In a method for providing partial layout synchronization in a teleconferencing system, a conference client application enters a presenter participant mode and accepts a layout modification from a local user. The layout modification alters a selection or arrangement of conference components in a user interface. The conference client determines whether the layout modification is a significant layout modification or an insignificant layout modification and transmits a command to a conference server containing a representation of the layout modification only when the layout modification is a significant layout modification.