3 Things You Definitely Have to Implement Before Your Next Video Call
I recently read an excellent book focusing on virtual communication, “Look Me In the Eye,” by Julie Hansen which inspired this post. It got me thinking about how to collaborate given the hybrid and virtual nature of today’s workplace. Leaving aside the fact that it’s harder to collaborate given that work teams aren’t 100% co-located anymore, that we’ve lost the water-cooler effect where we’d gather and share tidbits, and that it’s hard as heck sometimes to read virtual body language—the work still has to get done.
Julie’s research showed that 80% of B2B sales will take place virtually in 2025, as companies take advantage of cost, energy, and time savings. Eighty percent! Julie goes on to say that “the virtual world becomes an increasingly competitive and demanding arena in which to differentiate, be heard, and connect in a meaningful way.” When I read that statistic, I felt a sense of urgency to amplify my leadership communication message even further.
Let’s think about a typical video meeting that you led recently through the lens of my methodology that I use with clients. Every spoken communication boils down to two key cornerstones – your content + your delivery. Within your content are the Verbal and Vocal elements, or what you say and the words you use. In your delivery are the Visual and Video elements, both having to do with how you appear and the first and lasting impressions you make and leave. According to Julie, oxytocin, the “feel good” chemical, is diminished when we engage on video. We need to compensate for that lack while presenting on video. It’s what helps us form connections that lead to stronger bonds. It also helps us build trust, critically important in sales and leadership. Shaking hands raises oxytocin. We don’t get the advantage of physically touching through a nice firm handshake when we’re on video. I don’t have to tell you that we’re operating at a deficit on camera.
What about the way you show up, and how you look from your audience’s perspective? I’m sure that by now you’ve noticed that you sometimes appear “stilted” or “wooden” on video. You didn’t imagine it! The camera reads in a way that dampens your natural expression. You may believe you’re expressing interest in what your audience is saying. In reality you may appear deadpan.
One thing I know for sure. Video ain’t going anywhere. The 80% statistic I cited above underscores that It is a medium that deserves to be mastered. So how can you use it to your advantage to speak and to lead? Consider these three key tips the next time you participate in a video call:
Be your best you.
“Authenticity” is a word we hear a lot these days. My take on it is to do enough self-care so that you can show up at your absolute best. When you feel rested and you feel great, your natural energy exudes without effort. It’s easy to show up and show your essence without apologizing, “I didn’t sleep well last night,” or “Having a rough day but I’ll tough it out.” Sure, your workday will be beset by challenges…and if you can arrive feeling energized and well resourced, I guarantee you’ll be better equipped to take challenges on with equanimity. Your audience deserves that…and so do you. Use the checklist below to gauge how you’re doing:
Did I hydrate well today, so that my brain is nourished, and my voice is clear and strong?
Did I get enough quality sleep the night before?
Did I take mini breaks throughout the day while incorporating movement?
Did I shift my gaze away from the laptop to take in a wider view? (Studies from Dr. Andrew Huberman, neuroscientist, show that anxiety reduces when you view a horizon, rather than the hyperfocus of constantly looking at your screen.)
Am I running on fumes fueled by caffeine and junk food?
Show interest.
How are you showing that you are intentionally connecting with the people on the other side of the screen? Julie Hansen writes, “Nowhere is that energy weaker than when you are on video. Your physical presence is missing. Energy has to work harder to travel through the screen. You’re usually seated (when energy is at its lowest) and most people tend to flatten out their personality, delivery, and style when in front of a camera. The camera reduces your energy by 10-50%.” How will you compensate for that loss? Indeed, a neutral face can look deadpan or angry if you don’t put some life into it and allow a smile to reach your eyes.
Showing interest means that you care how you’re coming across! After two years I’m still seeing professionals show up with just their head and neck visible in the frame. Or they’re silhouetted because they’re backlit. Make sure that you are sitting high enough in the video frame so that your hands can be seen. Many of my clients say, “Casey, I talk with my hands. It’s a problem.” No, it’s not. It’s only a problem if you’re doing something distracting with them. Use your hands to gesture in harmony with the points you make. Use your face to radiate a warm welcome. Smile genuinely. The reason why you need enough rest is that this takes energy!
Genuinely listen.
The third thing to implement is to genuinely listen to the person on the other side of the camera lens. In a world where you are constantly pinged and dinged, where you work with five tabs open on a monitor while simultaneously scrolling on your phone…this is a time to close everything except the screen through which you’re connecting with your audience. Have you ever been at a networking event and the person you are talking with is looking past you, their eyes darting back and forth? You probably felt disregarded, maybe even that that person was being rude. It’s not much different on video. Because the video camera magnifies what you do, if you glance away to look at your phone or your email, they will know your attention is not on them. When we actively listen to another person, we are honoring them. We’re showing up for them…and for ourselves.
How do you demonstrate excellent listening? You could ask clarification questions. Recall what they told you the last time and ask for an update. Hook into a key word they said and drill deeper on that word. It can sound like, “Bob, you just used the word, ‘urgent.’ Tell me, what constitutes urgency in your shop?” Take notes.
To summarize, you want to show up as the best version of yourself. You want to demonstrate you’re showing interest. And that you are a great listener. All of these activities pay the highest complement to the person you’re conversing with…and they will make you stand out in a world where it’s getting harder and harder to differentiate. Send me an email at casey@speakandownit.com and let me know how these tips work out for you.
Casey Carpenter is an executive leadership coach, speaker, and author. She founded Speak & Own It Communications for organizations and people who want to improve their communication, presence, and leadership so that they make an indelible impression and nail it every single time.
