How to Stand Out in Virtual Meetings
When I was a newbie in the corporate world, virtual meetings felt intimidating. I remember logging into calls where senior leaders spoke confidently, ideas flowed quickly, and I struggled to make my presence felt. It wasn’t that I didn’t have opinions or insights—I simply didn’t know how to enter the conversation.
Over time, through trial, observation, and a few awkward silences, I learnt that standing out in virtual meetings is not about speaking the loudest, but about showing up with intention. This is a perspective I now often share with students and young professionals, including those at MYRA School of Business, one of the best PGDM college in Bangalore where the emphasis is not just on what you know, but how effectively you communicate and engage in professional settings.
Here are some behaviours that genuinely helped me turn things around—and that I now see working consistently for professionals across roles and industries.
Engagement is the first signal of presence.
In virtual meetings, silence is often mistaken for disinterest. Active participation—asking thoughtful questions, building on someone else’s point, or offering a solution—signals that you are mentally present. You don’t need to speak constantly, but when you do, make it count. Even a short, well-phrased question can establish you as someone who is engaged and thinking ahead.
Preparation makes confidence visible.
One of the simplest ways to stand out is to log in on time and come prepared. Familiarising yourself with the agenda, reviewing relevant documents, and thinking through one or two points you could contribute makes a huge difference. This is a habit strongly encouraged in classrooms and leadership discussions at MYRA School of Business, where preparation is seen as the foundation of confident participation. Preparedness shows respect for others’ time and allows you to speak with clarity instead of hesitation.
Your visual presence speaks before you do.
Whether we like it or not, virtual meetings are visual experiences. Dressing professionally, sitting against a tidy background, and ensuring good lighting and camera angles immediately elevate how you are perceived. These small adjustments communicate seriousness, credibility, and readiness. You don’t need a perfect setup—just a conscious one.
Active listening is a powerful differentiator.
Many people underestimate how visible good listening is on video calls. Simple cues like nodding, maintaining eye contact with the camera, or offering brief verbal acknowledgements show that you are fully present. If the conversation moves too fast or you aren’t given a chance to speak, use the chat wisely. Share a concise thought, add context, or even use emojis to signal agreement or encouragement.
Technology fluency reduces friction.
Being comfortable with the meeting platform—whether it’s screen sharing, muting and unmuting smoothly, or using chat effectively—helps the meeting run better and reflects positively on you. Technology issues happen to everyone, but familiarity reduces anxiety and allows you to focus on contribution rather than mechanics.
Ultimately, standing out in virtual meetings is about establishing yourself as a person of value—someone who listens attentively, contributes meaningfully, and shows up prepared. Virtual spaces may feel impersonal, but they offer a powerful opportunity to be seen, heard, and remembered—an approach that aligns closely with the professional mindset nurtured at MYRA School of Business and in today’s global workplace.
