Virtual Presentation Skills | Zoom Meetings, Work Remotely, Design An Online Office, Enhance Your 2D Image

Kimberli Gilbert - Kathy Gadinas | Everything Webinar | From The Waist Up
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🩷 The Go-To-Podcast for Virtual Presentation Skills 🩷 Our mission is to help humans minimize virtual communication frustration, make money and thrive in the hybrid world. 🩷 Whether you are speaking in a meeting or presenting, we empower you to communicate with confidence and impact.

  1. 1H AGO

    95 |👎EPIC Online Leadership Fails That Kill Credibility (And How to Fix Them)

    Thank you for being a loyal listener! 🩷 When you’re leading on Zoom (or any platform), your presence is your message. In this week’s Work From Anywhere episode, Kimberli Gilbert goes full “rogue” (yes, including a granddaughter-approved ponytail) to call out the most common virtual meeting mistakes that quietly sabotage trust, authority, and engagement. If you’ve ever wondered why people seem distracted, disengaged, or less responsive in hybrid meetings—this episode breaks down what’s really happening and how to fix it fast. In This Episode: What Leaders Get Wrong Online Kimberli shares the recurring on-camera habits she sees in virtual meetings, trainings, and speaker sessions—often from highly accomplished professionals—plus quick fixes that instantly elevate executive presence. 1) The “Witness Protection Program” Look If your face is dark, shadowed, or backlit, your audience has to work harder to read you—and they will disengage. Leadership requires visibility, literally and psychologically. Quick fix: Put your light source behind your camera, not behind you. Natural window light works great when positioned correctly. 2) “Nostrils First” Camera Angles Laptop-on-desk camera angles create the classic low-angle view (ceiling + nostrils) that reduces authority and increases distraction. It’s not just unflattering—it signals low intention and low leadership presence. Quick fix: Raise the laptop to eye level (stack books, use a stand, or use a tripod setup). Aim for a straight-on camera line. 3) The Distracting Background Problem Busy, bright, or poorly placed background light pulls attention away from your message. Your audience shouldn’t be scanning your window glare, ceiling beams, or random backlighting—they should be tracking your ideas. Quick fix: Choose a clean, calm background and manage light direction. If you must work from anywhere, control what you can. 4) Glasses Glare + Micro-Distractions That Derail Trust Glare on glasses, constant screen reflections, and tiny visual disruptions create cognitive fatigue for viewers. Kimberly explains how seemingly “small” issues can make your audience tune out—even if your content is excellent. Quick fix: Adjust screen angle, lighting height, or use anti-glare strategies so your face (and eyes) stay visible and stable. 5) Cameras Off = Engagement Drops (And Everyone Notices) Turning off your camera in meetings impacts trust and participation. Leaders and presenters feel it immediately—talk tracks get scrambled, confidence appears shaky, and the room disconnects. Leadership takeaway: If you’re leading a hybrid room, you need a plan for camera-off participants and clear expectations that support engagement. Work From Anywhere Leadership Kit: What Kimberli Packs Working remotely doesn’t mean sacrificing professional quality. Kimberly shares a practical “portable studio” approach that supports credibility anywhere—hotel, home, office, or on the road. Gear mentioned in the episode: Ring light (or reliable window light setup) Microphone (audio is a credibility multiplier) Lav mic option for travel Tripod / stand Headphones (TOZO mentioned) JBL speaker Extra cords / power backup essentials Non-negotiables (Kimberli’s take): ✅ Microphone + ✅ Light If your audio is weak or your lighting is harsh/backlit, your leadership presence takes a hit immediately. The Brain Science Behind Why This Matters You may be saying the right words—but if your video setup forces the audience to “work” to see you (shadowy face), process you (glare/distraction), or tolerate fatigue (bad angles), they’ll disengage faster. Leadership on camera is about reducing friction so your message lands cleanly. Free Group Virtual Office Audit (Special Episode Offer) Kimberli shares a free code for a Group Virtual Office Audit—a fast, practical way to upgrade your work-from-anywhere setup and virtual presence. Code: GLAMMA (G-L-A-M-M-A) How to redeem: Go to virtualofficeaudit.com Scroll down to find “Book Here” (or the booking button) Fill out the form and enter GLAMMA Or email happiness@virtualofficeaudit.com with the code GLAMMA In the Group Virtual Office Audit, you’ll go through 7 steps in 30 minutes to get a complete, credible virtual office foundation - especially helpful for hybrid leaders and teams. Quotes & Moments You’ll Remember “Stop logging in nostrils first.” “Don’t look like you’re in the witness protection program.” “You are showing up for an audience—not just yourself.” Watch on YouTube Want the full effect (including the “glam pony”)? Find the video version on YouTube under Virtual Presentation Skills Podcast.

