How to avoid three common non-verbal communication #Zoomfails
Virtual communication is a veritable mine-field of potential mishaps. Apart from the obvious challenges of connectivity, platform pitfalls, and the distractions of working from home, non-verbal communication has also suffered in the virtual environment. We can’t always see the other person slump in discouragement or light up with enthusiasm if they’re off camera or on a second page of participants.
A significant portion of communication is non-verbal, comprised of facial expressions, gestures, and movement. Our messages are reinforced by what our bodies convey. The virtual format has subdued (or eliminated) those while also amplifying some of our worst non-verbal habits and introducing others.
Problem #1: Poor framing
It’s hard enough to be looking at a grid of talking heads, so let’s make sure our whole heads are actually in the frame. I’m surprised this still needs to be said, but judging from many of the trainings I’m doing, it’s still warranted.
Solution:
Adjust your camera so that we can see your full face. Aim to have your eyes in the upper 1/3 of the frame. Place your camera at eye level. (If you don’t, you leave the audience feeling as though you’re looking down at them.)
Problem #2: Misplaced eye contact
The may be the most difficult, but is likely the most important. We’ve been trained to make eye contact with our audiences by looking at their faces (where their eyes are!). But in the virtual environment, looking at the faces, instead of the camera, means you won’t appear to be making eye contact.
Solution:
We need to do everything we can to make our virtual interactions feel personal; eye contact is an enormous part of that. Your goal should be to lock your gaze on the camera while you’re speaking. If, however, you need to check notes or a slide, simply look back at the camera as quickly as possible. Placing a sticky note near the camera with a short bulletized list of prompts (instead of embedded speaker notes or paper) will minimize the shifty-eye effect. Try sitting or standing about eight inches further from your camera to camouflage your glances, too, as close proximity makes them more obvious. Record a rehearsal and watch the footage to see how effectively you’re looking at the camera (more tips on reviewing your footage here).
Problem #3: Ineffective and distracting movements
When we’re enclosed in a tiny virtual window, all our movements and gestures are either amplified or eliminated. That means we’re often missing an important non-verbal communication opportunity (best case) or interfering with our message (worst case). In person, swaying side-to-side isn’t as distracting as it is in a small window. And leaning forward and back makes your face really big, as if you’re a close-talker. (Click that link for some bonus levity. You’re welcome.)
Solution:
Realize that your audience is effectively closer to you than they’d ever be in person. Pay even more attention to your movements and gestures. Make sure the gestures are in the frame, which is likely higher than you’re accustomed to, so you’ll need to practice. Try to keep your weight evenly distributed; allow yourself to shift weight side-to-side at the turning points in your presentation so it is more akin to a non-verbal cue instead of a distraction. (Some pre-presentation squats can help expend extra energy, too.) Work to eliminate the forward/back movement altogether, if possible. Again, rehearse while focusing on this and review the footage.
We’ve come a long way in our virtual communications over the months that have elapsed since COVID first sent us home for work. As with anything, we can—and should—continue to improve… for the sake of our audiences and the messages we need to convey.