Presence: Your Superpower

Written by: Dr. Laurie Hillstock

Presence is something I’ve been reflecting on lately. I've realized that it is much more than a concept. It's really a practice, and it can change the dynamic of any virtual session.

Presence is about how people feel when you’re there with them. It speaks to the space you create (i.e., in-person, hybrid, or virtual), the tone you carry, and the way you respond when things don’t go as planned.

My experiences have taught me that at its core, presence is the intentional energy we bring into any space. It’s how we make others feel seen and valued, even when the interaction is brief or the format is virtual.

Over time, I’ve learned that presence is not about perfection. It’s about authenticity. When you use presence well, people remember the connection and the content.

So, how do we practice presence in ways that go beyond the basics?

Here are a few quick tips that can help you connect in digital spaces:

1. Presence in Quick Connections

Presence often shows up through short but meaningful interactions that remind learners they matter.

• Acknowledge silence with care: “I know you’re thinking deeply about this topic. So, I am going to hold space for a time of reflection.” It doesn’t have to be long, especially if it is a live session. 15-30 seconds is sufficient.

• Use emojis or reactions to encourage and create a positive connection with learners. This works well in both synchronous and asynchronous virtual spaces.

• Offer a one-line check-in midweek: “Share one word about how things are going for you right now or this week.” This can be done in the chat or discussion forum.

These brief moments build trust without requiring a big effort.

One of my favorite quick connections happened when a learner typed “overwhelmed” in a one-word check-in. That single word opened the door to a much deeper conversation about workload and priorities, which I was able to connect directly to the leadership content we were scheduled to discuss.

I learned that quick connections don’t have to be complicated. Instead, being intentional is truly enough. The real superpower is choosing small actions that make a big difference. So, sometimes I rotate the format: one week I may use emojis, another week I may ask for a word, and yet another week I may drop a poll. These small intentional choices remind learners that you’re paying attention and that matters.

2. Presence in Transitions

People remember how you open and close a space.

• Begin with a grounding moment: Take a breath, a reflection, or a simple check-in.

• Close with a question: “What’s one takeaway you’ll carry forward?”

• Use intentional pauses between topics to reset the energy.

Transitions are very important, as they help learners know that they are a part of a shared two-way experience.

Think of transitions as bridges. Your presence is the power that makes those bridges strong. They carry people from one idea to the next without losing connection. I’ve seen a simple stretch break or a quick “stand and move” moment completely change the energy in a session. Transitions remind people, “I see you, and I want you to feel settled before we continue.”

3. Presence When Things Go Wrong

Tech glitches, awkward silences, or disengagement are inevitable in the virtual space, regardless of your years of experience. Presence shows up in how you respond.

• Name it: “Looks like our breakout rooms aren’t cooperating. So, let’s pivot.” Be sure you have a backup plan so you can pivot quickly without losing time or energy.

• Reset the energy: Pause for 30 seconds to breathe, dance, or just enjoy something funny. Tell a joke if you need to.

• Model humility: Remember, you do not have to be perfect to be present. Be authentic and transparent, especially under pressure. We are all human, and learners connect most when they sense your honesty and humanity.

When you respond with care, people feel safe. When people feel safe, they are usually open to learning.

I once had a session where the slides froze mid-session. Instead of panicking, I said, “Looks like the tech is teaching us patience today.” That small moment of humor made a difference. I just took away the slides, looked in the camera, and talked with learners. They engaged well, and the session grew into something powerful and memorable.

Simply put: Presence under pressure is about modeling resilience. Resilience offered with authenticity is one of the greatest superpowers you can bring to any learning space.

4. Presence Across Cultures & Contexts

In virtual spaces, presence means being mindful of accessibility and inclusion.

• Offer multiple ways to engage, which may include chat, audio, emojis, polls, or written posts.

• Slow down your pace and check for understanding.

• Be intentional with language by avoiding jargon that may exclude.

Presence adapts to the audience, not the other way around. Your superpower of presence comes alive when you can transform potential frustration into connection.

For example, in one workshop, I noticed that learners hesitated to share. So, I gave them options: “You can share in chat, use an emoji, or raise your hand”. That change helped tremendously, and engagement increased.

Presence across cultures is about flexibility. It is important to remember that not everyone feels safe in the same way. Creating multiple entry points for connection is essential.

5. Presence Beyond the Session

Presence beyond the session is your lasting superpower. Many people believe that when the session ends, it’s over. Well, I believe that presence lingers well after the actual session ends, in the way you follow up.

• Sending a short recap, highlighting one or two contributions.

• Sending a quick “thank you” note or voice message to acknowledge someone’s insight.

• Circle back in the next session: “Last week, Sam raised a great point about adaptability. Let’s build on that today.”

While these things seem simple, they remind people that their voice matters.

Here’s the deeper truth: follow-up is often where trust is built. Sending a recap email within 24–48 hours keeps learners engaged. You could also add a quick note saying, “I appreciated your perspective.” This can make someone feel valued long after the session ends. Presence beyond the session is about showing that the connection doesn’t stop when the screen goes dark.

Closing Thought

Presence is your superpower. It’s about being authentic and leaving people with the sense that they mattered in the moment.

So, here’s my challenge to you….

Choose one new way to practice presence this week. Try it out and take note of how the energy changes in your virtual space. Then email me with an update.

Keep in mind that when you use presence well, people remember what you said AND how you made them feel.

Presence is your superpower. When you practice it, you leave behind more than content. You leave behind connection.