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Let’s face it—meetings and presentations aren’t just about sharing the latest numbers or project updates. They’re prime opportunities to show off your leadership potential. Whether you’re chatting with your manager or presenting to a room full of colleagues, virtual settings can be your stage to shine. To prove you are leadership material, follow these seven tips—and have a little fun along the way.
1. Shift Your Mindset (Virtual is the New Real!)
Virtual meetings aren’t just second-rate versions of the in-person kind. They’re legitimate opportunities to show you’re capable, adaptable, and ready for a leadership role. Here’s the key: Most people don’t take virtual meetings seriously. Use that to your advantage. By treating them with the same importance as face-to-face interactions, you’re already one step ahead.
2. Master the Basics
First impressions matter—even on Zoom. Show up looking like you mean business: good lighting, an interesting background, and the appropriate wardrobe. You likely wouldn’t attend an in-person meeting in sweats, so don’t do it virtually either. Oh, and arrive on time (or better yet, early). Those precious minutes of pre-meeting chit-chat can be golden opportunities to bolster relationships with colleagues and decision-makers. Arriving late doesn’t show how busy you are; it shows a lack of respect.
3. Brand Your Presence
Don’t blend into the background. Bring your unique flair to every meeting. Whether it’s your creative solutions, a fresh perspective, or simply a witty remark, let people know who you are. Use your superpowers and highlight what sets you apart so your presence doesn’t blend into the background. Avoid corporate speak and trite jargon. And don’t be afraid to disagree—respectfully. Executive coach Deborah Grayson Riegel, who delivers a course on growing influence by delivering presentations said, “Try saying something like, ‘May I offer a different perspective here?’ or ‘I see this differently, and I’d like to share my perspective.’ Leaders are willing to share their opinions even when they differ from the consensus, if they do it without creating unnecessary drama or throwing someone else under the bus.”
4. Express Praise and Gratitude
One thing that’s been missing in the virtual world? Humanity. People forget to appreciate others, celebrate wins, or simply say thanks. Be the leader who changes that. A little gratitude goes a long way in showing that you’re humble and supportive—a winning combination for any leader-in-the-making. Send a quick “great job” message after the meeting and highlight contributions during the session. These small acts of kindness will make you stand out—and they create a ripple effect of positivity.
5. Embrace Feedback
Leaders love feedback—even when it’s not glowing. All feedback, when delivered with positive intent, is valuable. The way you handle constructive criticism shows how coachable and growth-oriented you are. So, instead of cringing at feedback, think of it as a gift. Thank the person and show how you’ll use it to improve.
6. Be Perpetually Present
Okay, your part of the presentation is over. Time to tune out, right? Wrong. Leaders stay engaged until the very end. By actively listening, chiming in when needed, and showing that you’re invested in the bigger picture, you signal that you care about the collective success—not just your own piece of the puzzle. Grayson Riegel adds, “Remember that we humans have a reciprocity bias, where others are likely to do for (or to) us what we’ve done for (or to) them. So if you don’t want others dropping off while you’re presenting, stay engaged for their part of the meeting as well.”
7. Present Powerfully
Delivering a presentation is your best opportunity to show that you’re a leader. Instead of droning on with a 50-slide PowerPoint, inject some life into your pitch. Deliver on the three Ms of virtual presentations: Be Magnetic (start strong), Be Mesmerizing (make it interactive, use visuals and stories), Be Memorable (use repetition, emotion, and novelty). As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, they’ll forget what you did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”
By embodying these behaviors and strategies during meetings and presentations, you position yourself as a leader who is not only capable but also inspirational. These moments are your chance to demonstrate your expertise, your ability to work as part of a team, and your potential to drive your organization forward. So, don’t just sit back—take charge, have fun, and let your leadership shine!
As a pioneer in personal branding and expert in virtual communication, William Arruda empowers professionals to shine online. Get his free Guide: 9 Fun and Easy Ways to Rev Up Your Online Meetings and Presentations.