In March of 2020, virtual work became normalized and now it’s here to stay. Our meetings, presentations, and what used to be phone calls, are happening virtually. Why? Because it works, saves money and promotes a better work/life balance.

But virtual meetings are not perfect and not easy. Whether on Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, many competent professionals are grappling with how to create, build and sustain the trusting relationships that are such an essential part of a thriving workplace. You may find yourself with challenges like these:

• How can I make a genuine connection virtually?
• How can I keep my audience's attention when I’m not in the same room?
• How can I make eye contact virtually?
• How can I build an environment where others feel seen and valued, even when everyone appears as small, boxed talking heads? 

Excelling in virtual meetings and presentations requires refining a new skillset to make yourself shine, while, at the same time, ensuring others feel important and heard. It requires a concentrated effort because, instead of being three dimensional, in person, you become two dimensional. Making up for the loss of physical presence requires more attention, focus and output. Consequently, when you are tired by the end of the day after back-to-back virtual meetings, it’s because you put out energy meeting after meeting, but get back very little of that energy than you would otherwise receive from others in an in-person connection. 

Here are five strategies to conquer these challenges:

First, frame yourself properly so others see you. Make sure you are the highlight in the frame of your computer screen. In other words, if you were the Mona Lisa, your head would be in the top third of the center of the frame. Your eye line should be near your camera. I can’t tell you how many clients I work with who are looking off to the left or right where the thumbnail of my picture shows up on their screen. This makes them feel connected, but I feel disconnected. Imagine when you are in a meeting or presentation, if you aren’t looking into the camera, the attendees are left thinking that you are distracted, uninterested, and unengaged.

Next, when you are in a virtual meeting with more than one person, you can usually click on someone's picture and toggle them closer to the camera when they are speaking. It will impact the way you listen to them, which helps you and them. Make sure they are in the middle of the screen so they feel you are looking right at their eyes. Try it! 

Slides are often used in presentations. However, when you share slides to reinforce your points, your audience is looking at a static picture that won’t hold their attention for very long. When they see you at all, you are a tiny thumbnail on the side of their screen. Use your voice to keep your listeners engaged. You must use all of the tones of your voice, high ones and low ones alike, to keep them connected. It might not feel natural but the payoff is huge! Start practicing by following where your emotions take your voice. When you feel excited about something and your voice gets a bit higher, give yourself permission to go much higher. Perhaps you are feeling authoritative and are heading down into your lower register; go even lower than you usually do. Get used to being dynamic with your voice. You will paint pictures with your words when you use all of the colors of your voice. 

Tap into your emotions. You can’t do this without knowing how YOU FEEL about what you are saying. Emotions are our most powerful connectors. Even when you review an obscure law or fair balance, decide how you feel about it and commit to that feeling. Your voice will reflect your feelings. You could choose to be passionate about it. You could find it curious and you want the audience to wonder about it, as well. Perhaps you find it amusing. You have more influence over your listener than you realize! When you import your feelings, your audience will be moved to feel that way, too. That’s where you will make a deeper connection. When you leave your feelings out of it, you’re missing your opportunity to connect, even over fair balance. 

Finally, a virtual community means having each member realize that, even though they aren’t physically together, they can still connect and benefit from these kinds of relationships. It is your job to facilitate that feeling by narrating what you see. If you’ve asked a question, while someone answers, look around and scan the crowd. Who reacted? Who laughed? Who made a face? Narrate what you see and invite others to speak based on their reactions. This will show the attendees that everyone IS listening and responding.

Remember, frame yourself properly, use all the colors of your voice, bring your feelings with you and narrate what you see. You will feel much more confident and successful every time you hit join!

Annie Meisels is President and Founder of A Powerful Voice. Annie offers workshops, training sessions, one-on-one coaching tailored to the specific needs of her clients. Her goal is to help individuals become more effective communicators in their professional lives, leading to greater success in their careers. She offers WOL members complimentary 30-minute consultations. You may reach her at [email protected] or by phone: 917-405-4911.