presentation on remote working

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

A Guide to Managing Your (Newly) Remote Workers

• Barbara Z. Larson,
• Susan R. Vroman,
• Erin E. Makarius

Leaders need to adapt to the new normal.

With the Covid-19 epidemic, many employees — and their managers — are finding themselves working out of the office and separated from each other for the first time. Fortunately, there are specific, research-based steps that managers can take without great effort to improve the engagement and productivity of remote employees, even when there is little time to prepare. First, it’s important to understand the common challenges, from isolation to distractions to lack of face-to-face supervision. Then managers can support remote workers with 1) regular, structured check-ins; 2) multiple communication options (and established norms for each; 3) opportunities for social interactions; and 4) ongoing encouragement and emotional support.

In these difficult times, we’ve made a number of our coronavirus articles free for all readers. To get all of HBR’s content delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Daily Alert newsletter.

In response to the uncertainties presented by Covid-19, many companies and universities have asked their employees to work remotely. While close to a quarter of the U.S. workforce already works from home at least part of the time, the new policies leave many employees — and their managers — working out of the office and separated from each other for the first time.

• Barbara Z. Larson is executive professor of management and director of partnerships at Northeastern’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business. Her research focuses on the personal and interpersonal skills that people need to work effectively in virtual environments, and she works with collaborators in both academia and industry to develop training methods and materials to enable more productive virtual work. Prior to her academic career, Professor Larson worked for 15 years in international finance and operations leadership, most recently as Director of International Finance at R.R. Donnelley.
• Susan R. Vroman is a lecturer of management at Bentley University.  Her research interests include the impact leadership enactment has on organizational culture and employee engagement, with specific focus on supporting flexible work arrangements.  Prior to her academic career, Dr. Vroman worked for over 20 years as an organizational effectiveness and strategic human resource management executive and advisor. She continues this work in a consulting capacity.
• Erin E. Makarius is an associate professor of management at the University of Akron’s College of Business Administration.

Partner Center

Got any suggestions?

We want to hear from you! Send us a message and help improve Slidesgo

Top searches

Trending searches

suicide prevention

8 templates

46 templates

cybersecurity

6 templates

10 templates

biochemistry

37 templates

18 templates

Remote Working

Remote working presentation, free google slides theme and powerpoint template.

Remote work is in vogue. This presentation will help you talk about it thanks to its sections and graphs. The design is simple and formal, combining purple with black and white. There are also different pictures of people with their laptops. It’s very professional!

Features of this template

• 100% editable and easy to modify
• 33 different slides to impress your audience
• Contains easy-to-edit graphics such as graphs, maps, tables, timelines and mockups
• Includes 500+ icons and Flaticon’s extension for customizing your slides
• Designed to be used in Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint
• 16:9 widescreen format suitable for all types of screens
• Includes information about fonts, colors, and credits of the free resources used

How can I use the template?

Am I free to use the templates?

How to attribute?

Attribution required If you are a free user, you must attribute Slidesgo by keeping the slide where the credits appear. How to attribute?

Related posts on our blog.

How to Add, Duplicate, Move, Delete or Hide Slides in Google Slides

How to Change Layouts in PowerPoint

How to Change the Slide Size in Google Slides

Related presentations.

Premium template

Unlock this template and gain unlimited access

Register for free and start editing online

3 reasons your work presentation is boring, according to 1,000 remote workers

• Distraction is rampant in the new hybrid workforce.
• Canva, a visual-communication and design platform, explains why workers zone out in presentations.
• Canva's intuitive software lets you create beautiful, engaging presentations.

We've all done it. You're working from home, and a coworker fires up their screen to present the newest financial report. Do you (a) crank the volume and take meticulous notes, or (b) make lunch and shop online for new hiking boots?

If you answered B, you're not alone. A survey by the global design platform Canva found that 89% of workers said they were distracted during work presentations. The report, "Bridging the Hybrid Workforce Divide , " asked 1,000 full-time employees in the US to list the top activities they do while watching someone present remotely, and here's what they said:

• 42% read emails or text messages
• 28% complete work not related to the presentation
• 28% scroll through memes on social media
• 27% use the bathroom
• 26% listen to music
• 26% prepare meals
• 25% online shop

Remote work has made it harder to create engaging presentations. And that's a problem because presentations are one of the most common ways of sharing plans and ideas. Canva's survey found that 59% of workers said they plan to continue working from home some or all of the time, and 81% considered virtual collaboration the "new way" of working.

Why most work presentations are boring

So what makes the typical meeting slide so humdrum? Canva's survey found three reasons your colleagues' minds start to wander during presentations:

• 60% say they're too long
• 54% say they're too data heavy
• 52% say they have dull or uninspiring visuals

It's hard to focus when you're staring down a 2,000-word corporate manifesto crammed onto a single slide, but presenters are having a difficult time, too. In the survey, 82% of respondents said they found it challenging to deliver visual presentations to a group or audience, and almost half struggled to create slides with standard presentation and design programs.

Dr. Michelle McQuaid, a psychologist and an expert on organizational change, says: "Joyful connections between people increase levels of our pleasure hormone, immediately reducing anxiety and improving concentration. But those working from home will miss out on many social interactions and nonverbal cues, which we often rely on to make people feel included during presentations and meetings.

By asking questions, showing gratitude, incorporating humor, or including entertaining or relatable photos and videos, we can make audiences more engaged in our presentations, and leave them less tempted by distraction."

How Canva smashes the learning curve

What if it were easy to make stunning presentations right out of the box?

Canva's free platform makes beautiful design accessible to everyone. Its millions of users can choose from over 500,000 professional-grade templates for design inspiration. They can intuitively drag and drop elements and access a large image library without downloading a single file. Best of all, they can collaborate on presentations within the software itself, leaving comments and even demoing designs for their teams in real time. The end result? Infinitely more engaging presentations that take half the time to create.

