C-Suite or C-SWEEEEET
The former is a group we all know. They’re the visionaries, the strategists, the voices that move companies forward. The latter? Well, besides being a bad pun, it can be the reaction your audience has after watching them present at your next virtual town hall, product launch, or investor day.
The truth is: even the sharpest executives benefit from a little coaching when the spotlight shifts from the boardroom to the camera lens. Virtual events are a different beast, and without some prep, even seasoned leaders can feel flat.
Here are a few ways to help your execs look (and feel) like naturals when the red light goes on.
Let ’er Riff
Nobody wants to be read to. Slides should be a guide, not a script. Encourage your executives to riff, pulling from their experience to bring the content to life. A dynamic, conversational delivery lands much better than a monotone read-through.
Watch Those Eyelines
A virtual audience can’t be wooed with eye contact unless your execs are looking into the lens. It feels strange at first—no faces to scan, no feedback to react to—but the effect is powerful. Work with your crew to coach execs on balancing glances between confidence monitors and the camera. Even subtle adjustments here make the message feel more personal.
Extra Wardrobe
Always ask for backup outfits. A second jacket or blouse can save the day if the first choice doesn’t read well on camera—or if breakfast gets spilled on it. Solid colors usually play better than busy patterns, and subtle swaps can keep executives looking sharp across multiple segments.
IEMs (In-Ear Monitors)
Not R.E.M., but just as essential for staying in sync. IEMs allow producers to talk directly to execs during a live stream, giving cues, timing reminders, or troubleshooting help. The key is rehearsal: get your speakers comfortable with having a voice in their ear so it feels second nature when the show is live.
Mind the Pacing
Executives tend to go one of two ways: lightning fast or painfully slow. Work with them to find a tempo that feels energetic but digestible. A few intentional pauses let big points breathe and give audiences time to absorb what’s being said.
Energy Up, Energy Out
Virtual events can sap charisma if execs treat the camera like a Zoom call. Remind them to project—not in volume, but in presence. Animated gestures, brighter expressions, and a little extra enthusiasm go a long way in keeping virtual audiences engaged.
Hydrate and Reset
It sounds simple, but water breaks matter. Dry throat, coughs, or a fading voice can derail a presentation. Build in natural reset moments so execs can regroup, sip water, and come back sharp.
Tech Familiarity = Confidence
The fewer surprises on show day, the better. Walk execs through how slides advance, where videos will play, and what transitions look like. Even if they’re not running the tech, knowing the flow builds confidence and helps them stay calm if anything wobbles.
Virtual events demand more than just great ideas—they demand delivery that feels sharp, natural, and audience-focused. With the right coaching and prep, your executives can turn from C-Suite to C-SWEEEEET, and leave your audience with something worth applauding.