The Habit We Didn’t Know We Brought to Work

Many of us were conditioned early in life to listen quietly and wait our turn. Whether at home or in school, we learned not to interrupt—to let parents, teachers, and other adults finish speaking before responding.

That lesson served us well. But it also followed us into our professional lives in ways we rarely question. You can see it show up every day in how we present, especially in virtual settings.

As presenters, we say things like, “Hold your questions until the end so we can get through the material.”
As audience members, we think, “I’ll wait—it might be covered in a later slide.”

And just like that, we create a one-way experience. But here’s the twist: effective virtual engagement requires us to do the exact opposite of how we were raised.

Instead of waiting, we invite interruption.
Instead of holding questions, we encourage them in real time.
Instead of controlling the flow, we open it up.

That’s not just a skill shift, it’s a mindset shift. And it adds a layer of complexity, because we’re not just learning something new… we’re actively unlearning something old.

Connection Doesn’t Just Happen

This shift isn’t accidental, it’s intentional.

Speaker and author Kassy LaBorie, with more than 25 years of experience as a virtual training expert, dives into this in her session Human Connection, Upgraded: The Future of Virtual Belonging at SHRM26.

Her message is clear:
Virtual connection doesn’t just happen—it’s designed.

It takes creativity.
It takes structure.
And it takes the smart use of technology to turn passive listeners into active participants.

Flip the Script: Let Them Do the Talking

One of the simplest, and most powerful, shifts you can make?

Ask yourself:
What am I about to say that my audience could say instead?

For example:
“What are five ways to engage virtual team members?”

Sound familiar? Good. Keep doing it. Because this is a power move. It pulls your audience out of “Mute & Obey” mode and gets them engaged early—before they retreat into their default setting: the Quiet Kids Club.

Instead of waiting, they’re contributing.
Instead of observing, they’re participating.

And just like that, your presentation becomes a conversation.

Use Visuals That Make People React (Not Just Read)

Next, ditch the text-heavy slides and bring in visuals that actually do something. One standout example? A slide showing nine photos of the same dog, each with a different expression. The activity: click the image that matches how you’re feeling.

Simple? Yes.
Effective? Absolutely.

Because let’s be honest—no one ignores a grid of adorable puppy faces.

It’s interactive. It’s human. And it snaps people out of autopilot instantly. Suddenly, participation feels natural—not forced.

Pro Tip: Keep It Easy

Number the images.

That way, participants can just say, “I’m a 3” instead of attempting a long-winded description like:
“The one with the slightly tilted head but also kind of smiling?”

Clean. Quick. Engaging. Because the goal isn’t to challenge their communication skills—it’s to keep the energy moving.

Stop Presenting At People

Let’s get one thing straight:
Engagement is not a single tool—it’s a mix.

If you want people to show up, you have to give them ways to show up.

  • Cameras on (when possible)
  • Chat active and flowing
  • Polls for instant input
  • Breakout rooms (yes, Teams can do that—use it!)
  • AI-generated notes capturing key moments

The more touchpoints you create, the harder it is for people to disappear into: camera off, email open, halfway listening

Because we’ve all been there.

Make It an Experience (Not Just Another Call)

You know the meeting.

“Can you hear me?”
“You’re on mute.”
“Next slide…” 😴

We’re done with that. Instead, create moments that wake people up and pull them in.

Drop lines like:

  • “This is not a spectator sport.”
  • “If you’re here, be here.”
  • “Don’t just listen…jump in.”

Add a little energy with music:

  • 🎵 “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen (kick things off strong)
  • 🎵 “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake (mid-session boost)
  • 🎵 “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift (reset the room)

Because here’s the truth:
People don’t remember slides. They remember moments.

 

The Bottom Line

Virtual engagement isn’t about better slides, it’s about better experiences. It’s about letting go of the “wait your turn” mindset and replacing it with something more dynamic, more human, and more connected.

So the next time you present, ask yourself:

  • Where can I invite interaction instead of delaying it?
  • How can I make this easier—and more fun—for people to participate?
  • Am I creating a presentation… or an experience?

Because the future of virtual isn’t quiet, passive, and one-directional.

It’s interactive.
It’s energetic.
And yes—it might even involve puppies.