Body language plays a key role in effective communication. What messages are you sending during your Zoom meetings? Consider these eight tips to ensure more impactful and engaging video calls.
1. Posture
Maintaining good posture commands respect and promotes engagement, whether you are the “leader” or not. Avoid leaning into your desk and crossing your arms, for these gestures can make you look disinterested. Instead try the following:
- Sit closer to the edge of your seat so you look engaged in the conversation.
- Relax and expand your shoulders to show you are confident and fully engaged in the meeting. This will boost your confidence and help those in the meeting see you are engaged.
2. Avoid touching your face/hair
Touching your face during a video call can give the impression you are nervous or uncomfortable. While this isn’t always true, it is best to avoid fiddling with your hair or touching your mouth or nose.
3. Make eye contact
Position your eyes at the same horizontal level as the camera. Add a book below your laptop if needed. Looking into the camera is the equivalent of making direct eye contact.
4. Smile and nod
Make sure your colleagues know you are present and listening by smiling and nodding throughout the conversation.
5. Master your facial expressions
Seeing positive facial expressions can help the speaker feel comfortable and confident. Avoid frowning, staring or any facial expressions that may have an impact on the conversation and the person you are speaking to.
6. Take up camera space
Positioning your body close to the camera shows engagement. Try to position yourself close enough to the camera but not too close where it may come across like you are invading their personal space.
7. Pay attention
Avoid multitasking at all costs. You do not want the speaker to see you are uninterested in the conversation by not paying attention.
8. Hand gestures matter
Even simple hand gestures can leave a lasting digital impression with your colleagues. Avoid remaining still throughout your next Zoom meeting, instead use your hands when you are counting or indicating how big or small something is.
The attorneys at Drury Pullen, A Professional Law Corporation are available to assist you with your family law needs during these challenging times. Feel free to call us 24/7 at (805) 879-7523 and leave a message if you do not reach a live person. Calls will be returned as they are received. You are also welcome to contact us via the Contact Us page on our website. We remain available to our clients and community with remote services such as court filings, negotiations, mediation and emergency services. Please follow us on Instagram @CaliforniaDivorce and come back to this blog for more information