10 Body Language Tips for a Video Conferencing on Zoom or Skype

How to improve your communication skills on Zoom and in front of a camera in the digital workplace?

Body Language Tips for Video Conferencing on Zoom: In our day-to-day lives, our body language and other nonverbal cues provide a stream of information to others. These nonverbal signals provide key perceptions about our mood, behavior, thoughts, and emotions. In the current age of virtual conference rooms and communication, nonverbal cues often speak louder than words. Effective communication is a key skill employers look for when hiring and can be a great way to market yourself. It is not easy, but it is a skill, and, like any other skill, it can be practiced and improved.

When you communicate with others, either virtually or face to face, you actually have two conversations: verbal and non-verbal (oral). These two conversations need to be aligned so that your words match your body language. Here is, The Importance of Body Language in Communication!

The recent shift to the virtual workplace has created a big change in the way we can give and observe non-verbal signals. When we don’t have these cues to help us confirm what our interlocutors are saying, our brains have to perform extra work to fill in the blanks, contributing to virtual conferences and Zoom’s much-hated fatigue.

After a long quarantine and lockdown, video calls and teleworking have definitely settled into our lives. Not only is the way of work changing but also the way of selecting candidates.

Are you looking for a job?

You will most likely be cited for an online job interview or a virtual meeting with your boss through video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, or Meet. Although this procedure may seem strange at first, sooner rather than later you will discover that the system is very comfortable and very similar to a “life-long” interview.

Body Language Tips for an On-screen Conference on Zoom:

In this article, we’ll share 10 tips to improve body language in video conferencing on Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or Meet for a business meeting or for having an online job interview. These are not only the Body language tips but also some necessary steps that are required before taking a video conferencing call. After reading this article, it will be very easy to prepare yourself to be victorious from it.

Have you thought about these tips before starting your virtual meeting or job interview on Zoom?

A virtual conversation or online interview is the same as face-to-face communication. The only difference is; that you and your interlocutor will be at different virtual locations.

1. The First Impressions Count:

Believe me, your first impressions (the very fraction of a second) might be your last impression. In general face-to-face communication, requires 7 seconds to read your body language. But in non-verbal virtual communication, only a fraction of a second will present your impression. During this time, people will make judgments about your friendliness, trustworthiness, ethics, and much more. To get the best out of your first impression, always start with a smile. Make sure you are smiling before the call connects and the moment you are on the screen.

Body Language tips for video conferencing
Body Language Tips for video conferencing

The virtual conference environment must be suitable that leave a positive impact and present an image of professionalism. Background and light must be very suitable. Also, try to minimize ambient noise as much as possible and try to be in a well-lit place (avoid showing yourself against the light). Visualize how the interlocutors will see you from behind the screen and do not forget to check that the camera and your microphone are working well.

2. Video Call Tool (Zoom, Skype, or Meet, etc.):

Don’t forget to verify the correct installation of the video call tool (Zoom, Skype, or Meet, etc.) that you are going to use during the meeting. We insist! Check that your camera and microphone work perfectly before placing the call.

Moreover, confirm the video call software and install the latest version. Sometimes it may happen that this produces a compatibility issue and you need to update your software or install an extra complement. So, it is very unprofessional to mess with everything during the meeting! Have everything prepared in advance and do tests with a friend if necessary.

3. Check the Internet Connection:

To avoid any misshape or technical problems during the conversation, verify the serviceability of your Internet connection and its speed. Suitable streaming is required for placing a high-quality video call.  

4. Switch off the Mobile:

Any device that may hinder communication must be muted or unplugged. Use discreet headphones to improve sound reception. Also, use an appropriate camera device for better video results.

5. Your outlook and Appearance:

Dress appropriately as if you are going to go to attend a face-to-face meeting or interview. Be yourself, but try to dress appropriately. Your outlook and Appearance are very important and have a great impact on the interlocutor, as they will be a fundamental part of your non-verbal language.

Choose white, blue, green, or neutral colors, since they give a greater feeling of clarity, cleanliness, and responsibility. The important thing will not be the color of the tie but to bring out your great talent. Putting a smiley sticker on your face will remind you that there are people on the other end of the camera with whom you want to make a nice human online connection. Moreover, you should avoid slumping at all costs, as this highlights not only your gesture and appearance but also your mood. (Body language has its own importance in virtual meetings. You might also like the Importance of Body Language in Virtual Communication.)

6. Be Punctual:

It is best to connect a little before and prior to the agreed time if possible. Whenever possible you should have the camera turned on and you should be sitting in front of it with an upright posture. If you can’t have the camera turned on for whatever reason, you should have a photo of yourself as your icon so people can see your face and feel like they are connecting with you.

Moreover, prepare in advance with your documents in front of you. If you have prepared small reminder notes, do not look at them constantly, but lean on them subtly to carry the process with greater peace of mind.

7. Watch your tone and pay attention to Body Language:

Your body posture and facial expressions are some of the most important things you can control to project a certain image of yourself. Definitely, you would love to look as competent and confident as possible when on virtual calls, and your body posture and facial expressions are a great way to convey this.

Be correct at all times and communicate politely. Don’t be in a rush to answer or to end the conversation. Stay calm, think about what you are going to answer each of the questions, and answer clearly and safely.

Moreover, if there are any setbacks along the way, gently ask the interviewer to repeat what they were saying. If the problem still exists, let him know so he can understand what is happening.

8. Use Gestures to Reinforce your Message:

Along with speaking ability, human beings have a very powerful tool to express our emotions and clarify our communications. We use gestures and body language all the time to reinforce what we are saying. So, when sitting in front of the camera, make sure to adjust yourself so that as much of your body as possible can be visible. Step back in your chair and bring your gestures closer to your body so that the interlocutor or interviewer can still see them. Using gestures is a great way to help your audience understand your message, so use them boldly without any hesitation.

In addition to using your own body language effectively, you would like to be able to read that of others. Don’t read minds as it is one of the biggest mistakes people make when reading body language, as they think they are reading minds. Don’t assume from the expression on people’s faces that you know what’s behind it. Remember that when you see a smile or a frown, it is not necessarily you; stay open and curious about what’s the reason behind this. Here’s, How to Read Body Language?

9. Maintain eye Contact:

Eye contact is very impactful and a crucial thing to remember in an on-screen virtual meeting. You will need to balance between looking directly at the camera and watching others for non-verbal cues by stopping making eye contact when they speak. Avoid looking here and there and impress your interviewer by looking confident. If you are sitting in a job interview, look into the interviewer’s eyes at all times. Let him focus on you and show that you take him seriously by giving him your full attention.

Expand your posture by sitting upright in a chair with your shoulders back to make you look firmer. Remember to look up from time to time to show that you are actively listening to what others are expecting from you. Moreover, you should try to avoid having people only see the top of your head for the entire call.

10. Don’t Rush to Finish:

Do not relax if the interlocutor tells you that the job interview has concluded. The interview only ends when you have logged out. Maintain a good attitude from start to finish and say goodbye as a professional.

So, these are a few very basic steps you can use while taking place a virtual video conference call on Zoom. By following these tips you will surely have a very successful video conferencing or an online interview.

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