Better software, better inclusivity  

Distributed teams lean heavily on presentations to communicate — in fact, employees expect to make 10% more of them within the next six months.

This phenomenon has serious implications for diversity in the new hybrid work environment: 28% of introverts said their presentation skills have negatively affected their careers, compared to 12% of extroverts. 

Canva is revamping the presentation format through a series of new features such as Talking Presentations, which let presenters integrate short videos of themselves as playable elements within slides. This gives an alternative to live presenting, while still letting people have their voices heard.

Great presentations give great ideas the visibility they deserve. And businesses benefit from a diverse range of perspectives. To stay competitive and ensure everybody's ideas are heard, we must embrace better software.

Make better presentations with Canva. Learn more here.

This post was created by Insider Studios with Canva.

• Main content

• PowerPoint Themes
• Latest PowerPoint Templates
• Best PowerPoint Templates
• Free PowerPoint Templates
• Simple PowerPoint Templates
• PowerPoint Backgrounds
• Project Charter
• Project Timeline
• Project Team
• Project Status
• Market Analysis
• Marketing Funnel
• Market Segmentation
• Target Customer
• Marketing Mix
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Resource Planning
• Recruitment
• Employee Onboarding
• Company Profile
• Mission Vision
• Meet The Team
• Problem & Solution
• Business Model
• Business Case
• Business Strategy
• Business Review
• Leadership Team
• Balance Sheet
• Income Statement
• Cash Flow Statement
• Executive Summary
• 30 60 90 Day Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Flow Charts
• Gantt Charts
• Text Tables
• Infographics
• Google Slides Templates
• Presentation Services
• Ask Us To Make Slides
• Data Visualization Services
• Business Presentation Tips
• PowerPoint Tutorials
• Google Slides Tutorials
• Presentation Resources

The COVID Remote Working Series: 15 Virtual Meeting Etiquettes For Effective Online Presentation

Making live presentations gives a familiar and dreaded feeling of butterflies in the stomach. Online presentations are a step above; they pose more challenges and of a different nature.

Consider this: You can’t read people’s body language, you can’t know if people are even listening to you. Your effectiveness goes for a toss since virtual presence is a great equalizer. And then there is a risk of home stuff creeping in official business.

All this while you are trying to influence that big sales or swing that executive decision in your favor! That’s why virtual meeting etiquettes are quite important.

In the wake of Coronavirus, people are forced to work remotely and make online presentations. They find themselves seriously under-equipped with the tools and ways of thinking about remote presentations. On the other hand, people who have these skills will rise and shine: They will be the masters of the Virtual Domain.

Here are our 15 Virtual Presentation Tips:

• Watch your back
• Leave the keyboard alone
• Mute your microphone
• Send pre-reads
• Lower Your Voice
• Don’t eat during the conference
• Stick to the time frames
• Mind your body language
• Protect Sensitive Information

1) Dress up: As you usually would if you were presenting in person, even if it is an audio-only discussion. While it is undoubtedly comfy in your pajamas, you run a psychological risk of slipping into a comfort zone, which can take the edge off your online presentations. Be fully groomed, look sharp so that you can be sharp.

2) Gear up: How many “can you hear me now moments have you had”? How about apologizing for the call dropping? Take our advice and do the following:

a) Invest in good equipment

Here are our picks:

• Jabra Speak 510: Improves quality of the audio connection from your laptop; has a variety of connectivity options;
• Makes connecting with Skype of MS Teams a breeze
• Sennheiser Double-Sided Business Headset: SC 660 USB CTRL (504555): The best headset I have come across. This is the only one with a physical mute button- yes, you read that right- a rare physical mute button that lights up when you press it.

Disclaimer: We earn no commission or have any commercial interests in the recommended products

b) Dial-in two lines simultaneously: Here are the advantages of doing that – You can hear your voice on the other line: that way you will not have to ask if you are audible. If one disconnects, you can pick the other.

3) Warm-up: You do not have the human touchy-feely warmth when on a cold, dry phone call. Believe it or not, we are all humans and need a bit of small talk. Going straight to the point can make you appear very transactional and not interested in the other person. A little bit of warm-up can go a long way. While most discussions these days start with virus talk, weather, sports continue to be safe all-time favorites. One caveat is to find an opening to move quickly to the point and not make the starter encroach your main course.

4) Watch your back: If on Video, a cluttered background can ruin everything for which you should try to use MS Teams if possible and blur the background or use a white background.

5) Read cues: This one needs a bit of practice and is a pro technique. But you will do it if you are willing to listen carefully: The signs are all over the place:

A breath inward: Someone wants to speak.

Sigh: Didn’t fully agree with part of what you said

Total silence: Usually means no engagement

Sounds of typing: Same as above and many others.

6) Leave the keyboard alone: Whether you are taking notes during the meeting or chatting with your friend, the sound of your typing is really distracting. It’s not only preventing you from focusing on the meeting but also distracting everyone else in the meeting.

7) Mute your microphone when you’re not talking: There’s nothing more frustrating than hearing that aching noise from conflicting microphones. It also prevents any unwanted audio from entering your mic. 

8) Send pre-reads: Send pre-reads, if possible, a day in advance for dense topics. It will give you a lot of invisible power and provide a solid impression that you are in command. Then restrict your presentation to topics that require discussions rather than pour over the material. I would recommend you send pdfs to avoid cluttering your audience’s mailboxes. The audience will notice this and thank you in their hearts.

9) Jazz up: The audience will not get the benefit of your charming physical presence. Make up for that by using good quality slides. A thumb rule is that slides have to speak for themselves since, like it or not, many will scroll ahead and read through everything while you are talking and make their impressions, which can often be hard to change. Use SlideUpLift to take advantage of the online library of great-looking Powerpoint templates that use principles of vision science to create an impact.

10) Be Early: always! It creates a solid impression that you are on top of your game.

