Looking to make your virtual sales demos less boring and more memorable? You’re in the right place. If you use Zoom for sales calls and want to stand out (without turning into a full-time video producer), integrating Prezi can help you bring your pitch to life. But there are a few gotchas, and it’s not always as magical as the marketing makes it sound.
Here’s how to actually use Prezi with Zoom—what works, what doesn’t, and the steps that’ll save you time and pain.
Why bother with Prezi in Zoom?
Let’s be honest: 99% of virtual sales demos are people droning over slides while everyone multitasks. Prezi’s main trick is letting you put yourself on screen alongside your visuals—so you don’t vanish into a tiny box while your slides take over. Done well, it feels more like a conversation and less like a lecture.
But before you jump in, know this: Prezi isn’t magic. If your content is dull or you fumble with the tech, it won’t save the demo. But if you’re already comfortable on video and want to keep your prospects engaged, it’s worth a try.
Step 1: Make sure you’ve got what you need
Before you start, check these boxes:
- Prezi account: You’ll need a paid Prezi plan for most of the good features (like Prezi Video), though there’s a free version with limits.
- Zoom desktop app: Prezi Video only works with the Zoom desktop client, not the browser version.
- Supported computer: Prezi Video can be a resource hog. If your computer wheezes with lots of video apps open, close everything else.
- Permissions: If you’re on a locked-down work laptop, you may need admin rights to install Prezi Video.
Pro tip: Test Prezi Video with Zoom before you’re live with a client. Not all webcams and setups play nicely.
Step 2: Install Prezi Video
Prezi Video is the tool that glues Prezi and Zoom together. Here’s how to get it set up:
- Download Prezi Video: Go to the Prezi website and download Prezi Video for Windows or Mac.
- Install it: Run the installer. It’s straightforward, but if you’re on a company laptop, you might need IT’s help.
- Log in: Open Prezi Video and sign in with your Prezi account.
Heads up: There’s also a browser-based version of Prezi Video, but for Zoom integration, the desktop app is usually smoother and less glitchy.
Step 3: Create (or import) your Prezi presentation
You can make a new Prezi from scratch or reuse an old one.
- Start fresh: Click “Create new video” in Prezi Video. Pick a template, add your content, and arrange it so your visuals won’t cover your face.
- Import slides: Already have a PowerPoint or PDF? Import it, but expect some formatting weirdness. Don’t assume it’ll look the same as your original slides.
- Keep it simple: Less is more. Big, bold visuals work better than dense slides—especially since you’ll be sharing screen space with them.
Pro tip: Do a dry run and see where your head blocks content. Frame yourself to one side if you can.
Step 4: Connect Prezi Video to Zoom
This part can be finicky, but it’s not rocket science.
- Open Prezi Video and your presentation.
- In Prezi Video, click “Video Conference.” You’ll see instructions and a preview.
- Open Zoom.
- In Zoom, click the arrow next to “Start Video” and choose “Prezi Video Virtual Camera” as your camera.
On Mac, Zoom might ask for camera permissions—approve them. - Start your Zoom meeting. Now, whatever you see in Prezi Video is what your audience sees in Zoom.
Troubleshooting tips:
- If “Prezi Video Virtual Camera” doesn’t show up, quit Zoom and Prezi Video, then reopen both (Prezi Video first). That usually fixes it.
- On some computers, you might need to enable virtual camera support in Zoom’s settings.
- Video quality may dip if your Wi-Fi or computer is struggling.
Step 5: Run your virtual sales demo
Now for the part that matters. Here’s how to actually present without looking like a deer in headlights:
- Switch between “only me,” “only content,” and “both” modes in Prezi Video—useful when you want to focus attention.
- Look at the camera, not your own preview. It’s awkward at first but more engaging for your audience.
- Don’t overload your visuals. Your face and body language are part of the pitch—let them do some of the work.
- If things go wrong, have a backup. Always be ready to switch to screen sharing or just talk if Prezi crashes or lags. No one will care as much as you think.
Pro tip: Have a cheat sheet with your talking points. It’s easy to get distracted when juggling new tech.
What works (and what doesn’t)
Here’s the real talk after using Prezi + Zoom for a while:
What actually helps:
- Staying visible: Prospects see you and your visuals at the same time, so you feel more present.
- Emphasizing key points: Animations and zoom-ins (used sparingly) can highlight what matters.
What to watch out for:
- Tech hiccups: Video lag, camera not showing up, or slides blocking your face. Happens more than you’d think.
- Overdoing it: If you try to wow people with every Prezi effect, you’ll just distract them—or worse, look desperate.
- Learning curve: There’s a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re used to just sharing your screen.
What you can skip:
- Prezi templates that are too busy: Stick to clean, simple layouts. The “spinning world” or “floating cubes” just make people dizzy.
- Trying to run everything through the browser: The desktop app is your friend here, even if it means one more piece of software.
Quick checklist for demo day
Don’t get caught scrambling. Before you hit “Start Meeting,” check:
- [ ] Prezi Video is open and showing your presentation.
- [ ] “Prezi Video Virtual Camera” is selected in Zoom.
- [ ] Camera, mic, and internet are all working.
- [ ] Backup plan (normal screen share or PDF slides) is ready, just in case.
- [ ] You’ve done a quick test call—ideally with a real person, but even joining from your phone can help.
Wrapping up: Keep it simple, tweak as you go
Prezi can make your virtual sales demos on Zoom more engaging—mostly by keeping you visible and helping your visuals pop. But it’s not a silver bullet, and the tech can trip you up if you overcomplicate things. Start simple, practice once or twice, and be ready to bail out if it glitches.
No need to chase every new feature or effect. Focus on your message, stay human, and remember—no one’s expecting perfection. The best sales demos are the ones that feel like real conversations, not tech showcases.