In a world where “you’re on mute” has become the new “hello,” thriving on video calls isn’t just about showing up—it’s about standing out. Whether you’re pitching ideas, teaching a class, or hosting a workshop, making an impact on screen is the key to today’s communication game.
If there’s one pro who knows about turning virtual interactions into meaningful connections, it’s seasoned virtual trainer and keynote speaker, Kassy LaBorie. As a senior product trainer at WebEx and a training consultant specializing in Microsoft applications, she quickly discovered that the real magic wasn’t in the software itself—it was in how it connected people.
Her guiding principle? “Tech is cool. People are cooler.” And she lives it. From teaching someone to master a new tool to turning a virtual training session into a vibe-filled experience, Kassy knows the gadgets are just the sidekicks.
The humans? They’re the heroes.
Today, through her speaking business, Kassy LaBorie Consulting, she blends her love for tech with her obsession for creating spaces where people feel connected and inspired. Here, she shares her wisdom on making a killer first (and lasting!) impression on video with mmhmm, from crafting dynamic openings to battling videoconferencing fatigue.
“Tech is cool. People are cooler.”
Kassy LaBorie
Making a strong first impression, especially on a video call, is everything. What’s your secret sauce for nailing it? If you could bottle it up, what would be in the recipe?
My "secret sauce" isn’t so much a recipe as it is a principle I’ve lived by for years: What did I just say or do that I could have let you say or do instead? This belief guides everything I do, whether it’s virtual training, presenting, or remote working.
To me, a great first impression starts with making it all about the audience. From the very first moment, focus on getting them involved, ask questions, invite participation, and show genuine interest in their experiences.
But the other essential ingredient is great technology. Looking great, sounding great, and ensuring the tools you’re using are smooth and seamless. The tech can’t get in the way—it needs to enhance the experience and make it easy for you to connect with your audience.
If I were bottling up my approach, it would be these three equal parts to energize and engage everyone involved:
- Surprise the audience with an unexpected and engaging first moment
Start with something that grabs attention and sets the tone for the session. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a bold visual, or a playful activity, create a moment that surprises and draws the audience in right away. The goal is to spark curiosity and excitement, making the experience feel fresh and unique from the start. - Invite the audience to be a part of things
A strong first impression comes from making the audience feel included and valued. Ask questions, encourage participation, and show genuine interest in their thoughts and experiences. Creating an interactive environment from the beginning fosters connection and sets the stage for meaningful engagement throughout the session. - Use excellent technology that is modern and sleek to support the experience
Great technology is the foundation that allows everything else to shine. Crisp visuals, clear audio, and seamless functionality enhance both the presenter’s delivery and the audience’s experience.
What’s the biggest virtual faux pas you see? And how can people avoid that “yikes” moment when they first go live?
Assuming the technology is already fully understood and doesn’t require extra attention or preparation. When much of the world shifted online in 2020, there was an incredible effort to adapt quickly. However, in many cases, the focus was on surviving the immediate need rather than building lasting confidence and expertise. There’s still room to grow.
Avoiding those tricky “yikes” moments starts with a commitment to truly understanding the tools being used. This means exploring features, testing processes, and becoming comfortable with the platform until it feels second nature.
A favorite principle of mine sums it up: “Learn the tech. Use the heck out of the tech. Get over the tech.”
When the technology is well understood, it fades into the background, allowing the focus to stay on the message and the connection with the audience. Mastery takes time, but it’s worth the effort to ensure every virtual experience is as smooth and engaging as possible.
How can folks fight videoconferencing fatigue? With attention spans shrinking, what’s your trick for keeping people hooked?
Videoconferencing fatigue extends beyond any single platform. Research by Professor René Riedl defines it as "somatic and cognitive exhaustion caused by the intensive and/or inappropriate use of videoconferencing tools," leading to symptoms like tiredness, worry, anxiety, burnout, discomfort, and stress.
To address this challenge and maintain engagement I recommend these four tips.
- Design Engaging, Participant-Centered Experiences: Craft sessions that are interactive and tailored to the audience's needs. Involve participants through questions, discussions, and activities that make the session relevant and engaging for them.
- Incorporate Regular Breaks: Acknowledge the mental load of continuous screen time by scheduling short breaks.
- Foster Trust and Autonomy: Empower participants by trusting them to manage their contributions and tasks effectively.
- Actively Listen and Adapt: Solicit feedback on the virtual experience and be responsive to suggestions. Demonstrating that participant input is valued encourages a more invested and interactive environment.
How does one read the virtual room? Without in-person cues, how can they know when they’ve captured the audience—or lost them?
Simple: invite the audience in. It’s not about you; it’s about them!
Ask them to be part of the experience through questions, polls, chat, or reactions. But the real key is what happens next—listening, watching, paying close attention to their input and responding to it.
Beyond asking, it’s also about staying tuned into the subtler signals. Camera presence, facial expressions, chat activity, and even the energy in their responses can all provide clues about engagement levels. If participation starts to wane or the energy feels off, it’s a cue to pivot.
Ultimately, it’s about creating a dynamic exchange. The session should feel collaborative, where they know it is for them and about them.
Why mmhmm? What made you say, “This is the tool I need to make my presentations pop”?
I loved mmhmm from the very first moment I tried it. What immediately caught my attention was how it brought a "television production" level of visuals to my virtual presentations. I’ve always dreamed of having images, words, and videos appearing effortlessly over my shoulder or around me—like magic, with a nose wiggle or a simple snap—and mmhmm makes that dream a reality. In this case, with just a click!
The real game-changer for me, though, was the ease of use. The ability to style the view around my webcam feed, create dynamic visuals, and make the experience feel like magic, all without needing a tech crew, is just incredible. It allows me to bring the “wow” factor to my presentations while staying focused on what matters most: connecting with my audience.
What’s your favorite mmhmm magic trick? Is there a feature that never fails to impress your audience?
One of my absolute favorite mmhmm tricks is the ability to have text appear on my webcam feed in real-time. I love typing out my audience’s words as they talk, dynamically adding their thoughts to the screen. It creates this incredible moment of connection, showing them that their contributions matter and making the session feel truly interactive.
“I love typing out my audience’s words as they talk, dynamically adding their thoughts to the screen. It creates this incredible moment of connection, showing them that their contributions matter and making the session feel truly interactive.”
Kassy LaBorie
And then there’s the fade-out feature—where I can smoothly disappear from the screen, just like a song fading out. It’s such a fun and creative way to transition or shift focus during a presentation, and it always gets a great reaction. These features bring an extra layer of magic that never fails to wow my audience!
What’s a virtual win you’ll never forget? Tell us about a moment when you knew your approach had a major impact.
One moment that will always stay with me happened after a session when a participant stayed on to talk one-on-one. She told me, with quite a bit of emotion, that she had not truly felt heard or seen before since working remotely. For the first time, she felt like someone understood her and that she wasn’t alone.
What struck me most was that she had been quiet the entire session—she didn’t speak up or participate outwardly. But I had noticed her and sent her a private chat, just a simple smile and an offer to talk if she ever needed. That small gesture led to a moment of connection that reminded me why this work matters so much.
It reinforced the importance of paying attention, especially to the small or quiet details that often go unnoticed. That moment moved me deeply and continues to inspire me to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected. It was a wonderful reminder of the power of human connection—particularly in a virtual space.
What’s your parting wisdom? If we remember just one thing about making virtual connections count, what should it be?
Always remember: It’s about them, not you.
Virtual spaces thrive when they’re built for the people in them. It’s not about showcasing what you can do; it’s about creating an environment where they feel seen, heard, and empowered.
That’s what makes virtual connections unforgettable.