11) Lower Your Voice: Speak at a slower cadence than that of your everyday conversational speech. This is because most people use earphones during meetings and you will be speaking directly in their ears through the earphones.

12) Don’t eat during the conference: Would you ever bring anything to eat in a meeting? Then don’t bring it into your virtual meeting either. This is especially important if others can hear you chewing, it can cause a distraction for everyone.

13)  Stick to the time frames: You should always keep an eye on the clock and make sure you start and finish your virtual meeting on time. This will reflect your professionalism and make others be on time.

14)  Mind your body language: Body language is a vital part of virtual meeting etiquette. Even if you can speak and present flawlessly, your facial expression and posture say more than your words when you present online. 

15) Protect Sensitive Information: If you are sharing your screen during the online presentations, make sure that only the intended content is seen. Before you launch a video conference, close all unnecessary tabs from your browser. Launching a new browser window and preparing before time will help keep sensitive information confidential.

For extra control of what others see during your online presentations , choose the option to share the screen only one screen or one app (i.e. only a Powerpoint presentation) instead of your full desktop.

Share this Infographic On Your Site

</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><strong>Please include attribution to slideuplift.com with this graphic.</strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><a href=’https://slideuplift.com/blog/remote-presentations-7-tips-to-make-you-masters-of-the-online-presentations/’><img src=’https://149357291.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/first-project-1.jpg.webp’ alt=’Virtual Meeting Etiquettes’ width=’600px’ border=’0′ /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>

Check out a few remote team-building activities that help ensure a productive, collaborative, and healthy work environment, all crucial attributes for organizations in an increasingly competitive world.

Team Building Presentations

View Team Building Presentations 

Lastly, a great remote-working regime stems from a comfortable home office space that helps you get things done. If you are looking for some tips on creating the perfect home office space, you can check this article on setting up a great remote working space .

Conclusion:

Online presentations are an effective means of communication and valuable methods for bringing your team together. But without preparation and the use of effective tools, they risk wasting participants’ time without actually achieving anything valuable.

Follow these 15 virtual meeting etiquette tips during your next virtual meeting, and ask your team members to maintain these standards, to make your video conference more effective.

Now you don’t have to scour the web to find out the right templates. Download our PowerPoint Templates from within PowerPoint. See how ?

Related Articles

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Remote presentations: The only guide you’ll ever need.

Yousef "yoyo" abu ghaidah.

• March 31, 2020

Remote presentations have become quite the trend in today’s corporate world. Heck, there are reports that state 4 out of 5 corporate presentations are now delivered completely remotely .

That’s incredible!

It’s clear how today’s technology brought some major conveniences in the way we do business. I mean, why would I spend hours of my time commuting to a location to give a 30-minute presentation when I can do the same thing in the comfort of my own home?

But like all convenient things in life, people take them for granted.

Listen, remote presentations aren’t an excuse to be sloppy. If you’re delivering a remote presentation, then you have to work extra hard to make sure your session’s a success.

Because remote presentations make it easy to lose the one thing that every presentation so desperately needs to be successful: a nurtured human connection.

Okay, I know I sound like a pretentious spiritual guru when I say this, but it’s true.

A key trait for all successful presentations is to treat them like a conversation. And the only way to have a ‘good’ conversation is to make sure the connection between the deliverer and recipient is present.

I know this sounds a bit flaky and intimidating, but don’t worry. In this post, I’ll detail what remote presentations are, establish what makes them effective, discuss their pitfalls, and go over a few tips and tricks to make sure you nail your next remote presentation.

What are remote presentations?

Remote presentations are any presentations that are hosted and facilitated in virtual settings, particularly where the presenter and members of the audience are not physically in the same space.

In most cases, they require an internet connection (I mean, how else are you going to get your slides across?)

Some examples of remote presentations include webinars, e-lectures and web-conferences. Heck, if you’re using a tool like Zoom or Skype to share your screen and go over a set of slides, that counts as a remote presentation too!

Why are remote presentations effective?

Two reasons.

First and foremost, you, as a presenter, have immediate access to anyone, anywhere, at any time. I can’t overstate just how much benefit this can bring to just about anybody in this day and age.

A professor in Mexico can teach students in South Africa over an online lecture.

A management consulting company in Australia can go over their findings with their international peers over a webinar.

A presentation design agency made up of people from all over the world (that’s us, by the way) can present their designs to their clients in Massachusetts ( yep, we did this, too! )

The second reason comes with the benefit of the first. Using remote presentations helps everyone involved cut down on time (no more long commutes or travel requirements) and cost (no more expensive hardware like screens or projectors).

The caveats

While we should recognize the enormous amount of benefit that remote presentations can bring, we also have to recognize their downfalls.

Ignore these at your own peril. They can cause some serious reputable damage. Nobody wants to be the guy that colleagues and clients sigh at whenever a presentation is involved.

Interaction and feedback isn’t easy in the virtual world

When you’re on stage, it’s easy to stop at a point, look at an audience member in the eyes, ask a question, receive a response, expand on the audience member’s answer, and move on with the content.

Let’s take a step back now. Why is the process easy?

A presenter can gauge the reaction of the audience, look at someone who has a facial expression of interest, and engage with that member.

In short: the mode of interaction is easy because the audience member’s facial expression invites the presenter to engage with that person.

Does this all sound complicated? Then consider another, more familiar approach.

You’re on stage, and you make a joke to ease the formal tension in the room and get more people relaxed.

If people laugh, your joke was a hit and you were dead on.

If, on the other hand, the audience is dead silent, then you know your joke didn’t land so well, and you need to work on your comedy routine.

The point is, we’re able to interact with the audience because we’re encouraged to do so. The feedback is immediate, and we’re able implement an approach to our delivery to move the content forward.

Now take these contexts and apply them in a remote presentation setting.

See the problem now?

