We are all doing a lot of Zoom meetings, but are we doing them well? Here are some tips:
During these difficult times, if you have been fortunate enough to stay healthy, you have still encountered many stresses to your personal and professional life. Even after things begin to resemble “normal,” undoubtedly, there will be some long-term changes. Besides avoiding handshakes, washing hands frequently, and using masks, we will also continue to have many meetings held virtually.
Working as a public speaking coach, I had always thought I did my best work in person. Since the coronavirus, all of my work has been over Zoom, and I’ve been delighted to realize virtual sessions can work quite well! But just as with speaking in person, there is an art and craft to effective virtual communication. How can you be at your best while communicating virtually? Here are some tips:
- Have fun! Communicate that you are happy to be there with your listeners. Now more than ever, people need to feel a sense of connection. Smile a genuine smile. Let your eyes sparkle. People will remember how you made them feel long after the meeting ends. If you approach the meeting with uplifting energy, it will be contagious—in a good way!
- Think of the camera as the eyes of your viewers. Look them in the eyes—but not always. In everyday conversations, we touch base with people, then look away. You want to mirror that during a virtual call to create a natural connection. Most people when speaking on a Zoom call, look at the people on the screen. But when you do that, it looks like you are looking down, and being evasive. To remind myself where to look, I put a little sticky note by the camera on my computer that says, “Look here!” Then I let myself speak as I would during an in-person meeting.
- Be clear and concise. Most people take too long to get to the point. Rambling rarely works, but when speaking virtually, it’s even more problematic. Make a couple notes about the points you want to make before the meeting. Don’t write it out word for word, just create an outline. Answer the questions, “Why would they care?” and “How specifically do they benefit from my ideas?” Relay that message concisely at the very beginning of the meeting. Summarize it at the end.
- Be aware of lighting—make sure the light is in front of you, rather than behind. Soft, diffused lighting is better than harsh, direct lights that make deep shadows. You want people to easily see your face. You will capture their attention more easily.
- Keep your background clean and clear. Let the focus be on you. Avoid a background with windows or bright lights.
- Frame yourself well. The top of your head should be near the top of the picture. It makes you appear more confident and balanced. If you are using a laptop, avoid creating a double chin or showing the inside of your nostrils by placing your laptop on a stack of books. This will enable you to be at eye level, a more flattering view.
- Be present. Listen to them. People are thirsty for good communication. If you make them feel heard and appreciated, it will make their day.
We will get through this time. It might take a while, and there will be changes, but perhaps some of those changes will be for the better. Maybe some of these changes will help us better appreciate our need to connect with each other. We can learn to master those skills both in person and virtually.
Questions about coaching or training? Schedule a complimentary 15-min Zoom call to see how we can create a program that is a perfect fit for you, or send a message if you have any questions.