Own the screen and nail your webinar.

A webinar is one of the most effective, accessible ways to reach people, right in their office or living room. But if you’re not prepared, you’ll lose your audience fast. And since your recording will live online long after it’s done, preparation matters even more. Viewers can become easily distracted at home or work, so your job is to grab their attention and keep it. By preparing thoroughly, you’ll also build a strong and professional brand image online.

Two things matter most: your content and technical setup. In this article, we’ll focus on the technical side: movement, presence, wardrobe, and keeping your audience hooked.

The technical environment

If you’re lucky enough to work with a technician, you’ll have someone to set up your camera and lighting, and even help manage questions and PowerPoint slides. Your technician is your best ally. Meet with them in advance to rehearse and get comfortable with the setup. Do a test run and watch it back. You’ll see how you occupy the space, how your voice carries, and where you can improve. Learn how your technician works so you can click as a team. You’ll feel more confident knowing you’re not on your own.

Your technician won’t be able to help with content, so be sure to ask people you trust ahead of time for feedback on your material.

No technician and hosting from home? Now you really need to focus on your setup. Put the camera at eye level. No awkward angles. And choose your background wisely. Use a branded screen if you have one, otherwise a clean, neutral wall. If you use your office, make sure it’s tidy and professional.

When it comes to lighting, natural daylight is best, but you’ll likely need something extra. I once used painters’ spotlights that worked well without being pricy, but they also gave off a ton of heat. They can really make you sweat! Aim your lights at the walls so they bounce back gently, and keep your background shadow-free.

Test your lighting and make tweaks as needed, like adding some makeup if the light’s washing you out.

Notice how you move

The camera exaggerates every detail, so you’ll need to refine your facial expressions and gestures. If you tend to raise your eyebrow while speaking, try to tone it down. Move with intention, not speed, so your gestures read as confident rather than jittery.

Camera framing dictates your movement. In a tight shot showing just your face and shoulders, don’t bother using your hands since they won’t be seen. If you’re using a wider frame that includes your hands, which is better for longer sessions, keep them visible at all times. If they leave the frame, bring them back gently. Sudden movements and things popping into frame are distracting. As for your lower body, keep it anchored, solid like concrete.

If you have a monitor, check how much space you have to move within the frame. And since speaking to a camera can feel awkward, imagine that the person you feel most comfortable with, someone who always has your back, is behind it. That’s who you’re speaking to.

Some people tape images behind the camera to remind themselves to smile and connect with people, even if they’re not physically there. In public we can scan the room, but on camera your eyes belong on the lens. And if you need notes, keep them behind the camera to avoid having to look down.

Clothing

Avoid wearing white unless you have a jacket over it. And no small patterns. Lights can change the appearance of colours, so always test everything and prepare a couple of spare outfits. Choose clothes that blend well with your background and make you stand out.

Visuals

Keep your audience hooked by cutting straight to the point. Visual interactions make for an engaging webinar. Visuals are your ally: you can use PowerPoint slides, on-screen questions, and interactive polls. Add real-life examples and surprising stories, and your webinar goes from ordinary to memorable.

Trim the fat and stick to what really matters. Stay away from long-winded filler. Being natural and spontaneous always delivers a better, more authentic experience. But don’t forget: what seems effortless or improvised is built on preparation and practice. The more tech in your presentation, the more you need to rehearse.

Above all, focus on the joy of sharing your message. And never forget: you’re not speaking to a camera; you’re speaking to a person.