We’re not able to immediately understand the feedback our audience is giving us. Yes, there are hints and queues we can pick up on (like an audience member typing “haha” in the chat window after you made a joke in the middle of your presentation), but it just isn’t the same thing.

The point is we have to work extra hard to make sure we can both receive some sort of feedback from the audience, and leverage some sort of interaction based on that response.

I’ll go over some of the methods I personally use later in this post.

Technical difficulties suck when you’re remote

My anxiety is at its peak whenever I host a webinar, because my mind comes back to one question.

“What if the internet dies and I leave my audience stranded?”

You might think I’m just paranoid, but give me the chance to validate that fear to show you what I mean.

In early 2019, I co-hosted a webinar with the fine folks at LogMeIn’s GoToWebinar. In that webinar, I was set to give a live (yes, live) PowerPoint tutorial to every person that signed up to attend the session.

Over 1,500 people registered for this webinar. In fact, someone at LogMeIn told me that this webinar was the one that had the most amount of registrants by a large margin.

Can you imagine my internet connection dying half way into the session and leaving every single person who attended that session with nothing? Literally wasting their time and devaluing their busy schedules?

Of course, I’m giving the extreme scenario. But technical difficulties don’t have to be so detrimental. Even the smallest challenges can set your remote presentation up for failure.

Things like choppy videos, awful microphones, slow internet connections and trouble registering for and/or joining the remote presentations can cause some serious harm to your remote presentation’s outcomes.

Sure, technical difficulties can happen when you’re delivering a presentation on stage, too. But I’d argue that these technical difficulties can be mitigated quite easily. Projector not working? No problem, get someone from IT to fix it. Still not working? Fine, give out handouts and use the handouts instead of the slides.

But in the remote world? Things are different. People often don’t have the time (and if I’m being really honest? The skills, too) to fix whatever troubles they’re faced with. Decisions have to be made in seconds, not minutes, and a solution needs to be found ASAP.

Distractions and remote presentations go hand-in-hand

Giving a presentation in a conference room? You have the room, and have total control of the outcomes.

Giving a presentation on stage? The venue’s yours, and you know what you’re dealing with.

Giving a presentation remotely? Things change.

And you know what? I could go on for hours about this. But I think this 43 second video can do all the talking for me.

The experience of this poor soul embodies every remote presenter’s worst nightmare.

I digress. The point is, distractions come far and wide when it comes to virtual presentations.

And to make matters worse: Some of these distractions aren’t even in your control.

I was once pitching a sale to a potential client over a Zoom conference call. In the call, I was going over the proposal slide-by-slide.

I was on my game, hitting point after point. I knew I was really, really close to closing that sale.

And then my neighbor in the apartment upstairs thought it would be good to blast some dubstep music at 100% volume. It was so bad my ceiling literally shook.

I was distracted and frustrated. All I could do was try to keep calm and carry on. Sure, I could have asked her to hold on for a second while I dealt with the issue, but it would be rude to keep her for a whole waiting for 10 minutes in absolute silence.

I apologized profusely, and asked her to schedule the call.

At first, she understood and agreed. But that moment was gone. She wasn’t as inspired as she was when we were engaged in a discussion, and  the potential sale understandably just fizzled out.

The point is this: remote presentations are a lot more susceptible to distractions. Yes, some of these distractions can be in your immediate control. But others, like a lousy neighbor playing awful music in the middle of your conference call, aren’t.

In case you’re wondering, yes. I did confront the neighbor and even filed a noise complaint. I haven’t heard a peep since then. 

Total lack of a voice’s potential

It’s one thing to have a robotic, monotonous voice when you’re on-stage or delivering a session in a closed room.

But an unengaging voice is a whole different diabolical thing when delivering a remote presentation.

When behind a computer screen, an effective voice really matters. It helps build trust, emphasize on key points, create emotional contexts, and even help strategically sequence content.

But when a remote presenter makes no effort to vary his pitch or volume throughout the session? Or worse, doesn’t pause in between key pieces of content?

Then I can almost guarantee you that nobody is going to take that remote presentation seriously.

I’ve been asked to attend a large number of remote presentations in my career. Some of them were mandatory.

And I can tell you, hand-on-heart, that whenever I do take part in these remote session, and I feel that the presenter adopts an absolutely zero-sense-of-creativity approach to his voice?

I stop caring. Immediately.

Sure, I may still be in the session. But I’m only pretending to take part and browsing Reddit instead.

Effective visuals aren’t optional

Let’s be clear about something from the get-go.

To me — and I realize this is biased because I’m the CEO of a presentation design agency, but still — effective visuals are absolutely 100% required when delivering a presentation remotely.

And the reason for that is straightforward: You need to find ways to keep the audience engaged since you don’t have many options available.

I’ve already mentioned that the use of one’s voice is essential when it comes to delivery. But even if you adopt the best voice-related approach in the world, it won’t matter if you present slides like this:

It’s 2020, folks. Nobody has the time for ugly fonts, misaligned pictures and ugly clipart anymore. Everyone wants information that’s easy to process and remember.

And effective visuals help with that. Let’s be honest, wouldn’t you want to look at something like this instead?

How to win at the remote presentation game

Okay, I’m done with the depressing information now.

Let’s go over the tips, tools and strategies that will ensure every remote presentation that you deliver is an outstanding success

Create an environment that allows for remote connection

I get it. It’s hard to make sure that you constantly interact with your audience when you’re dishing out your content remotely.

But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

Take the time to set up your virtual space in order to ensure there’s at least some sort of interaction between you and your audience.

For example, when I use a web-conferencing platform like Zoom to host my remote presentations, I make sure that at least half of my participants have a microphone so that the remote presentation is treated as a conversation rather than a lecture-like session.

If I’m hosting webinars, I make sure that every attendee in the webinar session has the ability to engage with my content by typing in the chat box, or taking part in my quizzes, polls and surveys. I even read out some of the answers I receive to make clear that I am indeed listening.