    22 min

  2. 5D AGO

    94 | 🎬How to Use Zoom Chat to Boost Engagement in Virtual Meetings

    If your meetings feel quiet, flat, or “camera-off” heavy, chat is your lowest-friction engagement lever. You’ll learn how to set chat expectations, prompt participation without derailing the agenda, and convert chat responses into r Before your next Zoom meeting, pick one chat prompt and run one structured chat cycle. Your goal is 10 responses in 60 seconds. 👉Book Now: Virtual Office Audit

    10 min

  3. FEB 11

    93 |💬3 Tools of Engagement and Why They Terrify Leaders

    Thank you for being a loyal listener! 🩷 Polls, chat, and breakout rooms are built into almost every virtual platform—and they’re statistically proven to increase engagement. So why are so many leaders still avoiding them? In this episode, Kimberli Gilbert breaks down the very human fears behind these tools (loss of control, awkward silence, messy chat, surprise poll results) and explains the neuroscience that makes them so effective. You’ll learn how to design interaction that works with the brain—not against it—so your meetings stop feeling flat and start driving real attention, retention, and results. What You’ll Learn Why virtual attention commonly drops around minutes 7, 10, and 12 (and what to do about it) How polls activate decision-making pathways and boost dopamine (motivation + engagement) Why chat lowers social threat, reduces performance anxiety, and increases participation The real reason leaders fear breakouts - and how structure eliminates awkwardness How breakouts support social processing, increase oxytocin, reduce amygdala threat response, and improve retention Why engagement doesn’t reduce authority - it can increase perceived confidence, competence, and trust Episode Outline 1) The Virtual Engagement Problem In-person meetings have built-in social cues (eye contact, body language, shared space) Virtual removes those cues—so interaction must be designed, not hoped for 2) Polls: Why They Work + Why Leaders Avoid Them Brain mechanism: evaluation → choice → anticipation → dopamine Leader fear: “What if results surprise me?” / “What if nobody responds?” Reframe: polls create shared cognitive ownership, not loss of control 3) Chat: Underrated, Low-Risk Participation Chat feels lower risk than speaking Enables reflection before responding; no interruption required Leader fear: messy, distracting, “I can’t respond to everything” Fix: set expectations + use a moderator when possible 4) Breakouts: Most Feared, Most Underused Common fears: awkward silence, off-topic talk, overruns, momentum loss Breakouts succeed with structure; fail when vague Even 2–3 minutes can reset attention dramatically 5) The Leadership Truth Authority ≠ control Engagement increases credibility when leaders “regulate the room” and set expectations 6) Takeaways Polls = decision-making + dopamine Chat = lower social risk + cognitive reentry Breakouts = reduced threat + higher retention Practical Takeaways You Can Use Immediately Polls: “Wake Up the Brain” Prompts “Where are you right now: Clear / Somewhat clear / Confused but hopeful?” “Which option fits your current reality best?” “What’s the biggest obstacle: Time / Tools / Confidence / Team buy-in?” Pro tip: You don’t need “perfect” poll results—you need participation. Chat: Set Expectations (copy/paste talk track) “Drop your thoughts in chat anytime—my moderator will field questions.” “We’ll pause at the 15-minute mark for Q&A, and I’ll stay 10 minutes after for extra questions.” “You don’t have to respond to everything—participation is the win.” Breakouts: A Simple Structure That Works Time: 2–3 minutes Prompt: One clear question Output: One sentence + one example (or one decision) Return: Ask for 2–3 rapid share-outs (not everyone) Breakouts fail when vague. Breakouts win when time-bound and purpose-driven. Notable Quotes “Your main job is not conversation. It’s cognitive reentry.” “Polls are not about control—they’re about shared cognitive ownership.” “Strong leaders don’t lose authority by inviting participation. They gain it.” Call to Action (Mentioned in Episode) Book a Group Virtual Office Audit:  🩷Book Now!: Virtual Office Audit 30 minutes, 7 steps to diagnose what’s draining attention and blocking interaction Request research/stat sources: email happiness@virtualofficeaudit.com Listener Challenge (This Week) In your next virtual meeting longer than 15 minutes: Watch engagement at minute 7, 10, and 12 Insert one tool at one of those markers (poll, chat prompt, or 2-minute breakout) Note what shifts—and send Kimberli your observations

