Enhancing Your Virtual Presence
How do you make others feel when they see you virtually? Engaged, interested, or connected? What do you want others to think when they see you virtually?
We spend a lot of time in the 2-Day Intensive speaking so that our listeners can easily understand and engage with our words. I invite and cajole every participant to apply that to how they show up visually. Sometimes, it sticks, and sometimes they keep going back to the way I first found them.
Ideally, when you are first seen, you give the impression that you are sitting across a table from your listeners. That means good light on your face, camera at eye level, not too close to the camera, not too far away. I think some people just think I’m being picky, but why would anyone invest their time and money in learning to speak their best and continue to send mixed visual signals?
How you make others feel when you spend time with them matters.
This is one option. I could actually sit a tidge further from the camera. Play with it!
The Too Far Away person. How do you feel when someone is this far back in their frame? Also, I paid extra to have non-glare glasses. I want a refund…
Too much headroom here. Ideally, your eyes are above the midline and create a pleasing picture.
Way too close. This always makes me question why I’m so “close” to this business acquaintance. It is super distracting.
Lying back on a couch or bed with their computer on their stomach. I did coach someone like this who had hurt their back, but on a business call without back issues? This visual always makes me sleepy and seems more passive instead of engaged.
An external webcam is often too high. This angle is more flattering for you, but it makes me feel that I’m standing over you. I’ve stopped by for a moment at your desk to say hello and will be off in a moment. Get the external webcam holder where you can place the camera over your screen at eye level. At least, have this as an option. I used to give people links to click on, but there are so many now that I feel certain you will find the one best suited for your needs.
The “I’m in a Witness Protection Program” look.
Blurry, bleary and dark.
Back lit and camera too low.
Blurred background oddness. Sometimes this is the only option - but if you do not need to have a blurred background, I recommend no blur at all.
How do you feel when your listeners’ cameras are off? I’m not talking for just a moment while they take care of something, but off-off.
I encourage each one of you to assess your virtual presence and make the necessary changes. These small adjustments will have a huge impact on your ability to communicate and connect with others.