CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – NOVEMBER 17, 2021-1
THINGS NOT TO DO DURING A VERTUAL MEETING
By now, most of us are used to carrying on with socializing, going to school, or going to work via video conferencing software. Whether you use Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or other programs, you probably know a thing or two about how to have a successful virtual meeting.
But are your virtual meetings effective?
Here are 5 things you didn’t know you’ve been doing wrong on while meeting in a remote video platform.
- You have a busy or distracting background
When speaking to someone in person, it can be annoying to watch your listener gazing around at things behind you or next to you. On Zoom, direct eye contact is somewhat taken away from us. As listeners or meeting participants, we often times use this to our advantage; but if you are ever speaking up during your meetings, the lack of eye contact does you no favors. You have no idea if your listeners are watching you, or staring at your pile of laundry on the floor behind you!
The easiest way to ensure your background is free of distraction is to turn on your camera before you begin your meeting, and check to see if the image is something you would be okay with showing your coworkers in-person. Even though it’s virtual, these webcam meetings are essentially invitations in your home for the entire team. Make sure your environment is presentable!
The ideal video background is mostly plain, has something pleasing to look at, and does not include a bright window (see #4, Lighting). Try sitting in front of a piece of artwork or a decorated bookshelf. A plain wall will also do just fine.
- Your camera is in a poor location
We have all (unfortunately) opened up our front-facing cameras on our smart phones while holding it far below our face—not a great angle! Your webcam should be in a spot that is at least eye level or higher when on a conferencing call. This will ensure that you are looking upwards toward your colleagues, not down on them.
Do you have more than one monitor? Is your webcam an internal lens, or an external device? Where you place your camera versus your screen with everyone’s face makes a huge difference in connectivity—and we’re not talking internet service. Think about it—if you are looking at someone’s face on your left monitor, but your webcam is on top of your right monitor, everyone who sees you will just be getting a side profile of your face. To solve this, simply move your Zoom/Teams/Meet window over to the monitor screen that has the webcam at the top. This will give the illusion of eye contact, which can improve even more by looking straight into your webcam when speaking.
Speaking of cameras, try your best to keep yours on! We know we would all like to stay anonymous and in our pajamas but try dressing for success (from the waist up…) and being present with your cohorts by showing your face. I’m sure you would like to see theirs, too!
