Let’s be real—meetings and presentations are about more than just sharing updates or numbers. They’re a perfect chance to showcase your leadership potential. Whether you're chatting with your boss or presenting to a virtual room full of colleagues, these online settings can be your stage to shine. Follow these seven tips to prove you’re leadership material—and have a little fun while you’re at it!

1. Shift Your Perspective (Virtual is the New Reality!)

Virtual meetings aren't just a poor substitute for in-person ones; they’re real opportunities to show you’re competent, adaptable, and leadership-ready. Here’s the advantage: most people don’t take virtual meetings seriously. Stand out by treating them with the same importance as in-person interactions, and you’ll already be ahead of the game.

2. Master the Fundamentals

First impressions count—even on Zoom. Show up prepared and professional: good lighting, a clean background, and a polished look. Just as you wouldn’t attend an in-person meeting in sweatpants, don’t do it virtually either. And show up on time (or even early). Those few minutes before the meeting starts are prime for building relationships with colleagues and decision-makers. Being late doesn’t say “busy,” it says “disrespectful.”

3. Showcase Your Personal Brand

Don’t fade into the background—bring your unique flair to every meeting. Whether it's through creative problem-solving, a fresh perspective, or a clever comment, make sure people know who you are. Highlight what makes you stand out. Avoid overused corporate speak, and don’t be afraid to offer a different opinion. As executive coach Deborah Grayson Riegel says, “Try phrases like, ‘May I offer a different perspective?’ Leaders aren’t afraid to disagree respectfully—they contribute without causing drama.”

4. Show Appreciation

One thing often missing in virtual settings is humanity. People forget to appreciate others or celebrate small wins. Be the leader who changes that by expressing gratitude. A simple “great job” message after a meeting or a shout-out during the session goes a long way. These acts of kindness make you stand out and create a ripple effect of positivity.

5. Embrace Feedback

Leaders thrive on feedback, even if it’s not all praise. When given with good intent, all feedback is valuable. How you handle constructive criticism shows how coachable and growth-focused you are. So, instead of dreading feedback, see it as a gift, thank the person, and use it to improve.

6. Stay Fully Engaged

Once your part of the meeting is done, it’s tempting to tune out, but true leaders stay engaged until the end. Active listening and contributing when necessary show that you're invested in the success of the whole team, not just your portion. As Grayson Riegel notes, “If you don’t want people tuning out during your presentation, stay engaged in theirs.”

7. Present with Impact

Delivering a presentation is your best shot to prove your leadership. Rather than dragging through a long PowerPoint, bring energy to your presentation. Follow the three Ms of virtual presentations: Be Magnetic (start strong), Be Mesmerizing (make it interactive, using visuals and stories), and Be Memorable (use repetition, emotion, and novelty). As Maya Angelou said, "People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel."

By using these strategies in virtual meetings and presentations, you’ll position yourself as not just capable, but as an inspiring leader. These are your chances to showcase your expertise, teamwork, and your ability to move the organization forward. So don’t just sit back—take charge, enjoy the process, and let your leadership shine!