Times are changing….in-person meetings have been migrating to online platforms. How we connect with clients and co-workers, and how we build trust has evolved. So how do you maximize your impact in a world where relationships are going virtual?

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#1 Maximize Your Trustworthiness by Enhancing Eye Contact - Look at your Audience

 

Look at your audience at eye level. If you’re using the webcam built into your laptop, then consider a laptop stand or a low tech solution like a box in order to elevate your laptop camera. 

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You’re also going to have to shift your focus so it appears you’re looking at people directly in the eye. This is critical. Instead of staring at the video icon of the person with whom you’re conversing; you should look at the camera. Try placing a piece of tape with an arrow pointing towards your camera in order to remind yourself to look at the camera. The person with whom you’re speaking with will get the impression you are looking at them.

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# 2 Engage with participants - ‘How are you checking in today?’ or Poll Questions

 

Looking at your audience is one part. Now depending on your role and the nature of your virtual call, something which takes very little time and greatly improves your engagement is to simply ask ‘how are you checking in today?’ Limit participant responses to 30 seconds for each person. Now the participants feel engaged. They feel heard. This is so simple and can make the world of difference. 

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If you have a lengthy attendee list, you should consider boosting engagement by posing a question to everyone, for participants to respond to via the chat box. Participants won’t remember all of the content, but they will remember how they felt about the meeting. Some questions include: if you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it? Do you listen to music when you work? If so, what music are you listening to?

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#3 Address Environmental distractions at the beginning...With a Joke

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You don’t always have control over your environment - we’ve all been on calls where dogs were barking, birds were chirping, or construction was profoundly audible in the background. 

If you think this might be you, then it’s best to address this at the outset by making a joke. That way, you can push it out of your mind for the duration of the meeting. Address it head on and don’t apologize. An example of what to say at the beginning of your call would be ‘if you hear my dogs in the background, it’s because they hear how much fun we’re having and they want to join us!’

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#4 Environment and Space - Considerations for a Thoughtful Background

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There are some questions worth asking about your set up. What message are you trying to convey? Is this a boardroom meeting? Is this a fireside chat and you’re part of the panel of experts? Your environmental set up can impact how you are perceived.  I am a firm believer that there is value in being simple, concise and content focused.

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You can’t go wrong with a neutral environment. This includes wearing clothes that aren’t distracting. Neutral, solid colors work the best. This is great for a standard boardroom meeting. I would also suggest wearing pants and shoes. This puts you in the correct mindset to feel engaged and professional.  

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So should you have other items in your frame? The answer lies in the message you are trying to convey and how well you know your attendees. I’ve seen picture frames of people's children, a meaningful painting or artifact. This visual medium is a vehicle to communicate your values. 

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If you’re participating in a panel discussion – and you are an esteemed expert,  then it doesn’t hurt to be just over arms length away from the camera. For set up, consider one of the following: bookshelf, artifact, plant, or a picture frame. You want to avoid having a setup that is too busy and distracting. 

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I suggest avoiding natural lighting for your set up. Simply put, it’s not consistent. Where I live in Alberta, Canada; it gets dark at 4:30 PM! You’ll want to invest in a lamp. The brightest light in the room should be the one you are looking at. It doesn’t have to be a fancy ring lamp – but it should not hinder the audience's ability to see your face and expression.  

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#5 Visual Slide Presentation - The 6x6 Rule

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If you are giving a powerpoint presentation, you should follow the 6 x 6 rule. This means having no more than 6 lines per slide, and no more than 6 words on each line. Otherwise, you can just send everyone a memo...participants are there to see you present.