If you’re making a virtual presentation, it’s likely you’ve previously made a presentation in person. But even if you haven’t, this idea still applies.

When we speak to a group of people, there are natural ways we interact (or should learn to do). From an opener that asks, “Give me a show of hands from everybody who traveled over a hundred miles to get here today,” to responding to a ‘hand up’ in the audience, unless you’re a keynote speaker who is paid to be the entertainment, the odds are that there is some measure of interactivity in the way you engage an audience.

When the online presentation environment is unnatural to a presenter, it’s common for the presenter to do unnatural things (like nothing!). To grow past this quickly, begin with doing what you’d do in person. This will give you a jumpstart on imagining how you’ll accomplish your goal virtually…and which tools you’ll need to do so.

First imagine how you would interact with an in-person audience.

Note: This entry comes from The Virtual Presenter’s Handbook, now a scant buck ninety nine.