While the modern conveniences of technology have enabled many of us to continue business-as-usual, the necessary adjustments and alternatives have posed their own unique set of challenges. Perhaps the most utilized tool in a socially-distanced, pandemic world has been that of virtual meetings. Zoom has grown to be among the most popular, but it’s far from the only platform available.
Many of us have been video conferencing for years, be it with distant clients or colleagues. Now, however, virtual meetings are being used by the masses. Not only do we see them being used for businesses, but for church gatherings, birthday “parties”, and casual time with friends and family.
In a business context, however, these virtual meetings have been increasingly necessary. For those of us in leadership, the prospect of all-digital meeting spaces has its conveniences but challenges, too.
When your team is suffering from Zoom fatigue, added stressors, and a tendency towards disengagement, it’s more important than ever that leaders are offering a presence of strength and confidence. Projecting these qualities over a screen, however, is easier said than done. Here’s how you can instantly improve your presence in your virtual meetings.
4 Steps to Improving Your Zoom Presence
1) Adjust for direct eye contact.
Direct eye contact is one of the primary non-verbal cues that engage others in meaningful, attentive conversation. It’s tougher, however, to convey eye contact with your colleagues in a digital space. This is because looking at your colleagues on the screen will not convey eye contact. Instead, look directly into your camera. This will translate into eye contact with other viewers. If your gaze is on the screen, be it on your own image of others’, it will convey a lack of interest and confidence or signal distraction.
While you don’t have to stare endlessly at your camera lens, practice doing so when you speak and address the group directly. It should be a given, but this also means that you must have your camera on when you meet, however tempting it may be to stay in your pajamas.
2) Get an ideal angle.
When you’re on video, framing yourself properly is important. This isn’t about the background (we’ll get to that in a moment) but rather about how your camera is angled and how close you are to it. First things first — don’t use your phone for digital meetings unless you have a stable tripod to mount it on. Constant motion is a distraction and, short of holding your phone up for the entire meeting, your angle is not likely to be flattering.
Your goal should be to frame your head and shoulders as the majority of your screen. This way, it is far easier to read body language, make direct eye contact, and reduce background distractions. It is ideal to tilt your camera slightly downwards as well ( demanding your computer or device to be mounted at a slightly elevated height ) so that you avoid unflattering “up the nose” footage. In the end, a clear view of your face is of utmost priority.
3) Light it just right.
Lighting is key. You will be more engaging as a speaker if your face is lit appropriately. This means you want direct light, either in the form of sunlight from a window, lamps, or studio lights. Avoid backlight — that is, lamps or lights coming from behind you — because they will take focus and leave you looking dark and in shadow. The ideal place to meet may change depending on the time of day if you are relying on natural lighting.
4) Practice environmental consciousness.
Presentation is everything. When meeting in a virtual space, be conscious of the visual details you leave behind. I’m not suggesting you scrub away all traces of personality from your background (otherwise you run the risk of looking like you’re taking a mugshot!). However, be mindful of what your background contains and how it can become a distraction.
Tidy up so that there is no garbage or clutter within your viewfinder. Wear appropriate business attire. When choosing a coffee mug, choose wisely — fun is certainly permitted, but be mindful of potentially offensive words or images. Whatever is behind you, be sure that you’re okay showing it to the world.
As leaders, we must set the example for diligent, motivated work. In the digital world, this starts with appearance, posture, and poise.
What keeps you engaged during a virtual meeting? Share in the comments.