How to present online

First organize, then present ideas online. Online coach Robert Spengler reveals what you need to convince your team virtually in his latest guest article.

Successful online │ Robert Spengler

Appreciation and collegial closeness are the best prerequisites for ensuring that new ideas are heard and liked by the team. Presenting ideas online. But how do managers manage to inspire their employees working from home via Zoom, Teams & Co. and create a lasting sense of togetherness? „Just like always“, says presentation professional Robert Spengler. By listening to them, taking them on board, letting them participate in the process, not boring them and simply giving them the time of day online. It's all a question of organization and teamwork. Presenting ideas online will be the future! o present them online.

Listen! Your team wants to discuss with you

„Once again, my question wasn't answered in the chat.“ Anyone who has ever been overlooked or forgotten in an online meeting knows that it always leaves a bad taste in their mouth. That's why I already advise online presentations in the small circle in addition, a moderator to determine. As Neutral companion opens the meeting, leads through the agenda and always keeps an eye on the chat. This ensures that questions or reactions are seen and included in the discussion. Even if several people are talking out of their minds, the moderator brings calm back into the meeting.

To do:

• Small meeting from 5 to 50 people:

Appoint an impartial moderator to monitor the chat during your presentation and to focus the questions. If an impartial moderator is not available, as the host, focus your attention on the chat. Announce: „I'll check the chat to see if I've covered all the points!“ Check again at the end of the discussion: „Have I answered all the questions? Did I miss anything in the chat?“ This is how you present online!

• Large meetings with several hundred participants: 

Appoint a moderator and 2-3 assistants to supervise the chat, evaluate it and bundle the questions so that you can answer them in the discussion round. Ask at the end whether all questions have been answered. Motivate your audience to ask questions again if they have been overlooked. 

• Teams in group rooms

When dividing into breakout rooms, appoint a moderator or discussion leader for each group. This will ensure active participation and the quality of the presentation of the group results. 

Show yourself! Your team wants to see you

Don't hide behind your presentation slides. Give your guests the opportunity to to concentrate on yourself. Look into the camera when you speak directly to your team. A quick technical check before the online meeting ensures the sound and image quality. Remember: nothing is more annoying, stressful and frustrating than poor transmission quality. o present online!

To do:

Bend the causes of a Zoom Fatigue actively:

• Ensure the transmission quality
• 30 minutes is enough for regular meetings
• Concentrate on the essentials
• For longer lectures: plan breaks
• Activate your team
• Reduce the slides in your PowerPoint presentation to a minimum
• Make sure that the slides are easy to read

You can read more about the phenomenon of Zoom fatigue and what you can actively do to prevent your participants from getting Zoom fatigue in my impulse article „`Zoom fatigue is often homemade`: rebuttals to the Stanford study by Robert Spengler“.

Be human! Your team needs a bit of coffee in the home office too

Despite all the tips on technology and organization, many people lack the human interaction. The small talk in the corridor, the change of pace through the conversation in the coffee kitchen. It's this sense of togetherness that is so important and motivating. The idea of Microsoft manager Carolin Eggers for her weekly „CWC - Coffee with Caro“ meeting has charm: simply talking about what concerns us as people. This also strengthens the team and helps to ensure that new ideas are heard, discussed and taken up - online and live.

To do:

• Be human online too!

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Frequently asked questions

Practical tips: How to get the most out of your coaching

The success of a coaching process depends largely on your own willingness and preparation. Before you start coaching, you should take the time to clearly formulate your goals. What exactly do you want to change? What specific results do you expect? The more precise your objectives, the more focused the coaching process can be.

Between the individual sessions, it is important to actively integrate the insights you have gained into your everyday life. Keep a coaching diary in which you record your progress, challenges and "aha" moments. This reflection reinforces the transfer effect and makes your personal development visible. Many of our clients report that the time between sessions is crucial for lasting change.

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Scientific basis and effectiveness

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Research provides impressive results, particularly in the area of leadership development. A study by the Manchester Consulting Group showed an average return on investment of 5.7 times the coaching budget invested. The improvements were reflected in increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction and improved working relationships.

Neurobiological research explains why coaching is so effective: new neuronal connections are formed in the brain through targeted reflection and new experiences of action. This process, known as neuroplasticity, enables lasting changes in behavior. At Ihr Coaching Institut, we work exclusively with evidence-based methods that put these scientific findings into practice. Our certified coaches combine sound specialist knowledge with many years of practical experience.

The coaching process: procedure and phases

A professional coaching process follows a clear structure that is divided into several phases. In the orientation phase, the coach and client clarify the issue together, define specific goals and agree on the framework for the collaboration. This clarification of the assignment is crucial for later success, as it determines the direction and focus of the entire process.

During the work phase, new perspectives are opened up, resources activated and concrete action strategies developed with the help of various coaching methods. Your coach will ask specific questions to stimulate reflection and support you in developing individual solutions. Between sessions, you put the insights gained into practice and gain new experiences.

The final phase is used for reflection and sustainability assurance. Together, you evaluate the progress you have made, anchor successful strategies and plan the next steps for your further development. At Ihr Coaching Institut, we attach particular importance to careful evaluation so that you can clearly state the benefits of your coaching - both for yourself and for your employer.

Conclusion

How to present online is not a topic that can be reduced to a simple formula. The most important findings from this article:

• Professional support makes all the difference: Whether in a business or personal context - an experienced coach measurably accelerates development processes.
• Individual fit counts: There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right method and the right coach are crucial to success.
• Act now: Knowledge alone changes nothing. The first step is always the most important - and often the most difficult.

If you are ready to take the next step, we are at your side as experienced sparring partners. A non-binding initial consultation will clarify whether and how we can support you.

Coaching in Frankfurt: Your location advantage

Frankfurt am Main is not only the financial center of Germany, but also a hotspot for professional coaching services. The high concentration of executives, international companies and ambitious professionals makes Frankfurt an ideal location for high-quality coaching. As your coaching institute, we have been firmly rooted in the Rhine-Main region for years and are familiar with the specific challenges of the Frankfurt business environment.

Our central location enables flexible coaching formats: Face-to-face sessions on our premises, coaching walks in the countryside or virtual sessions via video conference. Many of our clients appreciate the ability to easily integrate coaching appointments into their daily work routine. Our easy accessibility via S-Bahn, U-Bahn and the connection to Frankfurt Airport makes us the preferred partner for managers from the entire Rhine-Main region and beyond.

Whether you are looking for a professional reorientation, want to expand your leadership skills or want to master personal challenges - our team of over 35 certified coaches offers you tailor-made solutions. All of our coaches are certified by renowned associations such as ICF, DBVC or DCV and have extensive industry experience.

Read also: Mastering presentation preparation, Digital growth

Tim S. Tabrizi is the founder and managing director of Ihr Coaching Institut (Frankfurt). Certified Executive Coach (ICF, DBVC) with over 15 years of experience. 35 coaches throughout Germany. LinkedIn profile | Your coaching institute on LinkedIn | Author page →