Here’s another trick I use when presenting remotely: I always ask questions as I go through my content. I do this regularly, and I make it a point to not move on until I receive a response.

Oh, and my questions aren’t “Any questions?” either. They’re meaningful, engaging, and help create context.

What I do is something along the lines of this:

"So, how many of you think that you just aren’t creative enough to design something effective in PowerPoint?"

"Chris, I see that you said no in the chat box. Can I know why?"

"Come on Chris, waiting on your answer here, my man! Don’t keep me and 90 other people hanging like that."

Adopting a similar approach highly encourages your audience to become active participants in your session. And there’s nothing more beautiful than that.

Take your designs seriously

Yes, you need to design effective visuals for your remote presentation. It isn’t an option.

You owe it to your audience to make sure they stay as engaged as possible while you’re delivering your material.

I realize that time is money. If you can’t design beautiful slides around your content, and you don’t have the time to do so, then here are a couple of solutions to consider:

Option A: Get a presentation template

Consider this option if your remote presentation is simple and/or more routine. Examples include: status updates and internal meetings.

Get your hands on a decent presentation template . Some are free, some aren’t. The only thing I’d note here is to make sure you get a template that’s effective and from a reputable seller. Trust me, you don’t want to buy an ineffective template .

Looking for amazing PowerPoint Templates?

Check out our premium PowerPoint templates that are so good they got some of our customers a promotion! 

Option B: Get professionals to design your slides for you

Consider this option if your presentation is critical. Examples include: pitch decks, sales proposals, major webinars, virtual summits, etc.

Get a professional or an agency to design your slides for you. This is often a more expensive approach, but it’s well worth it.

Also, try and avoid freelancer platforms like Fiverr, Upwork and 99Designs . You might end up being very disappointed.

If you’d like, our agency can do all the hard work for you . We’ve designed presentations and templates for brands all over the world, from major Fortune 500 companies to one-man startups. So, if you’re up for it, get in touch and we can get a call going.

Check out a presentation designed for Exxon Mobil!

Mitigate the risk of technical issues and distractions with a solid backup plan.

I’m not going to give you some boring fluff like “always be prepared for the worst” because you already know about that cliche junk already.

But I do want to take the time to show you how to be prepared in the event you run into technical faults, or are distracted by things beyond your control.

And it all comes back to this one principle: You have to make sure you have an alternative way to successfully communicate your content.

For me, this means that I have a backup internet connection. If my internet disconnects, I use the mobile hotspot feature on my phone, connect to it, and continue the session.

Similarly, if my computer decides to break down and stall on me, I have my laptop ready to go.

And if both options fail, I make sure that one of two things is actioned immediately. I either:

• Record a video of the content I want to communicate using a video recording service like Loom, and send it to the participants of the session whenever I can, alongside a request to reschedule the session if they’d like, or;
• Immediately have a co-worker take over the session whenever I have to stop the session for whatever reason

Let me be clear, none of these options are ideal, but when everything goes to crap, you have to remember you’re in damage control mode.

The show must go on!

Invest in the right equipment

You know what really hurts a remote presentation experience? These things:

• A slow internet connection which leads to choppy audio and video
• A $2 microphone that sounds like you’re talking into a tube
• A webcam with the picture quality of a 1940’s motion picture
• A less-than-ideal software solution that makes it extremely hard for you and your audience to take part in your sessions

I could go on, but I won’t.

Invest in valuable equipment. Get a decent microphone, a fast internet connection, and a webcam that doesn’t suck. Also make sure that the platform you’re using to host your remote presentation doesn’t have an interface that cavemen can resonate with. 

Use your voice like your life depended on it

Like I mentioned before, the use of one’s voice is essential when it comes to delivering remote presentations.

Do not be afraid to be seen as someone that’s unprofessional, dramatic, or even immature, just because you’re making the effort to engage with your audience.

Excited about something you’re presenting? Elevate your pitch and get that excitement recognized. Trust me, it’s contagious.

Conveying something a little more serious? Pause frequently to let your message sink in.

Telling a joke to ease tension? Chuckle at the end of it to signal that you’re making things comfortable for everyone.

Make your passion known.

Don’t be your own distraction

One time, I attended a webinar where some CEO of a SaaS company was going over his latest product that was set to be launched soon.

I absolutely hated it.

He did everything right. He used his voice well, his visuals were decent, the video was smooth as butter, and the audio quality was perfect.

But every 30 seconds, he’d cough or clear his throat, and it felt like a knife was stabbing my ears.

Every. 30. Seconds.

It was torture.

I really feel bad for the guy, because I know it wasn’t intentional. Still, his experience led me to write this section.

Please realize that when you’re delivering a remote presentation, you are the center attention during that time. Everything you do can be heard (and in some cases, seen). Be conscious about the subtle things.

And for God’s sake, have a bottle of water with you or something.

Don’t go for the safe approach every single time

Please don’t adopt a cookie-cutter approach all the time.

Be creative. Find things that will make your audience remember you and look forward to your next round.

Using things like games and contests can elevate your remote presentation to new heights! And they don’t even need to be complicated. Something as simple as “The first attendee to tweet something with #ThisHashtag doesn’t pay for lunch next week” will do just fine.

Even better: Leverage other software solutions into your remote presentations! When I facilitated a virtual presentation design workshop with Konami Gaming, I had every attendee use a whiteboard that I hosted on Miro to compile their ideas. I then went through each and every one of these ideas to give merit to the discussion.

Put a face to the name (optional, but recommended) 

This one’s subjective, but I’ll mention it anyway.

It’s always a good idea to have a webcam ready if you’re giving a remote presentation. Allowing your audience to watch you go through your material helps put them at ease.

This makes sense. Putting a face to the name makes the whole experience feel more human-like.

