Have you ever noticed that there’s one thing that sets truly exceptional online facilitators apart?
❌ It’s not their slides.
❌ It’s not their tech setup.
❌ And it’s definitely not their session plan.
It’s something much harder to define—something you won’t find on a checklist or in a template.
➡️ It’s how they show up.
You may have had an experience where the session leader feels like they were right there in the room with you.
Their face is a small square on your screen, maybe halfway around the world—and yet, somehow, it feels like you’re together.
You’re laughing. Nodding. Leaning in.
It literally feels like the screen is melting away.
I call this your ✨Virtual Presence✨
It’s the energy you bring to your (Zoom) room.
It’s how authentically you show up on camera—using your body language and sharing your personality.
In short, it’s helping participants feel like you’re really there with them.
I saw it in action just a few weeks ago.
The session leader was in Australia. But within minutes, it felt like we were in the same room.
✨ He shared personal stories—struggles and breakthroughs
✨ He used natural hand gestures and facial expressions
✨ He was relaxed, warm, and connected to the group
His webinar delivered a ton of value – with just 3 slides. So much so that I ended up signing up for his course:)
So what made the difference?
Not just the content—but the delivery.
His ability to connect through tone, presence, and real-time responsiveness.
But here’s the problem:
You almost never get feedback on how you’re “showing up”.
So it’s easy to spend more time on what’s in our control: the slides, the outline, the tech.
But it’s your Virtual Presence that’s the secret sauce that makes some sessions feel unforgettable, while others fall flat.
This skill is totally learnable.
If you are thinking, “But Gwyn, I’m just not comfortable on camera.” I’ve got news for you.
Virtual Presence is a skill that you can learn.
Yes, our Australian session leader is an experienced presenter.
But what he was doing isn’t magic—it’s knowing what to focus on.
It’s knowing that people don’t just respond to what you say—they respond to how you show up.
And that builds trust, connection, and engagement in your session.
So, how do great facilitators create Virtual Presence?
Here are 7 things to pay attention to improve your Virtual Presence:
1🎙 Enthusiasm
Bring a smidgen more energy than you think you need—while staying genuine. Online, energy gets dialed down. You don’t have the buzz of an in‑person room, so you have to bring it.
2/ 📹 Body Language
Sit or stand comfortably. Use your hands. Let your face move. Natural gestures and expressions help people read you. Your body tells a story—make it an inviting one.
3/ ✨ Authenticity
Be real. Not overly polished. Not “presenter voice.” People don’t connect with perfection—they connect with you.
4/ 😄 Expression & Warmth
Smile. It instantly lifts your energy and communicates ease and confidence. Even through a screen, warmth is contagious.
5/ ⏱ Pace Yourself
Slow down. Build in pauses. Online, faster isn’t better. Look at your participants. Let things land.
6/ 🔁 Check In Often
Stay curious about your group. Ask how it’s landing. Invite responses in the chat. It signals that you’re with them—not just talking at them.
7/ 🎧 Look & Sound Good
I’m not talking professional studio. Things like: clear audio, decent lighting, nice background. These small, unglamorous details help increase your group’s connection with you.
Remember:
How you show up matters.
Like the late, great poet and activist Maya Angelou said:
“People will forget what you said.
People will forget what you did.
But people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Over to you 🎤
What’s one small shift you could try this week to improve your Virtual Presence?
Hit reply and let me know what you notice. 👇 💌
This week’s Facilitator Finds 💪
In this section, you’ll find curated events, resources, tips, and tools that I’ve found super valuable — and I think you will too!
🛠️I ❤️ Cards. A new tool brought to you by seasoned facilitator Alexandre Eisenchteter, I Love Cards is like Canva but for card decks. It’s the easiest way to create, design and share your card decks.
🚀 Miro Engage has launched. Check out former Butter CEO Jakob Knutzen’s LinkedIn post where he announces the launch of a new digital tool that will drive “real, fun and easy engagement” all right inside of collaborative whiteboard + Miro.
💌 Thanks for reading The Quest
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Creatively yours,
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👉5-week Live Online Course. The Breakthrough Facilitation course gives you tools, personalized feedback, and a proven framework for designing and leading high-engagement live sessions. Join the interest list and be the first to get the next cohort dates and discounts.
