Love or hate virtual meetings, they have become a normal part of our lives as MSLs. You may feel that it is more difficult to build relationships with people through remote interactions, but the good news is that it doesn’t need to be! In this series, we’ll review some simple tricks to remove obstacles for connecting with our virtual audience.
We take many things into consideration when we meet someone in person, and virtual meetings demand the same mindfulness! Are you giving virtual meetings that level of attention?
Eye contact is critical for you to build trust while also being seen as authentic and present. Have you spent a virtual meeting looking at the side of the presenter’s face or worse, up their nose due to camera placement? Do better!
· Place your camera at eye level and look through the camera for the best engagement, just like you would when talking in person (meaning, don’t stare into the camera for 30 minutes straight!). I use a Center CamTM because it sits partway down my screen, allowing me to look at the person directly when I “pin” the other person or presenter on my screen. The bonus is that this camera placement also allows me to see their reactions and read their body language during our conversation.
Are you going to be sharing your screen and want to continue to see the audience (ideal!)? While using a second monitor is helpful, it facilitates the need to look to the side.
· Use the option to share only the program (i.e. PowerPoint) and not your desktop. This allows you to decrease the size of the slides and position them near your camera. You can then have your audience visible on another part of your screen. You can also hide the non-video participants so the space is given to those who are on camera.
What message does your background send? Have you dialed into a meeting and spent the entire time trying to determine what all the tchotchkes are on the bookshelves behind the presenter? I have! And while doing so, I’m certain I missed salient points of the discussion.
· Avoid a cluttered background that will distract your audience from you and your message. Choose only a few items to be visible and be deliberate with your choices to ensure each item represents your “brand.” Ensure that nothing is sticking out of your head or popping over your shoulder when you move. Consider including something personal that will facilitate a discussion. If you’re struggling with this adjustment, consider turning your desk or starting with a clean slate and adding items in over time.