiences that keep your audience engaged and involved.
Keep your slides clean and visual — on a screen, less is more. Large text, bold images, and minimal bullet points work best. Speak slightly slower than you would in person; audio can sometimes lag, and clarity is key.
Record your sessions when possible. Watching yourself back is one of the fastest ways to identify areas for improvement — from your pacing and tone to your on-screen presence.
Closing Thoughts
Virtual speaking is a skill in its own right, and like all skills, it improves with practice. The good news? The fundamentals of great public speaking — clarity, connection, and confidence — remain exactly the same, whether you're on a physical stage or a digital one. Embrace the tools available to you, prepare thoroughly, and remember: every virtual presentation is an opportunity to reach an audience you might never have been able to connect with otherwise. Take our free Public Speaking Readiness Checklist to assess your current readiness, explore our Public Speaking Program, and practise pacing and delivery with our free Teleprompter Tool.