And if nothing else, it helps establish trust. A smile can go a really long way. Trust.

You’re ready!

Did you go through everything in the post?

Good. Now you’re ready. You know exactly what remote presentations are, their major drawbacks, and ways to overcome any obstacles thrown at you.

Thanks Yoyo, very nice information. I have read every letter, right away, even when it is past my bedtime. This information will come in handy the next weeks. Good tips on what not to do and how to actually deliver a good remote presentation.

Thanks Tom!

one more thing I’d like to add which makes a huge difference. STAND while you’re making your presentation. It will automatically improve the sound, gives you more energy and stamina. I got a standing desk for that reason and it’s been a game changer.

Thanks Yoyo, good things to consider.

Thanks Shaun!

Oh Absolutely, Erica!

Remote Presentations can be really challenging. But I think with the help of this guide, I can actually get the maximum benefits.

How do you feel about animations and transitions in remote presentations? Will the effects be jerky or smooth? Even if the presenter has good internet, could the end user be affected?

Got a project for us?

© Slide Cow. All rights reserved.

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

7 Tips for a Captivating Remote Presentation

In terms of their personal fears, most people rank public speaking higher than death. The level of trepidation most of us feel when the spotlight is on us is strong—and if we don’t have much experience in speaking with authority in front of others, it can seem all the more frightening.

For remote professionals, the scenario may seem different on the surface. What’s so worrisome when you’re behind a screen in a familiar, comfortable environment? Whether you’re leading a public-facing webinar or working through a client presentation, you’ll still likely face a variety of challenges even in your preferred workspace .

Here are my seven recommended components to making a killer impression the next time it’s your turn to make a remote presentation:

Confident and concise introductions..

A strong start will go a long way in commanding others’ attention and respect as you launch into your talk. But first, you’ve got to show your appreciation for their time by making your introduction—that is, the “about you” sentence or two and the overview of your topic—short and punchy. Too many speakers unnecessarily lengthen this lead-in as if they need a runway for takeoff. Instead, keep your introduction to 90 seconds or less, and you’ll have won your audience over before you’ve even truly begun.

Thoughtful slide design and imagery.

There’s so much to say about this that it’s difficult to know where to begin, other than to recommend prioritizing sensitivity for others’ needs and perspectives above all. Make sure slide text contains enough of a color contrast and is legible. Use fewer words and more photos or illustrations. If you’d like to include people, select images that reflect more diverse groups. Also watch out for stock photos where only men appear to be speaking, or sports-related selections that may come across as ableist for those with disabilities.

A compelling narrative.

Think of the last time you heard a memorable talk; what stood out to you? I’m betting it was a story. Depending upon your line of work, what you’re discussing may not be the world’s most inspiring topic, but you most certainly can and should make it more interesting by weaving in a good story . Relying on numbers alone to get your point across simply won’t work as well. Studies have shown that we’re better able to retain and recall stories rather than statistics, so bring your data home with a personal anecdote or tale that will resonate.

A technical backup plan.

You may not be a troubleshooting wizard, but in this day and age there’s no excuse for allowing a common glitch to totally sideline your polished webinar or slide deck. Being prepared to resolve the most likely technical issues is key , even if it means switching to a second medium. Common difficulties can range from screen-sharing malfunctions, audio problems, low bandwidth, high latency for video streaming, and conferencing technology failure—but if you’re adaptable, you’ll be able to roll with the punches.

An audience-centered presentation.

It’s your show, but the focus should be on what your listeners and viewers will get out of this. From the moment you begin conceptualizing your talk until your last practice run, you’ll want to ensure that the benefits of investing their time are clear throughout. Presenters who prioritize their audience’s needs will have the best odds of holding their attention from the introduction to the thank yous—and will likely benefit more from networking and resource sharing opportunities afterwards.

Organized Q&A sessions.

Even the most engaging demos and lectures can fall flat at the end if a question-and-answer session is mishandled. Giving your viewers an opportunity to participate is a fantastic way to secure immediate feedback and to satisfy any burning questions. Offer clear instructions regarding when and how participants can submit queries, including in what order they’ll be addressed, as well as ways to reach you if time runs out. If folks are shy, have a few FAQs ready to share to encourage involvement.

Habits to avoid.

With remote speaking engagements, much of the same best practices from face-to-face scenarios apply. Here’s a quick checklist on how to avoid some common remote fails :

• Don’t read your slides or rely on them fully to convey your points (again, in case of tech failure);
• Watch out for distracting vocal or facial tics, including the excessive usage of filler words during pauses or less-than-confident qualifiers;
• Speak at a slower cadence than that of your normal conversational speech;
• Avoid repetitive or grandiose hand gestures, as this can detract from your credibility and/or seem out of place in the context of a computer screen;
• Be mindful of your appearance, if on video, including appropriate dress and grooming, as well as your backdrop (clutter doesn’t look good on camera!).

Photo Credit: bigstockphoto.com

By Kristi DePaul | Categories: Work Remotely

Related Posts

20 Work-From-Home Job Scams and How to Spot Them

10 Best Jobs That Require Little or No Experience

How to Make Money Online: 25 Ways to Make Money From Home

10 High-Paying Jobs, No Degree Required

Comments are closed.

Sign Up for Our Weekly Fresh Jobs Newsletter

What types of jobs?

•   General
•   Technology

5 Things Remote Employees Need for a Productive Career

Fighting Distractions While Working from Home

Remote Workers Share How They Embrace Spring

Working from Home When Your Kids Are Out of School

What Are QA Jobs? How to Land a Remote Position in QA

Want Access to 20,000+ More Remote and Flexible Jobs?

Want more jobs, access 20,000+ more remote jobs on flexjobs, more remote jobs.

-Ingrid N., New Baden, IL

Advanced Remote Search Filters

-Ezra O., Oberlin, OH

-Lauren C., Columbus, OH

No thanks No thanks

FlexJobs is our bigger, better version of Remote.co.

