Blog Post
6 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRESENCE AT ONLINE MEETINGS!
Barbara Cosgrave
How many Zoom meetings have you had lately?
If you are like me, the number has increased beyond anything you have known before, due to lockdown. I have always been a definite “face to face” kind of person. However, Zoom and similar platforms are a way of life now. Maybe it will continue to be a more significant part of our working life in the future.
Time to embrace it wholeheartedly – and polish our act!
Here are six tips that you may find helpful:
Of course, make sure you are dressed in a business-like manner.
No sloppy tops, gym kit, (as you go from exercise zoom to business zoom!), no weekend comfy casual. You are still at work and representing yourself and your business even if it is only from the waist up!
Colour.
Make sure it is not black, grey, white or something that makes you look ill! Choose the colour you receive most compliments with. The chances are that is the colour that suits your skin tone best.
Don’t fidget, wave your hands around when speaking, sort your hair out, scratch your nose – you know what I mean. You can be seen even if you are not speaking. Don’t start looking around your office, casting your eyes elsewhere. Stay focused as you would at a face to face meeting. When you are the one speaking, those things are a distraction and don’t look professional.
If you are like me, the number has increased beyond anything you have known before, due to lockdown. I have always been a definite “face to face” kind of person. However, Zoom and similar platforms are a way of life now. Maybe it will continue to be a more significant part of our working life in the future.
Time to embrace it wholeheartedly – and polish our act!
Here are six tips that you may find helpful:
Of course, make sure you are dressed in a business-like manner.
No sloppy tops, gym kit, (as you go from exercise zoom to business zoom!), no weekend comfy casual. You are still at work and representing yourself and your business even if it is only from the waist up!
Colour.
Make sure it is not black, grey, white or something that makes you look ill! Choose the colour you receive most compliments with. The chances are that is the colour that suits your skin tone best.
Don’t fidget, wave your hands around when speaking, sort your hair out, scratch your nose – you know what I mean. You can be seen even if you are not speaking. Don’t start looking around your office, casting your eyes elsewhere. Stay focused as you would at a face to face meeting. When you are the one speaking, those things are a distraction and don’t look professional.
Check the background.
What’s behind you on screen? Hasn’t it been fascinating taking a look around people’s offices at home, or their lounge? However, it means you’re not paying attention to what they are saying. Make sure viewers are paying attention to you, no distractions.
Keep the background clear, no clutter, choose a blank space, wall, or somewhere with minimal “stuff”!Don’t slurp!
If the meeting is a long one and you have a coffee or drink to hand, make sure that the microphone doesn’t pick up slurping or eating noises. Not attractive! I was in a meeting where the guest had the microphone close to their mouth while drinking a coffee. The slurping sound was very off-putting.
Check the lighting.
If you are sitting near a window, make sure the light from the window is not creating a hazy view of you.