    20 min

  4. FEB 5

    92 | 🥇Your 90 Second Leadership Upgrade

    In this Mini Cast Mastery episode, you’ll get a 90 - second leadership presence upgrade you can use before your next important call. Using a real coaching story about a global leader (“Maya”), the If you have a moment, please like, review, and comment on the podcast on your listening platform. The show is currently available on 12 platforms. “I can’t wait to meet you in the next episode where we go live from the waist up.”www.virtualofficeaudit.com

    10 min

  5. FEB 3

    91 | ▶️The Science of Presence: Why People Follow Confident Leaders Online

    *Discover the science behind virtual presence—and how confident leaders earn trust fast online using voice, visuals, and clear messaging. What “presence” really is (and why it wins online) Presence isn’t about being the loudest, funniest, or most “polished.” It’s the felt sense of certainty and safety people experience when you speak—especially on camera. In virtual settings, your audience has fewer signals to interpret, so they rely heavily on confidence cues: clarity, steadiness, and congruence between what you say and how you show up. In this episode, we break down the psychology and behavioral science behind why people follow confident leaders online—and how you can build that kind of trust without becoming someone you’re not. You’ll learn Why your audience makes snap judgments online (and how to guide those judgments ethically) The confidence signals your brain looks for before it “follows” someone How camera presence and vocal presence create credibility faster than content alone The fastest way to sound more authoritative (without sounding aggressive) A simple “presence protocol” you can use before every call, live, or webinar The science behind “people follow confident leaders” 1) Confidence reduces cognitive load When you communicate with structure and certainty, your audience expends less mental energy trying to decode you—so they can actually absorb your message. Try this: Lead with a one-sentence point-of-view: “Here’s what matters most about this…” 2) Humans are wired for emotional calibration People unconsciously “sync” to the emotional tone in the room—even online. If you’re scattered, rushed, or apologetic, your audience feels it. If you’re grounded, they relax. Try this: Slow your first 10 seconds by ~15%. It reads as confidence, not boredom. 3) Presence is built through congruence The biggest killer of credibility isn’t a bad webcam—it’s mismatch: confident words with uncertain delivery (or vice versa). Presence grows when your message + tone + pace + facial energy align. Try this: Say fewer things, but say them cleaner. The 3-part Presence Protocol (use this before every meeting) Step 1: Stabilize Feet grounded, shoulders down One full inhale + slow exhale Decide your “one outcome” for the conversation Step 2: Signal Look at the lens (not the screen) when stating key points Use a slower pace + clean pauses Speak in complete sentences (avoid trailing off) Step 3: Serve Make it easy to follow you: clear structure, clear next steps Repeat the “headline” in a new way at the end Invite action with confidence, not apology Quick Virtual Presence Audit (save this) Use this checklist before you go live on Zoom / Microsoft Teams: Visual presence Camera at eye level (or slightly above) Face well-lit from the front (not overhead) Background clean and intentional Frame: head + upper chest (don’t be a floating head) Vocal presence End sentences downward (avoid accidental “question voice”) Pause after your key line Reduce filler words by replacing them with silence Message presence Start with: “Today, we’re solving ___.” Use 2–3 sections max (not 9 “quick things”) End with: “Here’s the next step.” Key takeaways Online followership is often driven by felt certainty, not just expertise. Confidence is communicated more through clarity + pace + structure than volume or hype. Presence is learnable: it’s a system of signals you can practice and repeat. The goal isn’t performance—it’s trust. Listener challenge (5 minutes) Before your next call: Write your one-sentence headline. Deliver it once looking at the camera lens. Repeat it with a slower pace and a pause at the end. Pick the version that feels calmer and clearer—then use that as your default. Ideal for Leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, managers, and speakers who want to: lead meetings with authority build trust on LinkedIn and YouTube feel confident on camera without becoming “salesy” improve executive presence in virtual communication Virtual Office Audit happiness@virtualofficeaudit.com

