Beyond the Room: How to Make Your Presentations Resonate with Audiences Everywhere
A major presentation—whether it’s a TED Talk, shareholder briefing, or a high-stakes policy speech—offers more than just a moment in the spotlight. It’s a chance to connect with your audience, showcase your expertise, and create a ripple effect of content that resonates far beyond the event.
But here’s a crucial truth: your largest and most important audience likely isn’t in the room with you when you’re behind the podium.
The Danger of Missing the Mark
Let’s set the scene. Imagine a high-profile keynote. The speaker, a seasoned CEO, steps onto the stage at a major industry conference. Their message is strong, the room is full, and they’re nailing the real-time audience engagement. But when you watch the recorded video later, something is off.
The speaker:
Never looks at the camera, making viewers feel like bystanders rather than participants.
Pauses for extended applause, creating awkward silences for the online audience.
Uses gestures that seem dynamic in person but come across as over-the-top on screen.
The result? The energy that captivated the in-person audience is lost in translation. Online viewers, instead of feeling inspired or connected, disengage—or worse, never make it past the first few minutes of the video.
tl;dr: If you’re not speaking to the camera, you’re ignoring the majority of your audience.
How to Avoid Common Presentation Pitfalls
To ensure your message resonates with both in-room and virtual audiences, you need a "camera-first" mindset.
Step 1: Understand Your Dual Audience
When preparing your presentation, think beyond the people in the room. For most high-profile talks—whether it’s a TED Talk, a shareholder briefing, or a major policy rollout—your true impact depends on the virtual audience.
In the Room: Inspire the audience in front of you and allow them to create an atmosphere. They are the stand-ins for the broader audience you’re speaking to.
Through the Camera: Treat the camera like it’s a single person. Speak to it directly, as if you’re having a one-on-one conversation with every viewer.
Step 2: Master "Camera-First" Delivery
Here are strategies to ensure your message lands powerfully for all audiences:
Look Beyond the First Row: Eye contact with the camera creates a direct connection with the virtual audience. If you’re fixated on the people in the first few rows, viewers watching later will feel ignored. Practice looking into the lens, especially during key moments or emotional beats.
Don’t Let Applause Steal the Show: In-room applause is personally validating and can give you a genuine high, but extended pauses for clapping or laughter can derail the pacing for video audiences. Learn to acknowledge the applause with a brief smile or nod while continuing to speak. It keeps the energy alive for online viewers.
Calibrate Your Movements: What works on a large stage can feel exaggerated on video. Avoid constant pacing or overly dramatic gestures. Instead, use deliberate, grounded movements that feel authentic both in person and on screen.
Work with the Camera Crew: Collaborate with the production team to understand how you’ll appear on video. Make sure your team asks where the camera frame will be and where the cut shots are set up. Restrict your movements to stay within the frame, and adjust your body language for the camera’s perspective. Want to go the extra step: Rehearse with a camera and watch your presentation. Sure, it’s awkward, but wouldn’t you rather screw up privately and fix it before you present publicly?
Step 3: Leverage Your Presentation for Long-Term Impact
Once you’ve delivered your talk, the real work begins: extending its reach and making it part of your leadership brand.
Every major presentation is a treasure trove of content. Use the recording as a foundation for:
Social Media Clips: Share 60-second highlights for LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and any other platform you’re on.
Blog Posts: Expand on individual points from your speech in written form.
Webinars: Host a follow-up session where you dive deeper into the topic and answer audience questions.
Thought Leadership: If you’re giving a presentation, odds are you already have a perspective that’s new, unique or provocative. Turn it into an op-ed with a needle-moving call to action.
Why Getting It Right Matters
A poorly executed presentation can dilute your authority, diminish your message, and create missed opportunities for your organization. By speaking directly to the camera, balancing in-room energy with virtual presence, and building a strategic content plan, you ensure your message reaches its full potential.
So, the next time you take the stage, ask yourself: are you prepared to connect with the real audience—the one watching on a screen? Because a presentation that fails to translate is more than a missed opportunity.
… It’s a lost one.