Tools To Make Your Remote Work Presentation Better

Last Updated on February 2, 2023

As a remote worker, you might have to give presentations to your colleagues or your customers in the office. These presentations are usually made to demonstrate or explain something. As such, it is crucial that you not only make your presentation exciting but also easy to understand. A good presentation can help you make an impact, but a bad one will leave people confused or even uninterested in what you have to say.

Here are some of the tools that will help improve your presentation skills:

Use Easy-to-Use Tools Designed to Make Presentations Better

It would help if you used tools to quickly create a presentation, share your display, review your presentation, and collaborate on the presentation.

Google Slides

Google’s free alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint. It is easy to use and has many of the same features as paid software. You can even collaborate on presentations with other people online and share them with others too!

Google Docs

Google’s free alternative to Microsoft Word. It has many of the same features as paid software, but it can be a little tricky for beginners to get used to. If you want something more user-friendly and less complicated than Excel, try using one of these alternatives instead:

Google Sheets

A free alternative to Microsoft Excel that is similar in many ways. It has more features than Google Docs and is better if you want something more powerful than a word processor.

AirDroid Cast

Give users an easy way to operate Android and iOS devices from a PC and to screencast from their phone (Android or iOS), computer (Windows or Mac), or any device’s browser.

Come up With a Design Idea For Your Presentation

Videos can add variety and entertainment to a presentation, helping it flow better and keep people engaged. You can use videos from YouTube, Vimeo, or similar sites in your presentation if they relate to your topic.

If you have any video footage from previous presentations or interviews, consider using that as well. Make sure to use a video compressor to ensure quality.

GIFs are also great for presentations, allowing you to add visual interest without taking up too much space on the slide itself. You can find many GIFs online by searching for specific keywords related to your topic; download them and import them into PowerPoint as needed for each slide. Or you can easily create your own using a GIF compressor . This will be a lot of fun and engaging.

Use images effectively

Images can be used for many different purposes when creating presentations, including punctuation marks at the end of each slide. But they are also helpful in breaking up text-heavy falls and giving your audience some visual relief. Try to use images of people rather than just scenery or objects; this helps keep the presentation focused on your audience’s needs.

Make Sure You Have a Stable Internet Connection

You want to make sure that the internet connection is stable. You can test it at home before you leave for your presentation. If your Wi-Fi is down or slow because of the number of people using it, you can use a wired connection instead.

For your safety and security, use a reliable and secure VPN service in case an ISP blocks the content for some reason.

Quality Cameras and Microphones Are Essential

Are you glad to know that there are many tools out there that can help you make your remote work presentation better?

First, discuss what you need to look for in a good camera and microphone. You should have a camera that is HD quality and has autofocus, so it is easy to use and will not cause any problems. You will also want a microphone of good quality with noise cancellation, so it will pick up only what is being said (and not all the background noise).

How to Present an Amazing Remote Presentation

It is challenging to get your point across and even more difficult when you do not have the benefit of being in the same room as everyone else. But if you are presenting remotely, there are some things that you can do to make sure your presentation goes smoothly.

You must rely on your voice and body language to communicate when you are presenting remotely. In contrast to in-person presentations, remote ones do not allow you to engage your audience through physical clues like eye contact and facial expressions. It is important to be conscious of your voice, what you say, and how you say it.

In addition, use remote access software , which is the most effective way to deliver a remote presentation. If you are presenting from anywhere. The software enables you to control the computer from a distance.

Remote control software saves you time and effort when presenting remotely. You do not have to be physically there when presenting in the location. You can control the presentation wherever you are located and still provide a fantastic presentation.

The audience can see whatever slides you want them to see in real-time. This makes it easier for them to follow along during your presentation and keeps them engaged with the presented content.

Whether you are a remote worker or not, we hope that these tips will help make your next presentation better. In our experience, the most important thing is to be yourself and to have fun with it. Your audience will appreciate the effort you put into making their lives easier.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Get Started

• Beginner’s Guide to AirDroid Business
• Ultimate MDM Buyer’s Guide

subscribe now

• AirDroid Business
• Application Management Services
• Digital Signages
• Enterprise Mobility Management
• Essential Guides
• Geofencing & Tracking
• Industry Trends
• Management & Security
• Mobile Device Management
• Monitor, Alerts & Workflows
• Remote Access
• Remote Support
• Tips & Tutorials
• Transportation & Logistics

Recent Posts

• Empowering Productivity: Unleashing the Full Potential of Device Management Solutions
• Eight Cybersecurity Tips for Businesses in 2023
• 9 Foolproof Ways to Protect Your Employee Privacy
• A Comprehensive Guide to Geofencing in Healthcare
• Facing the FinTech: How Remote Support Can Help Banks Compete

Home Free PowerPoint Templates Free Remote Work Transformation PowerPoint Template

Download Free Remote Work Transformation PowerPoint Template

The Free Remote Work Transformation PowerPoint Template presents different illustrations of long-distance or home-based work scenarios. This template contains illustrative slides for remote work and traditional office job comparisons. It will help demonstrate the transformation of how staff communicates remotely and deliver work. Many companies around the world are working on complete or partial remote work models. The international organizations with offices in multiple locations can also take advantage of this template. Because it will help describe the system and workforce management to ensure effectiveness in processes. Similarly, it could also help present the challenges around long-distance work commute.

The Free template of remote work transformation includes 3 slides of cartoon illustrations. These slides show different scenarios of coordination like meetings, collaborative work, training and education. These slides are a collection of fully editable shapes and clipart icons. Therefore, users can change or customize these graphics according to presentation theme or for adding personalized effects. The additional cover slide of remote work includes high-quality background image of home desktop. Furthermore, users can create more slides with the help of editable graphics to discuss more remote work-related topics.