    20 min

  6. JAN 29

    90 | 🏋️‍♂️Minicast Mastery: Presentation Fitness Health Check - Kathy’s Final Episode

    Episode 90 of the Virtual Presentation Skills Podcast announces a co-host transition and the future of the show, with insights on podcasting, presentation fitness, and virtual presence. Ninety episodes is no small achievement. In this Minicast Mastery milestone, the Virtual Presentation Skills Podcast marks a transition as co-host Kathy Gadinas shares her final episode. Together, Kathy and Kimberli reflect on what it took to build the podcast from the ground up and how recognizing the right moment to step away can be a powerful professional decision. The conversation explores presentation fitness, confidence on camera, and the practical skills gained from producing and hosting a global podcast. Kimberli also explains why virtual presence and environment play a critical role in audience engagement, credibility, and long-term business success. As the show moves into its next chapter as a single-host, guest-driven podcast, this episode celebrates growth, learning, and evolution—on and off the screen. Ready to elevate your virtual presence? Start with the Group Virtual Office Audit—30 minutes, 7 steps, under $100. Learn more at 🔗Virtual Office Audit We appreciate all the “LIKES” from our listeners.  Please feel free to like and comment again if this episode fires you up!     Contact us at: Happiness@virtualofficeaudit.com 🔗Kimberli Gilbert Linked In

    9 min

  7. JAN 27

    89 | ⚖️Balanced on Screen: Feng Shui, Energy & Intention With Tanis Morris

    Learn how Presentation Fitness shapes your energy, confidence, and impact on screen. In Episode 89, Tanis Morris shares grounding strategies, mindfulness, and Feng Shui principles to help leaders thrive in virtual environments. We explore Presentation Fitness—the foundation of showing up energized, focused, and confident in virtual meetings. Our guest, Tanis Morris, Co-Founder and CEO of Fin Source Global, shares how grounding the body and mind supports leadership presence in a 2D world. We discuss practical ways to manage virtual fatigue, design intentional workspaces, and use Feng Shui and the Bagua Map to create environments that support clarity, flow, and performance. This episode blends leadership, mindfulness, and modern virtual presence for professionals working anywhere. You’ll Learn: What Presentation Fitness means for virtual leaders How grounding improves energy and on-screen presence Why your virtual workspace affects confidence and focus Simple Feng Shui concepts for modern offices 🎯 Optimize your virtual presence with the Group Virtual Office Audit — 30 minutes, 7 steps, real results. 👉  🔗Virtual Office Audit Registration    We would love to hear your Feng Shui experience!  Email us at Happiness@virtualofficeaudit.com Or reach out to us on LinkedIn. 🔗Kimberli Gilbert Linked-In 🔗Kathy Gadinas Linked-In

    29 min

  8. JAN 22

    88 | 🕹️ Minicast Mastery: 4 Tech Hacks for Anywhere Offices

    Four tech hacks to boost confidence and credibility when presenting from anywhere. Learn how audio, lighting, camera stability, and backup plans reduce stress and build trust. Presenting from anywhere shouldn’t mean sacrificing confidence or credibility. In this Minicast Mastery episode of the Virtual Presentation Skills Podcast, we share four simple tech hacks that help remote professionals and digital nomads stay calm, clear, and professional—no matter the location. Because when tech fails, your nervous system reacts—and your audience notices. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Prioritize clear audio to instantly boost trust Use portable lighting to improve facial clarity and engagement Create camera stability that reduces cognitive fatigue Build a backup plan that lowers stress and increases resilience It’s not about perfect tech—it’s about designed presence. Book your Group Virtual Office Audit at 🔗 Virtual Office Audit Registration  for a 30-minute, 7-step audit to ensure your virtual setup supports confidence and credibility. Recommended travel products that work for us are listed below.  We are an Amazon Affiliate and may make a small commission on products sold. 🔗Samson Meteor Microphone 🔗GEAR portable ring light We would love to hear from you.  Please email happiness@virtualofficeaudit.com for questions.  Or, reach out to us on LinkedIn 🔗Kimberli Gilbert Linked-In 🔗Kathy Gadinas Linked-In

    9 min
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🩷 The Go-To-Podcast for Virtual Presentation Skills 🩷 Our mission is to help humans minimize virtual communication frustration, make money and thrive in the hybrid world. 🩷 Whether you are speaking in a meeting or presenting, we empower you to communicate with confidence and impact.

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