Today, there are many occasions where you might be presenting on camera.
A work presentation.
A guest speaker at an event or conference.
An interview.
A videotaped podcast.
A video recording for your social media or website.
The list goes on.
In all these situations, considering our setup can make a big difference.
Below are five areas to consider as you think about the setup for your next online event.
Visual
The first category covers our appearance & environment. We want what participants see to add to our presentation and personal branding, not distract from it.
- Outfit – Dress for the audience and format (formal vs. casual). Avoid patterns and wear colors that make you shine on camera. Be careful of accessories and make sure to look at yourself in camera view on your computer to see what the audience will see.
- Background – Ensure it’s clean, uncluttered, and professional. A branded background (logo, books, or relevant decor) can reinforce your expertise.
- Lighting – Natural light or a ring light positioned in front of you can enhance visibility. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or strong backlighting.
- Framing & Camera Angle – Eye-level framing helps with engagement. Place your computer on books or a box to get the height at the level that looks right on the camera. Ensure your face is centered, and test where to look to have eye contact and make your gaze natural.
- Body Language – Maintain good posture, nod, and use natural hand gestures.
Audio
The clarity of our audio is impacted by the equipment and speaking voice. We want our message to come through clearly and the audience not struggling to understand your message.
- Microphone Type – A good external microphone is often better than built-in laptop mics.
- Placement – Keep it close to your mouth but not in the frame. Test for echo or muffling.
- Background Noise Control – Reduce ambient sounds by closing windows, muting notifications, and using noise-canceling software.
- Speaking Volume – Ensure you are speaking loud enough for the microphone to pick up your voice. The audience can always turn down their volume. Overcoming a quiet voice is more difficult.
- Speaking Pace & Clarity – Slow down slightly for emphasis and be mindful of filler words.
Technical Setup
We all know that our technology can be finicky and can make or break an online session. Below are a few tips to set you up for success.
- Internet Connection – A wired connection is more stable than Wi-Fi. Have a backup hotspot if possible.
- Platform Familiarity – Zoom, Teams, or something else? Make sure ahead of the event you know how to share screens, mute/unmute, and troubleshoot common issues.
- Battery & Power – Plug in your laptop or ensure a full charge.
- Test Run & Backup Plan – Check everything in advance and have a backup device or phone ready if needed.
Content (Preparation & Delivery)
While preparing our environment is necessary, the content of our session is the real reason others are joining the call. These tips will help make the session itself a success.
- Organized Notes – Have notes on hand to keep yourself on track and ensure you cover everything you want. Bullet points on key messages vs. full scripts keep things natural.
- Call to Action (CTA) – What should viewers do next? What message do you want the interviewer to leave the conversation with? Ensure you have a clear and compelling CTA.
- Engagement Tools – Consider interactive elements (polls or chats) for audience participation. If using, make sure to test them in advance. In an interview, make sure you have some questions of your own prepared.
- Practice & Rehearsal – Run through key points to ensure smooth delivery. Practice the first minute. Ensuring you have a strong introduction and start to the session will set the tone and provide the confidence you need for the entire event.
Notes & Reference Setup (Staying on Track Without Distraction)
Having notes available can boost confidence and keep your message clear without making you look disengaged. The key is placement (out of camera view) and accessibility. Here are a few ideas ranging from simple and low tech to more complex and higher tech:
- Notebook – Use a notebook with key points bolded for easy scanning.
- Sticky Notes – Place key reminders on the sides of your monitor to keep them in view.
- Whiteboard – Write big-picture points on a whiteboard placed behind your webcam.
- Spice Rack – Use business card-sized notes on a spice rack at different levels for reference.
- Second Monitor or Tablet – Open notes on a separate device positioned near the camera.
- Teleprompter Apps – Use scrolling text apps like PromptSmart or BigVu to display notes.
Summary
We have so many opportunities to shine in online meetings, interviews, and presentations.
Taking the time to consider the environment and setup can provide the foundation for success.
Your Turn
What do your current prep and setup look like for online sessions?
Are there ideas in this post that could take your setup to the next level?
What is one idea that you could add to a meeting today to make a positive impact?