Do High-Tech Presentations Actually Make Communication Better—or Worse?

During a recent online session led by a presenter from a major global social media company, I watched an impressive display of high-tech features:

• interactive comprehension tests

• real-time speed and accuracy rankings

• dynamic platform integrations

It was polished, snazzy, and undeniably modern.
But when his colleague took over and delivered in a monotone, everything collapsed. Her low-energy delivery completely erased the momentum created by the technology.

This raised an important leadership question:
Does high-tech delivery improve communication—or distract from it?

When I reflected on the content, I realized I remembered the flashy tools more than the presenter’s actual points. That’s a major warning sign.

Mini-summary: Technology can amplify a message—but it can also distract from it if not used with discipline.

Why Online Formats Create the Perfect Environment for Disengagement

Online presentations have become the refuge of multi-taskers—people checking email, working on side tasks, or mentally drifting the moment the speaker loses momentum.
The first clue is obvious:
the camera stays off.

When the audience is half-present, poor delivery becomes catastrophic.
And when slides dominate the screen while the presenter is reduced to a postage-stamp window, emotional connection evaporates.

What Tools Do Online Presenters Actually Have?

Mostly just vocal modulation:

• pace

• tone

• emphasis

• pause

• energy

Gestures, body language, and facial expression are often minimized or invisible. Without vocal variety, the audience disengages instantly.

Mini-summary: Online presentations demand stronger delivery skills because so many communication channels are restricted.

Turn Off Screen Sharing Whenever Possible

The more time your face occupies a large portion of the screen, the more influence and connection you create.

Yes, it takes a few seconds to toggle slides on and off—but the leadership presence you gain is worth it.

In Person? Use the “B” Button.

When presenting live, hitting “B” blacks out the screen instantly. This redirects all attention to you.
Hit the spacebar to bring slides back.
This simple technique dramatically increases audience focus without disrupting flow.

Mini-summary: Shrink the slides, expand the presenter—online and offline.

Why Videos Rarely Help—and Often Hurt

Many presenters insert videos to “break things up” or because they feel insecure about their own delivery. But most corporate videos fall into one of two traps:

1. Too slick → the presenter becomes second best, overshadowed by production quality

2. Too dull → the audience mentally checks out, and the speaker must fight to regain attention

Either way, the video dilutes rather than enhances the message.

Mini-summary: Videos rarely add real value—your live delivery almost always has more persuasive power.

Avoid the “Kitchen Sink” Slide Deck

Slides overloaded with fonts, colors, charts, data walls, or animations make it harder—not easier—for audiences to grasp meaning. As a result:

• cognitive overload increases

• the message weakens

• the presenter loses primacy

• engagement drops

Remember:
The presenter is the star—not the slide deck.

Simplicity Wins

• one message per slide

• minimal text

• clean visuals

• no unnecessary animation

Simple slides make your speaking stronger.

Mini-summary: Complexity hides your value; simplicity amplifies it.

Only When They Support—Not Replace—Your Influence

Technology is not the enemy. Overuse is.
If your goal is to impress the audience with platform features, use all the bells and whistles you want.

But if your goal is to communicate clearly, influence decisions, or inspire action, then:

“Go light on the bells and whistles—and be the bells and whistles yourself.”

High-tech tricks are fleeting.
Your message, presence, and delivery are what endure.

Mini-summary: Use tech sparingly—your voice and presence are the real persuasion mechanisms.

• High-tech delivery often distracts from the core message.

• Online presentations demand more vocal variety because other channels disappear.

• Reduce screen-sharing to increase personal presence.

• Avoid videos unless they add concrete value—which is rare.

• Simple, clean slides strengthen your message.

• The presenter—not the platform—is the real “wow factor.”

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI.
Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese companies and multinational firms ever since.