The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased our reliance on virtual meeting software. Video conferencing giant Zoom saw daily users increase from 10 million (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic) to 300 million on April 21st, 2020. The use of virtual meeting software allows us to stay connected to one another no matter where we are, augmenting face-to-face interactions.
Face-to-Face Communication in a Virtual World
More than 8.2 million Americans were working remotely prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many more employees transitioning to working from home over the past six months. And while it’s not always perfect, video conferencing software helps bridge the gap between face to face and virtual communication.
95% of people say that face to face meetings are essential for the development of long-term business relationships. In-person communication allows us to pick up on non-verbal social cues such as eye contact and body language. But what if we can’t communicate in person? How can we replicate that value of an in-person interaction in virtual spaces?
Technical Tips for Successful Virtual Communication
When meeting with clients and building your relationship, you want your virtual presence to reflect what people can expect from you in-person.
- Work out any technical issues beforehand. Avoid the awkward “can you see my screen?” delay, and begin all presentations with a private audio/visual check.
- Make sure you have a strong internet connection. Choppy sound and pixelated video can be frustrating, especially if meeting attendees are missing out on key information.
- Keep your camera on. Showing up on camera helps put a face to your voice, and allows viewers to pick up on non-verbal cues.
- Don’t forget about your public speaking skills! Pretend you’re in a face-to-face conversation, and remember to speak clearly, with a strong voice.
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Find some good lighting, and consider how you’re showing up on camera—play around with angles, and consider your background.
- Be present, and actively engage with the speaker. Minimize distractions, and give the speaker your full attention.
- Remember to mute/unmute. Keep your microphone muted to reduce feedback and background noise, but don’t forget to unmute before you start speaking again.
At DMI Marketing, we use video conferencing to stay connected with our clients. To learn more about how we can help you grow your business, fill out our contact form. We’d love to chat with you!