How to Present on Zoom

Article in 1 Sentence: Optimize Zoom presentations by talking slightly faster with more energy, vocal variety, non-verbal cues

People ask me how I present so well on Zoom.

Just kidding, no one has really said that to me.

But, I have been asked many times on how I’m able to keep so many so engaged on Zoom for a long time.

And, presenting on Zoom is one of the most important skills in any organization today, especially given that we Zoom with co-workers and clients more than our own families and closest friends.

Here’s what I found that works (which actually has been backed by research of over 1,600 recorded calls between randomly paired strangers):

Energy is everything: Being on camera cuts your energy by 50% (or more) because camera magnifies boredom and under-communicates enthusiasm. If you don’t feel like you’re doing too much, you’re probably doing too little.
Talk slightly faster: Don’t rush through what you’re sharing, but talk a little faster because you can lose attention with just 1 slack notification. According to the research, the highest-rated people spoke about 3% faster.
Add vocal variety: My 1st grade music teach, Mrs. Williams, told me something ground breaking 26+ years ago: “your voice is an instrument. Master that instrument so that people like listening to you.” No one likes music with no rhythm, energy or variety. It’s the same thing for your voice.
React visibly with non-verbal cues: Do whatever sems appropriate to make the speaker feel engaged with non-verbal cues: Nod. Tilt your head. Show you’re tracking. Give a thumbs up. Smile. On Zoom, people need more physical cues to feel heard.
Help move the conversation: Meeting momentum is even more exaggerated on Zoom so react accordingly. Have a crisp agenda, stay on topic and change subjects when energy dips.

Ivana Chubbuck (acting coach behind Brad Pitt and Charlize Theron) used to teach a simple rule to his students: the camera steals about 10–20% of your energy. That’s why professionals deliberately project more than feels natural.

Zoom works the same way. If you want to feel real on screen, you have to be intentional and practiced.