At Home with Tech

Do you hate having to join virtual meetings? No need. Here are five ways to make your next online meeting your best yet.

Webcam meetings are here to stay. That’s clearly our new normal. If you want to be more effective and nail your next virtual group interaction, you should pay attention to these five important factors.

#1
Be Seen and Heard
This is not a choice. It’s essential. If your microphone doesn’t work, you can’t communicate. Full stop.

If you keep your webcam off, because you’re still in your pajamas, you’ve given up the opportunity to use the massive power of visual communication. You’re just a distant voice.

Remember in the old days, when you’d sit with a group of colleagues in a conference room, and someone else would be piped in as a tinny voice via a speaker phone? Yeah, it’s just like that.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You’ve got to show up for your close-up!

#2
Make Sure your Technology Works
Look, I get it. It’s not your fault if there’s a gremlin in the system. But it doesn’t matter. It’s still your responsibility.

I can’t tell you how to fix every problem. The only general guidance I can offer is older tech is going to eventually act wonky. And paying for a faster internet connection at home is always helpful, even if you think you shouldn’t need the extra speed.

Both factors point to the reality that you’ve got spend more money than you want to ensure your home tech provides you a stable ongoing connection to the outside world.

So, you should budget for it.

#3
Maximize your Webcam Shot
Once you’ve got the basics under control, then it’s time to focus on the experience you’re providing your viewers.

Simply turning on your webcam isn’t enough. You’ve got to present yourself in a visually pleasing way.

If you think that’s absurd, and you shouldn’t have to worry about such superficial variables, then good luck to you.

I expect you know the webcam rules by now. (We’ve all become filmmakers.) You just have to put in the effort:

• Make sure you’re well-lit from the front.
• Raise your webcam or laptop so your shot isn’t looking up your nose towards the ceiling.
• Tidy up your background or use a virtual background.
• Get close enough to the webcam so your head is not a little speck in the shot.
• And don’t forget to smile a bit. Acting friendly is usually a good thing.

#4
Stand Up!
This is optional, but I’m a big fan of standing during certain online meetings. It can really open up your body language and provide you with the opportunity to be more engaging. If you feel like you’re on stage when you’re standing in front of your webcam… yes, that’s whole the point. For me, standing up always gives me a boost of energy!

If you have a standing desk (like I do), then this is a no brainer. Otherwise, setting up your webcam for a standing shot takes a little extra work.

Buying a laptop desk stand or a portable equipment floor tripod (like many musicians use) are great ways to create a tall enough surface to elevate your laptop or place it wherever you want.

I’ve got both, and though I use them only occasionally since I’ve got my standing desk, these tools have proven invaluable.

#5
Pay Attention
Don’t multitask. People can tell when you’re not paying attention during an online meeting. If you think your webcam shot only matters when you’re talking, think again.

Just like an in-person meeting, you’re ‘on’ all the time. I think that’s why so many people like to turn off their webcams if they’re not talking. It’s so much easier. Then, they can multitask unseen.

Easier isn’t better. If you leave your webcam on, and you don’t multitask, and you pay attention, people will see that you’re engaged. You’re in the moment. That’s so important to a team dynamic. You can have a big impact even when you’re not talking.

Positive Energy Matters
All of this essentially boils down to being ‘present.’ Technology can connect us across great distances, but you’ve got to want to be there. When you cut corners during Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings, people will notice.

Intention is everything. Your energy is everything. And your technology has to work.

Now, go make your next online meeting the best yet!