Free Remote Work Transformation PowerPoint Template is a helpful set of slides for various remote working cultures. For example, freelancing, companies projects in different locations, outsourcing contractors, social-distancing, long-distance or virtual learning, etc. There are endless possibilities for remote work with many benefits and challenges. Hence, free slides of remote work transformation is a business transformation slide template will help deliver an engaging workforce presentation to the audience.

• 100% Editable PowerPoint Templates.
• Compatible with all major Microsoft PowerPoint versions, Keynote and Google Slides.
• Modern 16:9 Aspect Ratio.
• Scalable Vectorial PowerPoint Shapes and PowerPoint Icons.
• Instant Access and Download.
• New Templates every week.

Google Slides Preview

Our PowerPoint Templates are compatible with Google Slides. Take the most of every platform using the tool you like.

Does Remote Work Have You Feeling Down?

Seven ways to overcome feelings of isolation in remote work situations..

Posted April 16, 2024 | Reviewed by Hara Estroff Marano

• What Is a Career
• Find a career counselor near me
• Feelings of isolation often stem from the physical separation from colleagues that employees experience.
• The lack of a structured environment and a routine in remote work can exacerbate feelings of isolation.
• There are steps you can take to overcome isolation and feel better connected in remote-work situations.

Feelings of isolation in remote work situations typically stem from the physical separation from colleagues that remote workers experience. Without the daily interactions and shared spaces of a traditional office, individuals may find themselves lacking the face-to-face contact that fosters a sense of connection and belonging. Additionally, the reliance on virtual communication tools, while necessary for remote collaboration , can sometimes feel impersonal and not conducive to building relationships.

Moreover, the lack of a structured environment and routine in remote work can exacerbate feelings of isolation. Without clear boundaries between work and personal life, individuals can struggle to establish a healthy balance, leading to a sense of being constantly on-call and disconnected from their non-work identities. These factors combined can contribute to a pervasive feeling of loneliness and disconnection among remote workers, highlighting the need for proactive measures to foster community and support in virtual environments.

Overcoming feelings of isolation in remote work situations requires intentional effort from both workers and employers. Here are some strategies:

1. Establish a Healthy Routine: Create a daily routine that includes breaks, exercise, and time for social interaction. Routines can help provide a sense of normalcy and structure in your day.

I use my phone and email calendar, for example, to reinforce my daily routine, which includes several stretch breaks and a workout. When I have a deadline, I have a tendency to power through to completion without ever leaving my desk, and that’s not healthy. So, I set reminders on my phone to get up and stretch. These breaks keep me refreshed and centered when working remotely with my clients.

2. Prioritize Well-Being: Make self-care activities such as exercise, meditation , and hobbies that promote mental and emotional well-being a top priority.

Indeed, I advise the leaders that I coach to lead by example, by prioritizing their own self-care and modeling healthy work-life balance behaviors.

By demonstrating a commitment to self-care activities, these leaders are better equipping their people to manage stress , stay motivated, and perform at their best, ultimately contributing to a positive and supportive remote work culture.

3. Establish Friend-Focused Communication: Actively engage in regular communication with colleagues through video calls, instant messaging, or email. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or informal chats to maintain social connections.

For example, I have a consulting client that has implemented a "virtual watercooler" initiative to maintain social connections among remote employees. They schedule regular virtual coffee breaks twice a week, during which team members gather for informal chats over video calls.

Of note, these sessions are not focused on work-related discussions but rather on fostering personal connections and casual conversations. Employees share updates about their lives and interests, creating opportunities for bonding and relationship-building outside of formal work settings.

This practice has been instrumental in combating feelings of isolation and enhancing team cohesion, ultimately contributing to a more engaged and connected remote workforce.

4. Sponsor Worthwhile Virtual Events: Attend virtual team meetings, workshops, and social events organized by your company to stay connected with coworkers.

One of my clients, a tech company, regularly organizes virtual workshops on topics ranging from technical skills to wellness and mindfulness . They provide employees with opportunities to expand their knowledge, connect with industry experts, and engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues. By sponsoring such virtual events, the company enables employee learning and development while bolstering connection.

5. Join Online Communities: Participate in online communities or forums related to your industry or interests to connect with like-minded professionals outside of your immediate work environment.

The talent and sports representation giant Creative Artists Agency, for example, encourages its staffers to engage in online forums and social media groups dedicated to marketing trends and industry news.

By participating in such communities, employees have the opportunity to share insights and connect with peers from around the world.

6. Set Burnout Boundaries: Establish boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Create a dedicated workspace and set specific work hours to signal when you are on and off duty.

One of my clients, a software company, encourages employees to establish clear boundaries between their work and personal lives by defining specific work hours and designating a dedicated workspace at home. They provide resources and guidance on time- management techniques and encourage employees to prioritize self-care activities outside of work hours.

7. Reach Out for Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to your manager or HR department if you're feeling isolated or struggling with remote work. They may be able to provide additional resources or support.

For example, I encourage my coaching clients to find a support buddy for regular check-ins and mutual support.

They are encouraged to reach out to their buddies for assistance with work-related issues, as well as for emotional support and encouragement during challenging times. It really works in diminishing the feelings of isolation that can emerge in remote work-settings.

By proactively implementing these strategies, it is possible to mitigate feelings of isolation and maintain a sense of connection in the evolving remote work world.

As a whole, these seven approaches foster communication, prioritize self-care, and leverage proven techniques to bridge the gap between physical distance and social connection. We can create remote work environments that promote well-being, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, ultimately leading to happier, more engaged, and productive people, by simply embracing them.

James M. Kerr is a management consultant and leadership coach specializing in culture and workplace transformation. His latest book is Indispensable: Build and Lead a Company Customers Can’t Live Without .

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Teletherapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Therapy Center NEW
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Understanding what emotional intelligence looks like and the steps needed to improve it could light a path to a more emotionally adept world.

• Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience