Recently, if you’re like me, you’ve attended a Virtual Video Meeting. Maybe, a lot of them.
This is the way gatherings, conferences, and events are going to be for the foreseeable future. It might be a one-on-one job interview, a prospect call, a small group meeting, a networking event, or a large conference.
As a professional speaker, I’m usually the only one looking at all the faces in the room. People in the audience see me and the back of the heads of others attending.
Virtual Video formats dramatically change this view. Now . . .
EVERYONE is in the Front Row!
This is a noteworthy component that seriously needs to be considered before attending one of these gatherings.
As I’ve observed and participated in them, I’ve noticed many, including me, are not representing ourselves the way we want to be seen. Some of the messages we’re sending give negative impressions and can have future ramifications. Don’t we always want to present ourselves in a positive manner? I do!
I’ve studied this, a lot, and found some principles and best practices, relevant and important, for all these events.
This post, and ones to follow, will recommend some “Best Practices” for attending and conducting Virtual Video Meetings. One tip important to all these is:
Plain and Simple Rule!
Declutter and Simplify
Everything!
Number One: YOU!
When entering one of these meetings, the first thing everyone looks at is YOU!
If you’re already in the meeting, as people join, you look at them.
Starting with that first impression, and throughout the event, every message we send; verbally, non-verbally, or in a chat message, is processed and interpreted by others. Even if a slide presentation or other material is being displayed, when others are visible, we’re analyzing each other. We’re consciously and unconsciously, making judgements based on what we see and hear.
Here are some Virtual Video Meeting Tips for YOU.
The BIG Takeaway Tip here is
Non-Verbal Communication surpasses Verbal Communication.
People believe what they see.
Your Face is the First Thing Others see.
- Position yourself so the camera captures you from mid-chest up and shows your entire face.
- Look directly into the camera.
- Not doing this gives the impression you’re not engaged.
- Too far away won’t show facial expressions, a critical element in non-verbal communication.
- Too close can show too much.
- The position of the camera can also cut off the top of your face, show your nostrils from below, or your neck stretching and eyes looking up because of camera position.
- Lighting is critical.
- From in front, above, below, or from the side, too much or too little, doesn’t always “light us up” the way we want to be seen.
(I’ll write more about lighting in a separate post.)
- From in front, above, below, or from the side, too much or too little, doesn’t always “light us up” the way we want to be seen.
- Look directly into the camera.
Showing Up means Dressing Up!
- I’m old enough to remember when many professionals, men and women, wore suits to work. Over time, casual Friday morphed into casual week, month, and for many – forever.
- For some, virtual video has lowered the “Appearance Bar.”
- People show up in jump suits, tie-dyed T-shirts, and logoed ball caps.
- Even professional broadcasters, sometimes reporting from their home, have gone beyond casual.
- Some individuals come to the event eating and drinking.
- The list of appearances and behaviors, that would be embarrassing and not tolerated in person, goes on and on.
- People show up in jump suits, tie-dyed T-shirts, and logoed ball caps.
- Treat this meeting the same way you would if it were in person. Look professional and be seen how you want to be remembered.
- No fancy print shirts, wild ties, or flashy bling.
- Those are distractions that divert the audience’s attention from your message.
- If your “look” is part of your brand, present it!
- Do you think Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg would show up wearing Hawaiian shirts?
- Would Colonel Sanders be dressed in a black suit or Michael Jordan don a wig?
- No fancy print shirts, wild ties, or flashy bling.
- For some, virtual video has lowered the “Appearance Bar.”
Don’t risk looking Fuzzy or Disappearing during a meeting.
- The speed of your internet connection is important.
- If you have a VPN, turn it off before logging in.
- Turn off other devices: Televisions, iPads, phones, other computers, that can slow down your connection.
- If you have a VPN, turn it off before logging in.
Your Facial Expressions say a LOT!
- As previously noted, “We believe what we see!”
- Note: Non-verbal communication is voluntary and involuntary.
- If you “roll your eyes” when you see or hear something you disagree with, that is the message you’ll send others.
- It is important to look attentive!
- Nodding in agreement or shaking your head side-to-side gives your interpretation of what’s being presented.
- Your face will also show if you’re shocked, disagree, or are in disbelief.
- The person speaking and others are “reading” your face. It’s valuable feedback.
- When speaking, you’ll “take the temperature of others” for reactions.
- Note: Non-verbal communication is voluntary and involuntary.
Use these suggestions when attending your next virtual video meeting and I guarantee it will be absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

About the Author
Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books,
“NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and
“NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and
Presentation Skills.
They do this because they know:
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
They also know:
We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
- Keynote Speaker
- Workshop Facilitator
- Breakout Sessions
- Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
Topics:
- Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!
- Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
- Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
- We are All Self-Employed!
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Podcast Channel, and connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.
My books can be purchased on amazon.com.
“NO SWEAT Public Speaking”
“NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Audible offers “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!” as an audio book.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.
Thank you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!
1 Comment
Fred:
As Club Secretary I sent out your hint about Zoom meetings the other day. Below is one persons comments. I think I have raised up a storm with my working ladies in the Club.
What to do?
Bill – I believe the complete contrary to any of that information in the attachment you sent. Truthfully, I skimmed it and am entirely furious. I also hate you sent this from a Rotary platform which in turn implies this is the opinion of Rotary/Rotarians.
Let’s take this article to the 4 way test.
Is it the truth? **NOPE!! OPINION!!
Is it fair to all concerned? **NOPE!! NOT EVERYONE HAS THE SAME LUXURIES OF BEING BY THEMSELVES, GOOD INTERNET, ETC
Does it build good will and better friendship? **ABSOLUTELY NOT!! INSTEAD IT BELITTLES SOME OF US
Will it be beneficial to all concerned? **NOPE! ACTUALLY THIS IS PERSONALLY DEGRADING TO ME!!
Rotary should be a place of love and acceptance. We have parents who are working hard to manage kids, full time jobs, non-profit organizations, home school their children, and more.
I am now back in the office, but while working from home I was nursing a baby, being a home school mom to 2 special needs children, securing over $100,000 to keep our local nonprofits open, helping find volunteers to feed people, and more.
I came to Zoom meetings in my pajamas and wearing a ball cap. I even had spit up on me on multiple occasions. There was probably a screaming child in the background. Sometimes my kids walked up to ask for help with their homework.
Please know that I find this article you sent personally degrading and am not impressed that you expressed this opinion. For me, this article is written by someone who lives in privilege and not in the real world where all of our priorities are currently overlapping. I hope you take into account and consider what you implied that there are some members of the club who are unprofessional as we have multiple priorities.
I will continue being a mom, a servant to the community, and not always have the best Zoom etiquette as I am personally living out our Rotary’s Motto: Service Above Self.
Please digest this information.
EMAIL #2
Please do know there were multiple individuals who were upset by your message. I just happen to be more than happy to express my personal opinion and stand up for what is right.
Fred:
In a club where we are trying to grow our membership we need to be inclusive, not exclusive. We are living in a transformational world.
Compassion and understanding for those of us who are already struggling, overwhelmed, and trying our best would be appreciated.
And, an apology would be nice. Several of us felt a personal stab.