How to Prepare for an Online Presentation?

And while we’re surrounded by great tools, many speakers still feel like the camera “eats up” their charisma, and the screen separates them from the audience more than they expected.

In this guide, I’ve gathered practical and proven tips to help you prepare for an online talk – whether it’s your first or you already have some experience.

1. Make sure you’re visible – and in the right way

Start with the camera. Place it at eye level – you can use a tripod or a stack of books. Your face should be well-lit and your eyes about one-third from the top of the frame. Avoid angling the camera up or down – it breaks the connection with your viewers.

Check your background. Neutral, bright walls work best. But if you want, you can use what’s behind you to add context – a bookshelf, subtle event branding, or a relevant visual reference.

2. Lighting is your ally

Even the best camera won’t help if you’re poorly lit. Natural light from the front (like a window behind your screen) works best. If you’re speaking after dark, use a ring light or two side lights. Avoid backlighting – it creates a “silhouette effect.”

3. Sound matters more than image

If I had to choose: 720p video with great sound vs. 4K video with echo – I’d always pick the first. Invest in a lavalier or external USB microphone. If you use a laptop, test the sound both with and without headphones – sometimes headphones are the only thing that saves the session.

Yes, you’ll probably look better without headphones – they can be distracting. But we’ve seen too many cases where speakers relied on laptop audio and ended up with distracting echo or feedback.

4. Eliminate distractions

Turn off notifications. Silence your phone. Close the window. Let your household or colleagues know you’re going live. Think ahead about anything that might interrupt you – and eliminate it. Keep water nearby – ideally in a non-reflective cup (yes, it makes a difference).

You want your audience’s full attention – and you’ll have to earn it. Don’t let a buzzing phone or leaf blower outside steal the show.

5. Set up your space

Place your gear on a stable surface, away from noise and foot traffic. Check how you look on camera when speaking with energy – we often move more than we realize and step out of frame.

Record a short test video – and watch yourself. Yes, it’s awkward. But incredibly useful.

6. Keep your slides simple

Online audiences are easier to distract. Your presentation should be clear, visually minimal, and laser-focused. Avoid walls of text. Use slides to guide your story, not to replace it.

If you use a registration system like CONREGO, feel free to show real elements: forms, agendas, or pages to illustrate your point.

7. Do a proper dry run

It’s not just about tech. A run-through shows you if you’re speaking fluently, if your slides transition smoothly, and... if your mic is actually on. It also helps you gauge how well you can connect with your audience without seeing them.

And once your test goes well – don’t change your gear or location. Most tech issues stem from last-minute swaps.

8. Eye contact – with the lens

The hardest part of online speaking is looking into the lens, not at your screen. But only then will your audience feel like you’re speaking to them. A trick? Place a photo of someone you’re presenting to next to your webcam.

9. Panel sessions – play by the rules

If you’re part of a panel: don’t interrupt, don’t overtalk, and don’t “grab the mic.” Online delays make it easy to create chaos. React with your face – nod, smile – but don’t chime in unless you’re given the floor.

The moderator is your ally. Follow their lead – don’t fight for airtime.

10. Have a backup plan

Always have a plan B: a second laptop, a backup mic, the organizer’s phone number. If something goes wrong, the way you handle it will define how professional you appear to the audience.

To wrap it up...

An online talk isn’t a lesser substitute for the “real stage.” It’s just a different medium – one that requires a different approach. At CONREGO, we’ve been supporting speakers and organizers for years. And we’ve seen the best results from those who embrace the camera rather than try to recreate the stage.

Wishing you a fantastic session!

Tomasz Chrościechowski