Written by: Mari Carmen Pizarro, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The world has been perfecting the art of online meetings since March of 2020, and yet there are still people who come to scheduled meetings with their cameras off! What gives? Somehow, some are still not convinced that on-camera presence matters. If you are struggling to make your virtual presence effective, then it’s time to adjust your strategy so that you can show up confidently and elevate how other people perceive you in the boardroom.
Important Tips to Elevate Your Presence on Video Calls
Eye Contact: In-person or over the video, direct eye contact is critical to reinforce your point. The same is true on camera! Think of your favorite late night tv show host. Notice how he gives most of the story to his in-person audience, but when he’s about to deliver the punchline, he looks directly at you. That direct connection packs a punch, and you can have the very same effect. In a virtual meeting, this means looking into the video camera-that red or green light that appears when you are on video.
Pro Tip: Place a small sticker or picture of a loved one next to or around the camera so that you can fix your gaze on an image rather than on the little light.
Voice Modulation: A strong voice conveys command, confidence, and credibility. When you’re on camera, you will need to speak louder than you normally do so that everyone can hear you. This may feel uncomfortable for you, but it’s one thing that will really serve your team and help the meeting flow. When people can hear you clearly, there are less interruptions and less need to repeat yourself. A strong voice helps everyone on the call, so don’t forget to speak up!
Background: Listen, backgrounds matter. In a virtual meeting, your head and the top of your shoulders should be the main frame on the screen. A cluttered room will make you look disorganized. Distractions including dogs, children, or your spouse, while inevitable and understandable, will take the attention off of you. However, using a clean, well-lit background helps bring you into focus. Do what it takes to make sure you are the center of attention on your screen, not your background.
What if you are participating in one of those meetings that do not need you to present or talk?
Just like attending in-person meetings, your professional reputation will suffer if others perceive you are not paying attention. If you don’t need to be in the meeting, by all means, excuse yourself and work on your priorities. But if you are required to attend, close unrelated windows and tabs, turn your phone alerts off and remember that you’re always “on view” representing your professional brand.
If you are still showing up with a messy background, distracted, or with a camera that is off, you may be unwittingly compromising your personal brand. Instead of letting the virtual aspect of work distract you from your professional goals, capitalize on it. Use these best practices, and become the person who consistently shows up powerfully, on-camera, ready to lead and to serve.
Mari Carmen Pizarro, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mari Carmen Pizarro is the Founder of Whole Leadership Systems and Chief Human Resources Officer at Avet Pharmaceuticals, Inc. She is also the creator of The International Women’s Leadership Academy. With over 30 years of experience in leadership and human performance, Mari Carmen is an expert at integrating emotional intelligence with influence and leadership. Mari Carmen is a seasoned Executive Coach, High-Performance instructor, Keynote speaker, and TEDx presenter.
