All The World's a Stage on Video
These days, many of us are working virtually, which means we’re spending more time onscreen, and “on the screen,” than ever before, whether in videoconferences or giving or getting online training. I’ve been a communications trainer for decades and I’m fairly comfortable working on virtual video platforms, but what I’m finding is that many people are hesitant about and downright fearful of being on camera.
Let’s demystify video performance:
1) Make sure you’re well-centered in the frame. You are literally the focus of your video, so keep yourself front and center. Your bookcase, refrigerator, or anything else that may be in your background shouldn’t take the focus off you.
2) Light your FACE. Bad lighting can make you appear like someone in the Witness Protection Program who doesn’t want to be seen. You want to be seen! In virtual video meetings, when only our face and shoulders are visible on camera, it’s impossible to properly read body language. Your viewer relies on your face to gage your interest and understanding. There are many lighting products available right now that attach to your screen, that you can acquire for less than $100 designed to illuminate your video visage. Make the investment.
3) Keep gestures small. The camera reads what’s closest to the lens, which means if your arms and hands are outstretched they will read larger than your face. This is distracting at best and downright intimidating at worst.
4) Take your time. We sometimes tend to speak rapidly on video because we’re not getting the same physical cues we do during in-person communication. If you’re struggling to slow down your speech, at least slow down the key point you’re making to give it emphasis.
5) Give individualized attention. If you’re advising students, colleagues, or direct reports via video, try to engage with each of them, if possible. Use each person’s name and call upon him or her so that they feel included. Don’t worry about making them feel put on the spot. It’s easy to become passive in an online meeting and distracted by anything else around. Reminding them that you know they are “in the room” will help keep them engaged.
6) Get dressed. Dressing for video is critical. The camera loves the color blue and any shade will do. Corals and green are also excellent color choices. Avoid excessive jewelry and large scarves. Take Dr Birx (White House Pandemic Task Force) for example. When she’s on camera, her scarf eats up the space and distracts us, limiting the amount of information we can absorb. Speaking of distractions, men and women both should avoid busy patterns, especially those with small stripes, or checks, which tend to throw a moiré effect that takes the focus off you.
7) Face fact. Women with pale skin please put makeup on before your video appearance. From personal experience of being a very fair redhead, I know I look like death without makeup on camera. And men, keep your beard styled. On camera, every feature you have will be magnified to your audience.
8) Hair care. For men and women both, make sure your hair is styled, even if you can’t readily get to the salon today for a proper cut. Keep hair out of your eyes, which need to be the focal point for your audience. Also, when hair is hanging around the face, there is a tendency to flip, twirl, and otherwise play with the hair. Be vigilant not to do this as it can also be distracting to your audience.
9) Watch the camera. While we feel like we’re engaging with someone when we speak to their face box, we actually come across as looking away from them if we’re not looking directly into the camera. If you’re uncomfortable looking at the camera instead of the postage-stamp size image of your colleagues, it is okay to look at the person speaking for a few seconds then back into the camera.
Meetings on video platforms are only going to become more necessary as companies decide how to manage their employees during and beyond COVID-19. Remote workplaces may become our new normal, so it’s essential for your success to become as human and personable as possible on the screen.
Get more exciting communication tips in Loud and Clear by Karen Berg. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/wm2tod4